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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.

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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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Content type

  • Media Centre item (299)

Media Section

  • Media Centre (285)
  • Disputes & Assistance (3)
  • Policy & Advocacy (2)
  • Resources & Tools Centre (1)

Media Source

  • (-) ASBFEO Live (299)

Success story type

Why it’s time to celebrate our hard-working self-employed

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…

… 28 August 2023 Originally published in Kochie's Business Builder. We rightly honour and respect people for … contribution is self-employment, writes Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce … businesses’. Just where do people think so many employing small businesses come from? Let’s celebrate the self-employed …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes review of Banking Code Compliance Committee

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…

… review of Banking Code Compliance Committee The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has … (BCCC), which includes recommendations to improve small business representation and engagement. A key …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Temporary insolvency protections sensible as lockdowns continue

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has urged the Federal Government and regulators to consider the reactivation of temporary insolvency protections, to support small and family businesses doing it tough in…

… sensible as lockdowns continue 28 July 2021 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has … of temporary insolvency protections, to support small and family businesses doing it tough in lockdown. Mr …

Media Centre item
News
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes payment times review

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of a review of the Payment Times Reporting Act.

The review, to be chaired by former minister Craig Emerson, will…

… payment times review 06 December 2022 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has … will look at ways to improve payment times and terms for small businesses and consider the introduction of mandatory …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small biz needs all the help it can get

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…

… Small biz needs all the help it can get 08 August 2024 … Originally published in the Daily Telegraph. Small business is a big deal. But not as big as it used to be. … average business owner is now 50 and only 8 per cent are under the age of 30, half what it was in the 1970s. It is in …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Storm clouds to clear for Northern Australian small businesses

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says insurance premiums will be more affordable for small businesses in Northern Australia, under a new Federal Government scheme to launch next year.

Mr Billson…

… Storm clouds to clear for Northern Australian small businesses 04 May 2021 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says … affordable for small businesses in Northern Australia, under a new Federal Government scheme to launch next year. Mr …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

New Franchising Sector Powers for Small Business Ombudsman

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,…

… New Franchising Sector Powers for Small Business Ombudsman 07 May 2024 The Australian Small Business … “At present we can only use this name and shame power under our Act as it relates to general business disputes, …

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.

…

… Ombudsman welcomes new Minister for Small and Family Business 29 March 2021 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: growing number of small business disputes with big tech digital platform providers, Ghostbusters, John McEnroe, weaponised product takedowns and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

 15 October 2024

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.

Radio 2CC Canberra

 

…

… TRANSCRIPT: growing number of small business disputes with big tech digital platform providers, … 15 October 2024   15 October 2024 TRANSCRIPT Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson …

Media Centre item
Transcript
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 …

… Bruce Billson discusses the role of our office. Are you a small or family business owner in Australia, experiencing a dispute with … the Inaugural Small Business Ombudsman. A position created under legislation in 2015. Kate was in the office for five …

Media Centre item
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman working with Australia Post to support food producers

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…

… to support food producers 21 April 2021 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says … goods across the country will bring joyful relief to small business food producers. Mr Billson has welcomed the …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small businesses must prepare for the upcoming 3G shutdown

Opinion piece by the Ombudsman Bruce Billson.

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

Small, family and farming businesses should urgently make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off which is now scheduled to take place on 28…

… Small businesses must prepare for the upcoming 3G shutdown 19 … Bruce Billson. Originally published in the Canberra Times. Small, family and farming businesses should urgently make … are unaware of the scope of this event and the possible business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

WELCOME ACTION ON UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS

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…

… ON UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS 26 July 2022 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has … to introduce legislation to ban unfair contract terms for small businesses.  “This is a real problem for small and …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Make this Easter sweet for small and family businesses: Ombudsman

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has urged consumers to consciously spend with small and family businesses this weekend, amid predictions of a bumper Easter.

“Small and family businesses stand ready…

… Make this Easter sweet for small and family businesses: Ombudsman 14 April 2022 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Women recognised as key drivers of business growth on World MSME Day

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has recognised the rise of ‘womenpreneurs’ and the key role women will play in driving future business growth on World MSME Day (Sunday 27 June, 2021).

World…

… Women recognised as key drivers of business growth on World MSME Day 25 June 2021 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson … businesses. “On World MSME Day I want to thank all small and family businesses for their vital contribution to …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Merchant transaction fees (least-cost routing)

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.

2CC Radio Canberra

Subject: Merchant transaction fees (least-cost routing)…

… (least-cost routing) 18 March 2024 TRANSCRIPT Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson … the payment is taking either do they? This is completely under the control of the banks, isn't it?  Bruce Billson And …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Banking announcement to fight scams, small business conditions

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Tom Connell.

Sky News

24 November 2023

Tom Connell…

… TRANSCRIPT: Banking announcement to fight scams, small business conditions 24 November 2023 TRANSCRIPT Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson …

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…

… Access to capital still a barrier for women-led small businesses 08 March 2022 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. …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

3G switch-off - small business warned not to be caught short

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: 3G switch-off - small business warned not to be caught short

Leon Delaney

…

… 3G switch-off - small business warned not to be caught short 29 May 2024 Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Internet domain name changes

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Byner.

5AA Adelaide

6 September 2022

…

… name changes 06 September 2022 TRANSCRIPT Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson … internet domain name changes Leon Byner If you’re a small business, and it doesn't matter whether you work from …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Small businesses reap rewards amid rush to buy Australian Made

Small and family businesses are benefiting from a significant boost in consumer sentiment, with new research revealing 93% of Aussies prefer to buy products made in Australia.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce…

… Small businesses reap rewards amid rush to buy Australian Made 25 May 2021 Small and family businesses are benefiting from a significant … to buy products made in Australia. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

OP-ED: Big tech must do better by small biz

Bruce Billson 

Published in The Daily Telegraph and the Courier-Mail

15 October 2024

When a small business has a problem with a Big Tech digital platform - such as having your account shut down after being hacked…

… OP-ED: Big tech must do better by small biz 15 October 2024 Bruce Billson   Published in The … Telegraph and the Courier-Mail 15 October 2024 When a small business has a problem with a Big Tech digital platform - …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes cash flow boost, red tape reduction

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…

… boost, red tape reduction 23 March 2022 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has … changes to PAYG tax and commitment to reducing red tape. Under the proposed changes, the 10% GDP uplift rate that …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman welcomes cancellation and suspension of Australian credit licences

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed ASIC’s announcement that they have cancelled or suspended Australian credit licences for failing to be a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (…

… Australian credit licences 11 August 2021 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has … between financial firms that are members and their small business and consumer customers that can’t resolve …

Media Centre item
News
ASBFEO Live

Thriving Indigenous business sector contributing billions to economy

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is encouraging Australians to support Indigenous businesses, as the nation celebrates NAIDOC WEEK 2021.

Mr Billson says the Indigenous business sector is one of the…

… Thriving Indigenous business sector contributing billions to economy 09 July 2021 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson … the Indigenous business sector is made up of mostly small businesses with an average of 14 employees and average …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Mature age workers may help ease staff shortages this festive season

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…

… 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 …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

OMBUDSMAN RELEASES PROCUREMENT INQUIRY ISSUES PAPER

Many small businesses say they feel excluded from the chance to tender for Australian Government procurement contracts because they are not part of the ‘in-crowd’ or find the process too hard to navigate, says the Australian Small Business and Family…

… PROCUREMENT INQUIRY ISSUES PAPER 02 August 2023 Many small businesses say they feel excluded from the chance to … find the process too hard to navigate, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.  Mr …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

New rules to allow small business tradies to follow the work

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says small business tradespeople will be able to meet the demand for their skills wherever they are in Australia under new laws passed by the Senate.

The Australian…

… New rules to allow small business tradies to follow the work 18 May 2021 The … the demand for their skills wherever they are in Australia under new laws passed by the Senate. The Australian …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Small business problems with digital platforms

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Thomas Oriti.

ABC News Radio

Subject: Small business problems with digital…

… TRANSCRIPT: Small business problems with digital platforms 23 April 2024 TRANSCRIPT Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

MEDIA RELEASE: 12 days until 3G shutdown - What small, family and farming business need to check

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…

… MEDIA RELEASE: 12 days until 3G shutdown - What small, family and farming business need to check 16 October 2024 Small and family businesses have just 12 days to make sure …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

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Acknowledgement of Country

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

We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past, present and emerging.

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