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    Disputes & Assistance

    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.

    We have compiled these supports for you, relevant to your interests and needs, to help your business succeed.  

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    Connect with us and keep up with our latest news, media releases, social media, successes and policy and advocacy work. 

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    Small Business Data Portal

    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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    • Location of Australia’s small businesses - regional and metro areas

Small Business Pulse - February 2025

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  • Media Centre item (268)

Media Section

  • Media Centre (257)
  • Disputes & Assistance (2)
  • Policy & Advocacy (2)
  • Resources & Tools Centre (1)

Media Source

  • (-) ASBFEO Live (268)

Success story type

New low-cost support to help small and family businesses resolve disputes

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…

… commercial matters, particularly where industry codes may be involved. ‘It is pleasing that the Government has expanded … 2016, ASBFEO has helped over 50,000 small businesses. At a time when most small businesses are facing many headwinds, I … 2016, ASBFEO has helped over 50,000 small businesses. At a time when most small businesses are facing many headwinds, I …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Future of cash

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Nadia Mitsopoulos.

ABC Radio Perth

Subject: Future of cash

 …

… are fronting up to local businesses, expecting them to be the automatic teller machine, to cough up some cash … reasonably available bank branch, is not just about the day-to-day transactions. It’s also where they go to get advice …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Access to capital still a barrier for women-led small businesses

Access to capital is still a significant barrier to growth for women-led small businesses, according to new research conducted by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s (ASBFEO) office.

An ASBFEO survey of more than 600…

… says it’s disappointing that on International Women’s Day 2022, female entrepreneurs are still facing headwinds … trying to grow their business. “On International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognise the obvious economic … says it’s disappointing that on International Women’s Day 2022, female entrepreneurs are still facing headwinds …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Online tool a red-tape buster for small business employers: Ombudsman

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed a new online tool for small business owners, designed to take the stress out of hiring their first employee.

The Employment Contract Tool – recently…

… business owners who want to expand their business, saving time and money. “This technology has been developed in close … found the experience of hiring their first staff member to be overwhelming. “ Research published by NAB shows a small … business owners who want to expand their business, saving time and money. “This technology has been developed in close …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman calls on Australia Post to support food producers

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…

… to stop delivering perishable goods, saying this would be a crushing blow to small business producers. Mr Billson … to cease delivery of various perishable goods from June 30 is a self-imposed deadline that could be delayed to work … as a result of the COVID crisis. They need some additional time to consider what options they have to fulfil their …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Family-owned chocolate business makes this Easter egg-cellent

It takes quite the chocolatier to create all the magic of Easter – without the bunny.

But that’s what Stuart and his team at Enigma Fine Chocolates have achieved, as customers – eager to indulge in handmade artisan truffles – stream through the…

… business is busy this Easter – the first in two years to be uninhibited by pandemic related restrictions in trading … business is busy this Easter – the first in two years to be uninhibited by pandemic related restrictions in trading …

Media Centre item
Case study
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: October 2022 Budget

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Jac Underwood.

Radio 2BS

26 October 2022

…

… Bruce, good afternoon. Bruce Billson Jac, great to be with you and 2BS listeners. Jac Underwood It's great to … to talk to you as always. Thank you so much for taking the time to give us your analysis. Bruce Billson Jac, fab to be … to talk to you as always. Thank you so much for taking the time to give us your analysis. Bruce Billson Jac, fab to be …

Media Centre item
Transcript
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…

… ATMs in just the past two years, according to APRA. Some 30 per cent of small businesses are based in regional Australia and when the bank leaves it can be devastating.  Access to cash and deposit services are … 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

Ombudsman praises ATO small business independent review service

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the ATO’s decision to turn its small business independent review service into a permanent offering, following a highly successful pilot program.

Mr Billson…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the ATO’s decision to turn its small business independent review service into a permanent offering, following a highly successful pilot program.

Mr Billson…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes ‘norms’ of acceptable commercial conduct test for unconscionable conduct

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 ‘…

… under the Australian law. “This is a great day for Australian small businesses seeking protection from … “The decision ensures egregious commercial conduct can be captured by the unconscionable conduct provisions under … under the Australian law. “This is a great day for Australian small businesses seeking protection from …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman to host feedback sessions in natural disaster-hit areas

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 impacts of natural disasters on small businesses can be devastating. It can mean damaged and destroyed assets, … good preparedness. “The cost of natural disasters and the time it takes for small businesses to get back on their feet … good preparedness. “The cost of natural disasters and the time it takes for small businesses to get back on their feet …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Meet the Ombudsman, Bruce Billson

In this video Ombudsman Bruce Billson discusses the role of our office.

Are you a small or family business owner in Australia, experiencing a dispute with another business or government agency? We're here to help. See our …

… provided a fantastic foundation. A foundation to help us be the best allies small businesses could hope for. Working … for where businesses have a matter that needs to be resolved done through dispute resolution, so that those … family enterprises are facing. In the action that would be helpful in supporting your success. We're also there to …

Media Centre item
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Budget 2024-25

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Stephen Cenatiempo.

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: Budget 2024-25

…

… a little bit in there. I don’t think small businesses will be punching the air with excitement, thinking that it's a … Bruce, always good to talk to you. Thanks for your time this morning.  Bruce Billson Thanks Steve. Best wishes … Bruce, always good to talk to you. Thanks for your time this morning.  Bruce Billson Thanks Steve. Best wishes …

Media Centre item
Transcript
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…

… farming businesses take action to find out if they will be affected and if so, upgrade their technology before … farm gates and many other wireless operating systems may be affected. Mr Billson emphasised that telecommunications … farming businesses take action to find out if they will be affected and if so, upgrade their technology before …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

ONLY ONE-IN-FOUR SMALL BUSINESSES HAVE A DISASTER PLAN

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…

… HAVE A DISASTER PLAN 12 January 2023 Natural disasters can be devastating for small and family businesses yet only one … be adopted to save small business owners the trauma and time associated with repeating their story. An opt-in “My … denied support while others that gave far less attention, time, and effort to protect their own economic interests were …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman’s guide for small business - using social media securely

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Laura Tchilinguirian.

ABC News Radio

Subject: Ombudsman’s guide for small business - using social media securely

Laura…

… about cyber hacks of late and often the targets seem to be small businesses who are also active online. So how can … accounts that then see the hacker having a terrible time for people that you've been doing business with.  So, … accounts that then see the hacker having a terrible time for people that you've been doing business with.  So, …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

DON’T BE DUPED BY SCAM OPERATORS

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…

… DON’T BE DUPED BY SCAM OPERATORS 27 November 2023 Small business … Office. Mr Billson said Scam Awareness Week was an ideal time for small business owners to take a few extra moments to … he said. “Scammers may sign you up for a single or monthly payment which they take from your credit card but they …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
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…

… a current business continuity plan.  Natural disasters can be devastating for small and family businesses — either their … be adopted to save small business owners the trauma and time associated with repeating their story. In the aftermath … be adopted to save small business owners the trauma and time associated with repeating their story. In the aftermath …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS TO BE READY FOR NATURAL DISASTERS

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 BUSINESS NEEDS TO BE READY FOR NATURAL DISASTERS 22 January 2024 The terrible … be adopted to save small business owners the trauma and time associated with repeating their story.” Mr Billson said … be adopted to save small business owners the trauma and time associated with repeating their story.” Mr Billson said …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Bruce Billson interview with Jo McManus

Jo McManus

Australia’s had its fair share of natural disasters in the past 12 months. The most recent, of course, being in our Kimberley region with those devastating floods up there. Last year the Australian Small Business and…

… me now. Good afternoon, Bruce. Bruce Billson Jo, great to be with you and your listeners. Jo McManus Bruce, were you … who run and own a small and family business are very time poor. There's always too many things to do. And working … That makes perfect sense. Look, I really appreciate your time on the program this afternoon. Thanks very much for …

Media Centre item
Transcript
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…

… small businesses with the confidence that their goods will be delivered by Australia Post. “Our next steps include … small businesses with the confidence that their goods will be delivered by Australia Post. “Our next steps include …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman launches Review of Discretionary Mutual Fund proposal

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has today launched a Review of the Discretionary Mutual Fund proposed for small businesses in the amusement, leisure and recreation sector unable to secure essential insurance…

… job losses and hurt local economies. “Our Review will be a deep dive into the inaccessibility of insurance for … faced by the sector.”   A final report is expected to be completed in August. … The Australian Small Business and … job losses and hurt local economies. “Our Review will be a deep dive into the inaccessibility of insurance for …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Matt Bamford

ABC Radio PM Program

Subject: internet domain name changes

Presenter

Domain names are the Internet's version of a home address, directing users to a website's front…

… though is a new option is available where it would simply be .au. So ABC.au, a shortened abridged domain name. Matt … of cyber security this has been a tactic used to cut off payment information. Matt Bamford Buying up popular domain … of cyber security this has been a tactic used to cut off payment information. Matt Bamford Buying up popular domain …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Small business natural disasters and resilience

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Bridie Tanner. 

ABC North Coast 

Subject: Small business natural disasters and resilience …

… about a small business disaster plan? Something that can be easily put into place in a disaster? The Australian … encourage more to think about that. The disaster might be a natural disaster, might be something like a COVID lockdown, or heaven forbid, it …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

OCTOBER 2022 BUDGET

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says tonight’s Budget handed down by the Australian Government will provide welcome capability building, mental health and financial advice support for small businesses and…

… Mr Billson said. The Budget forecast that inflation will be 7.75% at the end of this year and still high at 5.75% by … sustained cost pressures on their businesses. At the same time, the Budget forecast of lower economic growth and a rise … sustained cost pressures on their businesses. At the same time, the Budget forecast of lower economic growth and a rise …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: 15 October 2024 TRANSCRIPT Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Deb Knight. Money News Subject: growing number of small business disputes with big tech digital platform providers, workplace

 15 October 2024

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Deb Knight.

Money News

 

Subject:…

… welcome back to Money News.  Bruce Billson Deb, fab to be with you and your listeners.  Deb Knight So, we know … Billson That's probably right. But I get out of bed each day championing the cause of small and family businesses. My … that hack into your account to use your credit card, your payment facilities, to push out crypto ads that are bogus, …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Small business disaster preparedness

 TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with David Dowsett.

ABC Radio Wide Bay

Subject: Small business…

… there's likely no business, small or large, that will not be impacted. So, what can a small business do now to ensure … look like?  Bruce Billson Well, it means taking the time to think about what are those risks, what are those … David Dowsett Some top tips indeed. Bruce, appreciate your time this morning, thanks a lot.   …  TRANSCRIPT Australian …

Media Centre item
Transcript
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…

… role in post-pandemic jobs growth. We ask shoppers to be ‘kindly customers’, who are patient, understanding and … are imposing additional demands on already fully focused, time poor and committed small and family businesses. Given … delivery services, we ask customers to factor additional time in and order their gifts as soon as possible to avoid …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: free cyber security programs to help small businesses, digital platform providers urged to do better for small business

Nicole Overall

Unsurprisingly and sadly, more and more small businesses are falling victim to ever more sophisticated cyber-attacks. So, what's to be done? Well, to explore some potential solutions, I have on the line now Bruce…

… to ever more sophisticated cyber-attacks. So, what's to be done? Well, to explore some potential solutions, I have on … And the customer is expecting this invoice. This is a part payment on a house renovation, or a deposit on some travel or … right. Frankly, this is one of the big challenges of our time as a society, as well as an economy, that some of the …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Internet domain name changes

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Sarah Howells.

ABC Sunshine Coast

8 September 2022…

… If you're a small business, the name of your website can be pretty important. You want to make sure customers know … can get a very similar domain name and then confuse busy, time poor customers and take advantage of that. Sarah Howells … so much for the chat this morning. Really appreciate your time. Bruce Billson Great to be with you. … TRANSCRIPT …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

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