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    The ASBFEO responds to requests for assistance from small businesses and family enterprises that are in dispute with other businesses or Commonwealth Government agencies. 

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    The ASBFEO understand the challenges facing small businesses and family enterprises. 

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    There are so many useful resources, tools and sources of information which assist and support small businesses and family enterprises to run their business.

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    Our Small Business Data Portal brings together the latest statistics about small businesses and family enterprises and their contribution to the Australian economy.

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Small Business Pulse - February 2025

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  • Media Centre item (272)

Media Section

  • Disputes & Assistance (3)
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Media Source

  • ASBFEO Live (272)

Success story type

New protections will blunt ‘too sharp by half’ conduct that harms small businesses

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has enthusiastically welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to introduce protections for small and family businesses harmed by unfair business trading practices. 

…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has enthusiastically welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to introduce protections for small and family businesses harmed by unfair business trading practices. 

…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Keeping small businesses afloat comes down to us all

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

This week we celebrate World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, which is a terrific opportunity to say a big thank you to the enterprising people who are the lifeblood of our communities.…

… us all 24 June 2024 Originally published in the Canberra Times. This week we celebrate World Micro, Small and … every day. … Originally published in the Canberra Times. This week we celebrate World Micro, Small and …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

The obstacles entrepreneurs face

By Bruce Billson.

Published in the Western Advocate.

More needs to be done to support and recognise small businesses. 

A RECENT Westpac study found almost half of the people starting their own business are motivated by the dream…

… big business to small business and ratings for big firms' payment performance. The recent US presidential debate … big business to small business and ratings for big firms' payment performance. The recent US presidential debate …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Small Biz Ombudsman welcomes new Minister

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the returning Government’s new Ministry with the Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed Dr…

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the returning Government’s new Ministry with the Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed Dr…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Excessive insurance premiums are killing small businesses

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

Finding adequate insurance cover at commercially viable terms is fast becoming a wicked challenge for small and family businesses.

There have been countless examples of small businesses closing…

… 04 March 2024 Originally published in the Canberra Times. Finding adequate insurance cover at commercially … model, known as a Discretionary Mutual Fund. Our initial report called The Show Must Go On and subsequent further … vital business precondition, is no longer a once-a-year payment (with a likely inevitable modest price increase) that …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman, Australia Post work towards perishable goods solution

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson met with Australia Post today in a collaborative effort to resolve issues with delivery of perishable goods to support small business food producers.

Mr Billson…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson met with Australia Post today in a collaborative effort to resolve issues with delivery of perishable goods to support small business food producers.

Mr Billson…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Labor’s Startup Year pitch aims to support innovative entrepreneurs

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the Startup Year initiative proposed in Labor’s budget reply could contribute to Australia having a world-class ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

Labor Leader…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the Startup Year initiative proposed in Labor’s budget reply could contribute to Australia having a world-class ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

Labor Leader…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small business recovery aided by access to finance: Ombudsman

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s extension of the SME Recovery Loan Scheme, providing small and family businesses with critical access to finance as they work to…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s extension of the SME Recovery Loan Scheme, providing small and family businesses with critical access to finance as they work to…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Franchise Disclosure Registry to help restore confidence in sector

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson has welcomed plans to establish a new mandatory Franchise Disclosure Registry, saying it will provide prospective franchisees with vital information needed prior to…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson has welcomed plans to establish a new mandatory Franchise Disclosure Registry, saying it will provide prospective franchisees with vital information needed prior to…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman supports outstanding Western Sydney Women

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson is proud to support this year’s Outstanding Western Sydney Women Awards to be hosted on 16 November 2021, with a stellar line-up of finalists announced.

“I’m…

… of support for each other. “Our Small Business Counts  report shows more than 35% of Australian small businesses are … of support for each other. “Our Small Business Counts  report shows more than 35% of Australian small businesses are …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman shares RBA concern over small business access to finance

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has backed the RBA’s plea to banks to treat small businesses differently to consumers when considering loan applications.

Mr Billson welcomed further scrutiny of small…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has backed the RBA’s plea to banks to treat small businesses differently to consumers when considering loan applications.

Mr Billson welcomed further scrutiny of small…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman to monitor impact of Woolworths food distribution move

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says his office will closely monitor Woolworths’ planned acquisition of a controlling stake in PFD Food services (PFD), in regards to the impact it has on small businesses in…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says his office will closely monitor Woolworths’ planned acquisition of a controlling stake in PFD Food services (PFD), in regards to the impact it has on small businesses in…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

The future is digital for regional businesses with improved internet

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says small businesses in regional and remote areas of Australia now have more reasons to digitise, with NBN Co announcing expanded coverage and lower wholesale prices.

…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says small businesses in regional and remote areas of Australia now have more reasons to digitise, with NBN Co announcing expanded coverage and lower wholesale prices.

…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Don’t let complacency catch you out in coming 3G shut-off

By Bruce Billson.

Originally published in the West Australian.

Small, family and farming businesses should take urgent action to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off coming in October.

This change is about far more…

By Bruce Billson.

Originally published in the West Australian.

Small, family and farming businesses should take urgent action to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off coming in October.

This change is about far more…

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes proposed franchising reforms, hefty fines

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the government’s proposed reforms to the Franchising Code of Conduct, including changes specific to the automotive industry.

Under the proposed amendments…

… court system – a theme pursued in our Access to Justice report. “My office looks forward to seeing the detail of this … court system – a theme pursued in our Access to Justice report. “My office looks forward to seeing the detail of this …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Bruce Billson interviews on ABC Radio and 2GB

The Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, discusses internet domain changes on ABC Radio and 2GB. Read the transcripts below. 

Selina Green on ABC Radio South East SA  Luke Grant on Money News 2GB / 3AW / 4BC Phil…

The Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, discusses internet domain changes on ABC Radio and 2GB. Read the transcripts below. 

Selina Green on ABC Radio South East SA  Luke Grant on Money News 2GB / 3AW / 4BC Phil…

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

2023-24 BUDGET HELPS SMALL BUSINESS WITH CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Read Bruce's 2023-24 Budget Brief

Read the May 2023-24 Budget Snapshot for Small Business

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says tonight’s Budget helps small businesses with contemporary…

Read Bruce's 2023-24 Budget Brief

Read the May 2023-24 Budget Snapshot for Small Business

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says tonight’s Budget helps small businesses with contemporary…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman launches mental health program awareness campaign

A national awareness campaign about a free tailored mental health support service for small business owners has begun, amid new research revealing the emotional toll on small business owners during the past year.

The Australian Small Business…

A national awareness campaign about a free tailored mental health support service for small business owners has begun, amid new research revealing the emotional toll on small business owners during the past year.

The Australian Small Business…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

3G switch-off looming for small business

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, says small, family and farming businesses should urgently make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in the next few weeks.

Mr Billson today…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, says small, family and farming businesses should urgently make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in the next few weeks.

Mr Billson today…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Uncaring banks drop a deposit on regional clients

Originally published in The Daily Telegraph

By Bruce Billson.

Banking is an essential service with a privileged position in the economy, and our small, family and farming businesses depend on having a close and reliable…

… I met a rural accountant who has a client that had a payment for $60,000 intercepted by the invoice substitution … I met a rural accountant who has a client that had a payment for $60,000 intercepted by the invoice substitution …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

ASBFEO WEBSITE NOW AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN 100 LANGUAGES

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s website – www.asbfeo.gov.au - is now available in more than 100 languages to better assist migrant-led small and family business owners and managers.

“One in three small businesses…

… In almost two-thirds of these cases, the issue was about a payment dispute.” The translation feature is clearly located … In almost two-thirds of these cases, the issue was about a payment dispute.” The translation feature is clearly located …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

A side hustle is increasingly common. So why is so much of this work going unseen?

Published in the Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

The small business landscape looks different from 30 years ago, but what hasn't changed is the passionate and hard-working small business owners and entrepreneurs who are building businesses…

… work going unseen? 28 April 2025 Published in the Canberra Times By Bruce Billson The small business landscape looks … and owning your own business. … Published in the Canberra Times By Bruce Billson The small business landscape looks …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

The big shutdown is coming, be ready

Published in The Daily Telegraph and the Courier-Mail.

By Bruce Billson 

Next Monday (October 28) is D-Day for the 3G network as it will be shut down, but I'm worried it could also put many small, family and farming businesses out of…

Published in The Daily Telegraph and the Courier-Mail.

By Bruce Billson 

Next Monday (October 28) is D-Day for the 3G network as it will be shut down, but I'm worried it could also put many small, family and farming businesses out of…

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Building resilience is the key for small businesses

Originally published in The Daily Telegraph

By Bruce Billson.

When a bushfire, storm, flood or other natural disaster strikes, small business owners are often the first to volunteer to fight fires, lay sandbags, assist with…

Originally published in The Daily Telegraph

By Bruce Billson.

When a bushfire, storm, flood or other natural disaster strikes, small business owners are often the first to volunteer to fight fires, lay sandbags, assist with…

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Small businesses need the right kind of incentives to succeed

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

I was shocked, but sadly not surprised, to read recently that one in five small businesses have zero cash reserves.

About 18 per cent have less than a month's worth of cash…

… 25 November 2024 Originally published in the Canberra Times. By Bruce Billson. I was shocked, but sadly not … and our economy. … Originally published in the Canberra Times. By Bruce Billson. I was shocked, but sadly not …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to renew funding for a…

Ombudsman welcomes funding for critical small business mental health program

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to renew funding for a…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes new Minister for Small and Family Business

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the new Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business the Hon Stuart Robert MP as announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison today.

…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the new Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business the Hon Stuart Robert MP as announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison today.

…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

MORE NEEDED FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN OPTUS RESPONSE

Telecommunications is an essential service and vital for so many small businesses and the absence of this service has a significant economic cost, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“The response by…

Telecommunications is an essential service and vital for so many small businesses and the absence of this service has a significant economic cost, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“The response by…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Banking services essential to rural and regional small businesses

Banking services essential to rural and regional small businesses

Banking services are essential to small businesses in rural and regional areas and more should be done to support those impacted by branch closures, the…

Banking services essential to rural and regional small businesses

Banking services are essential to small businesses in rural and regional areas and more should be done to support those impacted by branch closures, the…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

National Small Business Commissioners Forum Communique

State Small Business Commissioners and the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman have met to continue our collaborative efforts within our jurisdictions, to support our nation’s vital small business community.

As always, we…

… of insurance challenges facing small businesses and the report of the ASBFEO into the suitability of a ‘discretionary … of insurance challenges facing small businesses and the report of the ASBFEO into the suitability of a ‘discretionary …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

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We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, water and community.

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