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  • Disputes & Assistance

    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. 

    We provide information about dispute resolution options, access to mediation, alternative dispute resolution processes under the Franchising, Horticulture, Dairy and Oil Codes of Conduct, and assistance with disputes with the ATO.  

    • How We Help
    • Dispute support
    • Five steps to resolve your dispute
    • Franchising
      • Franchising done well
        • Different types of franchises
        • Characteristics that are important in a franchise relationship
        • Specific purpose funds
      • Resources for starting a franchise
        • Before you sign – do your research on the franchise
        • Assess the franchise opportunities and seek professional advice
        • Read the franchise agreement
      • Franchising Code of Conduct and Alternative Dispute Resolution
        • Franchising Mediation Feedback Form
      • Managing change
        • Best practice for franchisors
          • The psychology of change
          • Change management tips for franchisors
      • Exiting a franchise
        • Franchisee-initiated exit - Compliance
        • Franchisee-initiated exit - Best practice guidance for franchisees
        • Franchisee-initiated exit - Best practice guidance for franchisors
        • Tax implications - transferring or terminating a franchise
    • The Tax Concierge Service
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Access to low cost advice for disputes
    • Dispute case studies
    • Industry Codes
      • Dairy Code
      • Oil Code
      • Horticulture Code
        • Produce Assessors
      • Food and Grocery Code
  • Policy & Advocacy

    Policy & Advocacy

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

    We provide advice and insights to policy and decision makers, conduct research, deliver inquiries, comment on legislation, provide advice to Ministers, and undertake outreach and engagement activities to ensure Australia is the best place to start, grow and transform a business.

    • 14 steps to boost Australia’s small and family businesses
    • Policy insights
    • Submissions
    • Share your thoughts
      • One thing ASBFEO can do for me
      • Consultation feedback
  • Resources & Tools Centre

    Resources & Tools Centre

    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.  

    • Small Business Commissioners
    • Cyber security
    • Financial wellbeing
    • Mental health
    • Handling debts
    • Resources for starting a small business
    • Using social media securely
    • Getting the most out of your digital marketing service provider
    • How Digital Marketing Providers can impress small business clients
    • Intellectual property
    • Climate-related financial disclosures
    • Disaster preparation and recovery
    • Self-employment
    • Changes to Australian workplace laws
    • The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (US)
    • Payment Times Reporting Scheme
    • Disputes with an overseas business
    • Small Business Hub
    • Default credit listings
    • Working as a delivery driver
    • Healthy business relationships and dispute resolution
    • ‘Small Business, Big Dreams’ Fact Sheet
  • Media Centre

    Media Centre

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

    We also share the latest developments from other government authorities and regulators, our peers and our networks on our Media Centre.   

    • Media releases
    • Newsletters
    • Quarterly reports
    • Events
    • Social media
    • Contact Us
    • MSME Day
  • Small Business Data Portal

    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.

    • Contribution to Australian Gross Domestic Product
    • Contribution to Australian Employment
    • Number of small businesses in Australia
    • Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business
    • Spotlight on Sole Traders
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  • (-) Media Centre item (20)
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Media Section

  • Media Centre (19)

Media Source

  • ASBFEO Live (20)

Dispute support

… appropriate resolution service to help you resolve your business dispute. The most appropriate service for your … platform’s policy on dispute resolution, which is often under terms of use, is particularly helpful. The dispute … be able to help. IDCARE provides eligible sole traders and small businesses with specialist support and guidance when …

Basic page

Dispute case studies

… range of businesses to provide one-to-one assistance for business disputes, including referral to government support … resolution. Contract disputes Termination fee waived for small business  Due to financial stress, a small business was … she started investigations. She discovered she was still under contract to the local paper, even though she had never …

Basic page

ASBFEO marks 10 years of assistance and advocacy for Australia’s small and family businesses as Bruce Billson bids farewell

On 11 March, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is marking 10 years of advocating for small and family businesses, reflecting a decade of practical support, dispute resolution and advocating for fairer rules that…

… marks 10 years of assistance and advocacy for Australia’s small and family businesses as Bruce Billson bids farewell 10 March 2026 On 11 March, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is marking … family businesses to start, grow and succeed.  Established under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Access to low cost advice for disputes

… ASBFEO may offer limited low-cost legal advice to eligible small businesses in dispute with another business or government agency.  This may be offered at 2 … dispute resolution in relation to a relevant action under s65 of the Australian Small Business and Family …

Basic page

ASBFEO calls for improvements to enterprise environment to enable small business success

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging the Federal Government to deliver practical, targeted measures in the 2026–27 Budget to reduce costs, restore confidence and remove barriers that are holding back…

… calls for improvements to enterprise environment to enable small business success 02 March 2026 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Help small businesses thrive this MSME Day

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, urges all Australians to recognise the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of the people driving our 2.5 million small businesses on World Micro, Small and Medium-sized…

… Help small businesses thrive this MSME Day 26 June 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, … Help small businesses thrive this MSME Day …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Budget continues targeted relief as small businesses hope for recovery

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says tonight’s 2025-26 Federal Budget was ‘the sequel’ to last year’s, offering modest targeted measures to help small and family business deal with specific current pain…

… Budget continues targeted relief as small businesses hope for recovery 25 March 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says … for the additional $155.5 million to the ATO to tackle under-reporting and ‘cashies’ is properly targeted so that it …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

OMBUDSMAN’S SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE TO DEALING WITH DEBT

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide to help small business navigate the challenge of paying or collecting a debt.

“Outstanding debts can be overwhelming for a small business – whether…

… OMBUDSMAN’S SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE TO DEALING WITH DEBT 18 November 2024 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has … OMBUDSMAN’S SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE TO DEALING WITH DEBT …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

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. 

…

… will blunt ‘too sharp by half’ conduct that harms small businesses 14 March 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has … will blunt ‘too sharp by half’ conduct that harms small businesses …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Recognise enterprising women in small and family business by removing bias and barriers

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, gives recognition and applauds women in small and family business ahead of International Women’s Day.  

“More than half a million Australian women say their main…

… Recognise enterprising women in small and family business by removing bias and barriers 05 March 2026 Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce … Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, … Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of family owned businesses on National Family Business Day, 19 September

Family owned businesses play a crucial role in the economy and our communities. Some of Australia’s most successful businesses are family businesses. They are also some of the most enduring, over generations, building a legacy in name and value to the…

… spirit of family owned businesses on National Family Business Day, 19 September 18 September 2025 Family owned … largest businesses that once started out as a family business, their business success is also part of Australia’s … well as professional services. As if owning and running a small business isn’t challenging enough, these challenges are …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Resources for starting a small business

… Resources for starting a small business Looking to start a small business? Our mission is to ensure Australia is the … Australia is the best place to start, grow or transform a business. We strive to make sure your business can access every support available to have every …

Basic page

MEDIA RELEASE: Surge in small business disputes with Big Tech platforms

The number of small business disputes with Big Tech platform providers is 86 per cent higher than the same time last year, according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

Mr Billson said over the past…

… MEDIA RELEASE: Surge in small business disputes with Big Tech platforms 15 October 2024 The number of small business disputes with Big Tech platform providers is … The number of small business disputes with Big Tech platform providers is 86 per … MEDIA RELEASE: Surge in small business disputes with Big Tech platforms …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business

… Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business This data includes the numbers, industries and … were aged 24 and under in December 2023. The number of apprentices and … the numbers, industries and demographics of Australia’s small business apprentices and trainees and illustrates the …

Basic page

How we help

… help The ASBFEO responds to requests for assistance from small businesses and family enterprises that are in dispute … or Commonwealth Government agencies. If you are a Small Business operator in dispute with another business or … We maintain an ADR Practitioner list who conduct ADR under our legislation and the franchising , horticulture, …

Basic page

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…

… New low-cost support to help small and family businesses resolve disputes 03 March 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has … New low-cost support to help small and family businesses resolve disputes …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

MEDIA RELEASE: Australian small business selling online warned to be aware of US copyright laws

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide to raise awareness among small businesses selling online about United States’ copyright laws that can shut down their access to customers without warning…

… MEDIA RELEASE: Australian small business selling online warned to be aware of US copyright … livelihoods damaged by unfounded allegations being made under these laws and then have their products taken down … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

About us

… About us The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) was … ASBFEO does not have specific agency responsibilities under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability …

Basic page

When the dining table becomes the board table – celebrating National Family Business Day

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, is encouraging all Australians to celebrate National Family Business Day on Thursday 19 September.

“It’s a great moment to reflect on the crucial role family-owned…

… becomes the board table – celebrating National Family Business Day 17 September 2024 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce … wife.   “It’s a big responsibility owning and running a small business and that is magnified when it is a family …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Number of small businesses in Australia

… Number of small businesses in Australia Small business’ contribution to Australian business numbers … Small business’ contribution to Australian business numbers is one … economy. This can be explored by looking at the number of small businesses by employment and turnover. …

Basic page

Small Business Commissioners

… Small Business Commissioners Working with state‑based Small Business Commissioners Running a small business can sometimes … Running a small business can sometimes involve disputes that are difficult to … Small Business Commissioners …

Basic page

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…

… Small Biz Ombudsman welcomes new Minister 12 May 2025 Prime … Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise … Hon Dr Anne Aly appointed to Cabinet as the Minister for Small Business. The Australian Small Business and Family …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Financial wellbeing

… distress is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for small and family business owners.  Tips Regularly review your business … ATO. You can also set up a payment plan if your debt is under $100,000. Phone: 12 28 66 (Business enquiries line) … distress is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for small and family business owners.  …

Basic page

Tradies and sub-contractors to be paid on time and in full, in ‘fairer go’ for construction

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is encouraged by the Australian Government’s response to the Murray Review of Security of Payment Laws, and welcomes the announcement of further action to help ensure tradies and…

… ‘fairer go’ for construction 20 March 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is … to extend protections against unfair business practices to small businesses, will also help address harmful conduct in … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry (2022)

… Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry (2022) Only one-in-four small businesses have a disaster plan Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry … The impacts of natural disasters on small and family businesses can be devastating and can …

Basic page

Self-employment

… people who want to be their own boss and have their own business. We understand that setting up a business can be … the resources that meets your needs and the needs of your small business and will help step you through what you need … you to build your own employment contract, for an employee under Australia’s Fair Work System, that is tailored to your …

Basic page

GHG EMISSIONS REPORTING MAY IMPACT SMEs SOONER THAN EXPECTED

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are urged to educate themselves on greenhouse gas (GHG)…

… EXPECTED 09 October 2025 JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are urged to educate … JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Chartered …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
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 … 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 …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small Business Data Portal

… Small Business Data Portal The latest statistics about small businesses and family enterprises and their … in Australia Apprentices and Trainees Employed by Small Business We will continue to update and add to this small … The latest statistics and data about small businesses and family enterprises. …

Basic page

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman welcomes successor Lynda McAlary- Smith

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Hon Bruce Billson has welcomed the announcement of the Lynda McAlary-Smith as his successor.

Ms McAlary-Smith is the current Victorian Small Business Commissioner and will…

… Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman welcomes successor … Lynda McAlary- Smith 22 December 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Hon Bruce … The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Hon Bruce …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

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