The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has reached the milestone of helping 40,000 small businesses seeking assistance with a dispute.
Ombudsman Bruce Billson said this was a significant moment for the agency.
“…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has reached the milestone of helping 40,000 small businesses seeking assistance with a dispute.
Ombudsman Bruce Billson said this was a significant moment for the agency.
“…
… The latest data, published in the ASBFEO Quarterly Report, reveals 26% of cases relate to digital services. “The … about the Tax Concierge Service and the Quarterly Report. MEDIA CONTACT: 0448 467 178 … The Australian Small … The latest data, published in the ASBFEO Quarterly Report, reveals 26% of cases relate to digital services. “The …
Originally published by The Canberra Times.
WHEN Paul, the proprietor of Zenbar Massage, was setting up his remedial massage business in Dickson last year, one of his early priorities was to promote his service.
After researching…
… 01 August 2023 Originally published by The Canberra Times. WHEN Paul, the proprietor of Zenbar Massage, was … the marketing service and within two months negotiated the payment of all the funds owed to Paul. Having the ombudsman … the marketing service and within two months negotiated the payment of all the funds owed to Paul. Having the ombudsman …
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Dusty Fitzpatrick.
2BS Bathurst
Subject: Don’t be a 3G switch-off casualty
Dusty Fitzpatrick
The Australian Small…
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Dusty Fitzpatrick.
2BS Bathurst
Subject: Don’t be a 3G switch-off casualty
Dusty Fitzpatrick
The Australian Small…
The public rightly expects any personal information collected and stored by businesses - whether they are large or small - will be protected, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.
Mr. Billson…
… reforms around cyber risk management, Digital ID, payment times, deepening the digital engagement of small business and … reforms around cyber risk management, Digital ID, payment times, deepening the digital engagement of small …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has launched an Inquiry to examine the impact of reforms to Commonwealth procurement rules on small business.
The Inquiry was referred to the Ombudsman by the Minister…
… be sent to inquiries@asbfeo.gov.au by 1 July 2023. A final report with recommendations will be given to the Australian … be sent to inquiries@asbfeo.gov.au by 1 July 2023. A final report with recommendations will be given to the Australian …
Small business owners are being urged by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, to be on high alert to the rising number of criminals who may try to impersonate their business or a government agency such as the…
… he said. “Scammers may sign you up for a single or monthly payment which they take from your credit card but they … a scam should contact the new National Anti-Scam Centre’s ‘Report a Scam’ page on their website … he said. “Scammers may sign you up for a single or monthly payment which they take from your credit card but they …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has implored small businesses to take urgent action to safeguard their brand and identity on the internet or risk seeing impersonators, web-name ‘campers’ or cyber criminals…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has implored small businesses to take urgent action to safeguard their brand and identity on the internet or risk seeing impersonators, web-name ‘campers’ or cyber criminals…
Ombudsman welcomes review of Banking Code Compliance Committee
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the final report of the independent review of the Banking Code Compliance…
… Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the final report of the independent review of the Banking Code … the committee with expertise in small business. The final report also includes a recommendation to revitalise the … strategy and planning inquiries “We welcome the final report of the independent review of the BCCC, noting the …
Natural disasters can be devastating for small and family businesses yet only one in four small businesses have a current business continuity plan, according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.
“In…
… Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry report included 16 recommendations. “It is clear from our … clarity and certainty of the support available.” The report found that governments at all levels and the business … disasters.” Among the recommendations and findings, the report says: There should be a “certainty of response” for …
Originally published in the Canberra Times
By Bruce Billson
We need to do more to support small and family businesses. These enterprises, and the driven and courageous women and men that lead them, are the engine-room of our economy…
… 17 February 2025 Originally published in the Canberra Times By Bruce Billson We need to do more to support small … cashflow concerns, digital impacts, cyber threats, poor payment times and an ever-changing business landscape. … workplace obligations to employees, meet tax reporting and payment obligations in a timely way and pay small business …
Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, is calling on the community to join him today in saying a big thank you to the women and men running our small and family businesses.
Mr Billson said World Micro, Small…
… not overlook their own mental health during such difficult times. “This can feel unrelenting, and it is vitally … not overlook their own mental health during such difficult times. “This can feel unrelenting, and it is vitally …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging shoppers to spend big with small businesses this weekend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales predicted to smash records.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging shoppers to spend big with small businesses this weekend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales predicted to smash records.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday…
Originally published on Kochie's Business Builders
By Bruce Billson
Small business is a big deal, but sadly not as big as it used to be. Yes, it’s still the ‘engine-room’ of the nation, contributing much to our communities, employment…
… cashflow concerns, digital impacts, cyber threats, poor payment times and an ever-changing business landscape. Business … assistance from ASBFEO, our recently released Quarterly Report shows that concern about cashflow and payment disputes …
Many Australians will enjoy Australian seafood this Easter, but it should not come at the expense of proposed new country of origin labelling rules imposing a compliance nightmare for small and family businesses.
The Australian…
Many Australians will enjoy Australian seafood this Easter, but it should not come at the expense of proposed new country of origin labelling rules imposing a compliance nightmare for small and family businesses.
The Australian…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has warmly welcomed the release of the review of the Franchising Code of Conduct by Dr Michael Schaper.
The Ombudsman performs a range of functions under the Franchise…
… “Dr Schaper has produced a well-researched and thoughtful report for the Australian Government and we support the report and the majority of his sensible recommendations to … “Dr Schaper has produced a well-researched and thoughtful report for the Australian Government and we support the …
Originally published in the Canberra Times.
Australia's small businesses have been treated in a very shabby way by squabbling in our Federal Parliament.And our Parliament is a repeat offender.
Repeatedly we hear it said that small business…
… respect 10 June 2024 Originally published in the Canberra Times. Australia's small businesses have been treated in a … with respect. … Originally published in the Canberra Times. Australia's small businesses have been treated in a …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed today’s Federal Government pre-Budget announcement providing a cash flow support to small and family businesses through changes to PAYG tax and commitment to…
… to help reduce compliance costs and improve processing times for small and family businesses. Links between Single … to help reduce compliance costs and improve processing times for small and family businesses. Links between Single …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the introduction of legislation into Federal Parliament that will create a “designated-complaints” mechanism to fast-track serious disputes for small businesses…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the introduction of legislation into Federal Parliament that will create a “designated-complaints” mechanism to fast-track serious disputes for small businesses…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, says he welcomes the regulator’s decision to retain and enhance vital protections for small businesses in the new Banking Code of Practice.
“A push by the banks…
… Mr Billson also urged the independent review of the 2020 General Insurance Code of Practice, now under way, to … Mr Billson also urged the independent review of the 2020 General Insurance Code of Practice, now under way, to …
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson opening statement to Senate Estimates
It is often said that small business is the engine room of the economy. We must ensure that small and family business…
… get this wrong”. But even big businesses struggle at times to get all things right. So just imagine how difficult … five requests for help from a small business relate to a payment dispute. Too often that first party that is slow to … five requests for help from a small business relate to a payment dispute. Too often that first party that is slow to …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Albanese government’s move to introduce legislation into Parliament to crackdown on unfair contract terms and increase penalties for anti-competitive…
… generous intent, especially around contract terms.” The Bill being introduced into Parliament in relation to unfair … interests of small business owners,” Mr Billson said. The Bill to increase penalties for corporations engaging in … generous intent, especially around contract terms.” The Bill being introduced into Parliament in relation to unfair …
Originally published in The Canberra Times
By Bruce Billson
Digital tools have transformed the economy and the ways in which we do business.
There's much to be gained for a small or family business deepening its digital engagement.…
… 03 February 2025 Originally published in The Canberra Times By Bruce Billson Digital tools have transformed the … at lightning speed through e-invoicing, and electronic payment systems allow for that invoice to be paid (hopefully) … be suspended, false charge-backs leaving sellers without payment or their product, overseas competitors claiming …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says small businesses in dispute with the ATO will get a fairer go, under new rules proposed by the Australian Government.
Mr Billson welcomed the pre-Budget…
… to implement a key recommendation in our recently released report: A tax system that works for small business which will … for a ruling. “In line with the recommendations in our report, the AAT will be able to pause or modify any ATO debt … to implement a key recommendation in our recently released report: A tax system that works for small business which will …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says tonight’s federal Budget offers targeted measures to help small and family business deal with current pain points and headwinds.
“Small and family businesses facing…
… that are squeezing margins will welcome the modest energy bill relief of $325,” Mr Billson said. “Every saving helps … improve the uptake of eInvoicing, the effectiveness of the payment times reporting framework and implementation of franchise …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide to raise awareness among small businesses selling online about United States’ copyright laws that can shut down their access to customers without warning…
… to fight the attacks. After this had happened several times, the business contacted ASBFEO, and a dedicated case … to fight the attacks. After this had happened several times, the business contacted ASBFEO, and a dedicated case …
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of $15 million in funding for free mental health and financial counselling support for small businesses in next week’s…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of $15 million in funding for free mental health and financial counselling support for small businesses in next week’s…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, welcomes the Australian Government’s response to the review of the Franchising Code of Conduct by Dr Michael Schaper.
The Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins,…
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, welcomes the Australian Government’s response to the review of the Franchising Code of Conduct by Dr Michael Schaper.
The Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins,…
The terrible floods and storms causing great trauma for parts of the country should be a red alert for small business to be prepared for natural disasters, warns the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.
Mr…
The terrible floods and storms causing great trauma for parts of the country should be a red alert for small business to be prepared for natural disasters, warns the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.
Mr…
Small and family businesses have just 12 days to make sure they do not have their vital business systems and equipment fail when the 3G network is switched off on 28 October, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce…
Small and family businesses have just 12 days to make sure they do not have their vital business systems and equipment fail when the 3G network is switched off on 28 October, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce…
Opinion piece by the Ombudsman Bruce Billson.
Originally published in the Canberra Times.
I fear we are sleepwalking into a "big corporate" economy.
Many small and family businesses are doing it tough right now and the post-COVID…
… Bruce Billson. Originally published in the Canberra Times. I fear we are sleepwalking into a "big corporate" … workplace obligations to employees, meet tax reporting and payment obligations in a timely way and pay small business … workplace obligations to employees, meet tax reporting and payment obligations in a timely way and pay small business …