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 …

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. 

… 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 …

… 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 …

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…

… 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 …

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 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 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 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 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 (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…

… 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 …

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…

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…

… 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 …

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…

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…

… greater competition in the lending market. “Our 2017 report into barriers to investment identified a funding gap … Judo Capital/ East & Partners SME Banking Insights Annual Report found the funding gap is estimated to be in excess of … greater competition in the lending market. “Our 2017 report into barriers to investment identified a funding gap …

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has urged small, family and farming businesses to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in August and September.

“The 3G switch-off will…