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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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Small Business Pulse - February 2025

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Content type

  • Media Centre item (268)
  • Basic page (61)
  • Submission (56)
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Media Section

  • Media Centre (257)
  • Disputes & Assistance (2)
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Media Source

  • ASBFEO Live (268)

Success story type

We need to keep putting wind in the sails of our enterprising women and men

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

As we return to business as usual after the election, I am hopeful that the incoming government will have a very strong and prominent focus on small and family businesses. It is…

… that are first used or installed ready for use by June 30, 2026. While this is a very positive step, small … safeguards. Broad consultation with small businesses will be important to ensure that the proposed banning of … that are first used or installed ready for use by June 30, 2026. While this is a very positive step, small …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

… There were 594,855 small businesses in Greater Sydney on 30 June 2023, representing 70% of all small businesses in … areas with the highest number of small businesses on 30 June 2023 were: Sydney Inner City (74,583 small … in Condell Park. Baulkham Hills (19,329 small businesses), 30% of these were in Baulkham Hills (West) – Bella Vista. …

Ernst and Young (EY) Independent Fuel Legislation Review

Submission

Welcome win for government procurement contracts

Changes to Commonwealth procurement rules that take effect today will create more opportunities for small business to win government contracts, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“There is no…

… and it’s great to see the Commonwealth’s commitment to be a bigger customer for small businesses,” Mr Billson said. … to ensuring these changes make a real difference will be to provide capacity-building contracts that will enable … 20 per cent of Commonwealth procurements by value must be sourced from small and medium enterprises. This doubles …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Ombudsman’s report says the show must go on

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has today released an interim report into the insurance crisis facing Australia’s amusement, leisure, and recreation sector. 

“There is a clear and present…

… that many of the attractions people know and love won’t be able to operate,” Mr Billson said.  “The lack of insurance … On, explores whether a Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) can be a durable solution and discusses required legislative … ‘fit for purpose’.  It also highlights the need for DMF to be recognised and accepted as a suitable solution by councils …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

… to the Code enacted in June 2021 allow for a process to be followed should a franchisee wish to terminate their franchise agreement early. Under the Code, at any time a franchisee may give their franchisor a written … for the proposed termination. Note that the proposal may be different from the terms set out in the franchise …

… 1. Structure your day Schedule time for calls, lead follow-ups, emails, social media … and compliance tasks, important ‘breaks’ and get away time.  … Schedule time for calls, lead follow-ups, emails, …

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…

… Unlike households who - for many reasons - might choose to be uninsured or underinsured and have options about the level … vital business precondition, is no longer a once-a-year payment (with a likely inevitable modest price increase) that … 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

TRANSCRIPT: AgQuip, small farming business issues, small business owners getting older

 TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Paul Turton.

ABC NSW

 

Subject: AgQuip, small farming…

… 2006. And with only 8% of small business owners aged under 30, what are we going to do to get more younger people … that, by the way. Good morning. Bruce Billson Paul, fab to be with you and your audience sir. Paul Turton You join us … about this from our parents Paul - were under the age of 30. Now it's 8% but in farming it's 4% are under the age of …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Accessibility

… Line caters for the needs of small business owners who may be visually impaired through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). TIS can be contacted on 13 14 50. The Information Line also provides …

Basic page

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 business is a big deal. But not as big as it used to be. Economic contribution has dropped from 40 per cent to 33 … sleepwalking towards a big corporate economy. At the same time, insolvencies are at a record high. The Tax office, hot … 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 our national …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

What happens when builders go bust

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

The latest report card on the economy will be no surprise to small business owners. Economic growth is barely limping along.

The combination of…

… Bruce Billson. The latest report card on the economy will be no surprise to small business owners. Economic growth is … are earning less than the average total weekly, full-time earnings. I can't stress enough the importance for a … are earning less than the average total weekly, full-time earnings. I can't stress enough the importance for a …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Handling debts

… Handling debts Dealing with outstanding debts can be overwhelming for small businesses. It makes it hard to … legal action if possible. This might include proposing a payment plan. What to do when you owe someone money The first … you owe and are able to pay. You can then offer to enter a payment plan for the remainder. Make sure that any payment …

Basic page

… turn ads on or off and can remove or update advertising payment information. Have your account/s set up so that Meta … email to help with account recovery (should you need it). Be aware of and follow the platform’s community guidelines. … your issue immediately with Meta and remember it may take time to resolve it. Keep a copy of the details and number of …

Language Assistance

… language. Some content (such as images, videos) may not be accurately translated due to the limitations of the … telephone interpreting service is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The Information Line is open from Monday …

Basic page

Contact Us

… not attach any illegal, restricted or offensive content. Be aware that we will be obliged to report any inappropriate content that we … not attach any illegal, restricted or offensive content. Be aware that we will be obliged to report any inappropriate …

Basic page

Ombudsman welcomes government move to deliver small business tax breaks

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver tax breaks that will help small businesses have greater support, incentives and skills to grow.

The…

… government move to deliver small business tax breaks 30 August 2022 The Australian Small Business and Family … the support, incentives, skills and training needed to be truly competitive and to grow. “Deeper digital engagement … eInvoicing software, hardware such as laptops and portable payment devices. “For a small business, the cost of training …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Privacy

… or authorised by law). We will seek your consent at the time your information is collected or as soon as practicable thereafter. Information may be collected by: Type of information: Information collected … and shared in this way is typically obtained at the time you first use an application or service on your device. …

Basic page

Ombudsman’s final report finds ‘Show Must Go On’ despite insurance crisis

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has today released the final report into the insurance crisis facing Australia’s amusement, leisure, and recreation sector, declaring “the show must go on”.

The…

… tag and even walking tours in national parks. This can be through contractual obligations as well as requirements … Mr Billson says. “Additionally, the DMF needs to be recognised as a suitable solution at a local level and … tag and even walking tours in national parks. This can be through contractual obligations as well as requirements …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

3G shutdown to affect small, family and farming businesses

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

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: 3G shutdown to affect small, family and farming businesses

Leon Delaney

…

… and lots of pieces of business equipment that might well be caught up in the phase out of 3G. Joining me now, the … you're counting on them to work, and all of a sudden, the day after October 28 they don't happen, that can come as a … you're counting on them to work, and all of a sudden, the day after October 28 they don't happen, that can come as a …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Kim Napier

ABC Radio Northern Tasmania

Subject: internet domain name changes

Kim Napier

ABC Northern Tasmania with Kim Napier. Well, do you own or run a website for a small…

… to have you on the program. Bruce Billson It's fab to be with you and the listeners on the north coast of the … but not a lot of skiing to be had. But, what a good time to spend a few minutes thinking about your domain name. … up some public awareness that this is a really important time to consider whether you, as a small and family business, …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

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

Our network

… of independent contractors and all self-employed people to be treated fairly, justly, and equitably in Australia. … nature of small firms, how they operate and how they might be supported by government, industry, and academia. Supply … a streamlined and improved user experience, reducing the time to register as a new business, or apply for additional …

Basic page

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

Using social media securely

… Using social media securely Using social media can be a valuable way to grow and increase awareness of your … turn ads on or off and can remove or update advertising payment information. Have your account/s set up so that Meta … your issue immediately with Meta and remember it may take time to resolve it. Keep a copy of the details and number of …

Basic page

Self-employment

… an exciting and sustainable option for people who want to be their own boss and have their own business. We understand … support available to you; that you can access in your own time and at your own pace. You can choose the resources that … structures and information sources to indicate the real-time success of your business, so you can adjust and make …

Basic page

… AgQuip Field Days 22 - 24 August Gunnedah, NSW Gov to You 30 - 31 August Fleurieu Peninsula, SA … Franchising & … AgQuip Field Days 22 - 24 August Gunnedah, NSW Gov to You 30 - 31 August Fleurieu Peninsula, SA …

… than half (53%) of female small business owners work part-time. Two-thirds of female small business owner managers were … than half (53%) of female small business owners work part-time. Two-thirds of female small business owner managers were …

… Table 3: Number of small businesses in regional areas, 30 June 2023 … Table 3: Number of small businesses in regional areas, 30 June 2023 …

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