… OH&S and record-keeping obligations. That’s about five times more than a large business with more than 200 … OH&S and record-keeping obligations. That’s about five times more than a large business with more than 200 …

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Albanese Government’s move to introduce legislation to ban unfair contract terms for small businesses.  “This is a real problem for small and family…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says today’s decision by Australia Post to continue shipping perishable goods across the country will bring joyful relief to small business food producers.

Mr Billson…

… 09 December 2024 Originally published in The Canberra Times By Bruce Billson Over the past five years there have … … Originally published in The Canberra Times By Bruce Billson Over the past five years there have …

… understand exactly what they will do for you and at what times and that you are both clear on the cost, including any … understand exactly what they will do for you and at what times and that you are both clear on the cost, including any …

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has implored Indigenous small businesses to take urgent action to safeguard their brand and identity on the internet or risk seeing impersonators, web-name ‘campers’ or cyber…

Changes to Commonwealth procurement rules that take effect today will create more opportunities for small business to win government contracts, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“There is no…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has welcomed the expansion of subsidised legal advice for eligible small and family businesses to support more effective engagement in dispute resolution processes.

The…

… aged over 50,” Mr Billson said. “The Intergenerational Report being released by the Treasurer this week highlights … aged over 50,” Mr Billson said. “The Intergenerational Report being released by the Treasurer this week highlights …

Originally published in The Daily Telegraph

By Bruce Billson

The new Optus leadership needs to demonstrate it truly understands the economic pain the recent outage has inflicted on some small and family businesses.

Our…

… address insurance issues faced by the sector.”   A final report is expected to be completed in August. … The … address insurance issues faced by the sector.”   A final report is expected to be completed in August. … Ombudsman …

Opinion piece by the Ombudsman Bruce Billson.

Originally published in the Daily Telegraph.

Small business is a big deal. But not as big as it used to be. Economic contribution has dropped from 40 per cent to 33 per cent since 2006 and share…

… 31 March 2025 Originally published in The Canberra Times By Bruce Billson More and more women are creating new … for women. … Originally published in The Canberra Times By Bruce Billson More and more women are creating new …

First published on Kochie’s Business Builders, 10 May 2023.

The Budget handed down on Tuesday night will help small businesses deal with some of the contemporary challenges they face as they prepare for a forecast lower rate of economic growth…

Mature age workers may help ease staff shortages this festive season

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is encouraging small and family businesses to welcome applications from all-ages…

… The Australian Government’s Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021, will make it easier for skilled workers to take up … The Australian Government’s Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021, will make it easier for skilled workers to take up …

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the significant reforms to the Franchising Code of Conduct announced by the Australian Government today will help level the playing field across the franchising sector.…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has called on Australia Post to defer its plans to stop delivering perishable goods, saying this would be a crushing blow to small business producers.

Mr Billson says…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson today welcomed the announcement by the Commonwealth Bank that it will automatically lower costs incurred by small businesses and family enterprises with a turnover of less than…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the landmark decision of the Full Federal Court to make ‘a sufficient departure from the norms of acceptable commercial behaviour’ a test of whether conduct is ‘…

Everyone’s a critic, but small businesses need kindly customers

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging people to refrain from posting negative online reviews, as short-staffed…

Originally published in Kochie's Business Builder.

We rightly honour and respect people for the livelihoods they carve out and the contribution they make to workplaces and the economy. But what is often missed as a vital and valued path to…

MEDIA STATEMENT

Ombudsman to host feedback sessions in natural disaster-hit areas

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson is set to visit…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has congratulated the winners of the Western Sydney Women Awards, many of whom are outstanding small and family business owners.

The awards, held virtually last night,…

MEDIA STATEMENT

Ombudsman welcomes red tape buster for tradies, licensed workers

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says small business…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of a review of the effectiveness of the regulatory framework that underpins the positive commercial…

… eInvoicing software, hardware such as laptops and portable payment devices. “For a small business, the cost of training … eInvoicing software, hardware such as laptops and portable payment devices. “For a small business, the cost of training …

… Mutual Fund. Why a Discretionary Mutual Fund is needed Our report called The Show Must Go On and subsequent further … was a rise in the number of insurance issues after the 2020 bushfires, mainly regarding property and related public … to obtain and risk appetites are low. In its 2022 annual report the Insurance Council of Australia indicated it would …

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has warned small businesses there’s only one week left to take action to avoid their internet identity being sold to someone else.

“It is critical to act now to make…

… 14 April 2025 Originally Published in The Canberra Times By Bruce Billson Vibrant, culturally and linguistically … from ASBFEO case managers, almost 60 per cent had a payment dispute. This is almost double the number of … needed active case management assistance from ASBFEO for payment dispute in the March 2025 quarter. Sadly, payment …