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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. 

    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.  

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    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.

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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.  

    • Cyber security
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    • How Digital Marketing Providers can impress small business clients
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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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Content type

  • Media Centre item (285)
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Media Section

  • Media Centre (271)
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  • ASBFEO Live (285)

Success story type

Understanding the skills to handle business barneys

Opinion piece by the Ombudsman Bruce Billson.

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

Mary runs a small civil construction business but one of her customers, another small business, had not paid their $20,000 bill for 180 days.

…

… Bruce Billson. Originally published in the Canberra Times. Mary runs a small civil construction business but one … bill for 180 days. The delay, well beyond the usual payment terms of 30 days, was having significant flow-on … platform told her she needed to log in to her account to report that she was locked out of her account. Julie is one …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Too many small businesses are hurt by not being in the 'in-crowd'

Originally published in the Canberra Times on Monday, 27 May 2024.

Bruce Billson

Winning a government contract can be life-changing for a small business. As all businesses know, there is no substitute for good…

… 27 May 2024 Originally published in the Canberra Times on Monday, 27 May 2024. Bruce Billson Winning a … constructive and practical recommendations in our report handed to the government last December. These included … boost women-owned business opportunities and improve payment times. We found active stewardship is essential to …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

National FBD, Tasmanian small and family businesses.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with David Wood on Ultra 106five Hobart.

David Wood

Today is National Family Business Day, and to find out a little bit more about…

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with David Wood on Ultra 106five Hobart.

David Wood

Today is National Family Business Day, and to find out a little bit more about…

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Survey deadline extended for women business owners to be heard

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has extended the deadline for a survey of women who own and lead businesses.

“There has been a tremendous response so far - it is clear there is an appetite to engage…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has extended the deadline for a survey of women who own and lead businesses.

“There has been a tremendous response so far - it is clear there is an appetite to engage…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

SOME IMPORTANT END OF FINANCIAL YEAR CHANGES FOR SMALL BUSINESS

New instant asset write-off thresholds, updated tax rules, increased superannuation payments and a rise in the minimum wage are among changes coming into effect on 1 July, says Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise…

… were first used or installed ready for use between March 2020 and 30 June 2023. From 1 July, assets valued at more … financial year. It also says employers are required to report pay as you go (PAYG) withholding information every … financial year. It also says employers are required to report pay as you go (PAYG) withholding information every …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Small business disputes with Big Tech digital platform providers

 15 October 2024

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Annie Guest.

ABC Radio AM Program

 

…

… were about Meta, 17 per cent were directed at Uber for payment problems. So, the Small Business Ombudsman is calling … were about Meta, 17 per cent were directed at Uber for payment problems. So, the Small Business Ombudsman is calling …

Media Centre item
Transcript
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…

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…

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Supermarket inquiry, Federal Circuit Court Small Business and Codes List

TRANSCRIPT

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

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: Supermarket inquiry, Federal…

TRANSCRIPT

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

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: Supermarket inquiry, Federal…

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

EINVOICING A SMART PROTECTION FOR SMALL BUSINESS

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, is encouraging small businesses to adopt eInvoicing as a more secure and faster way of getting paid.“There are real opportunities for small business in engaging with…

… vulnerable to invoice substitution scams – also called payment redirection scams or business email compromise - … it lands in the customer's inbox, it looks legit and is a bill they were expecting so they pay it. The money goes to … Government for incentivising its use with faster payment times its suppliers,” he said. “For small and family …

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 a report by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.…

… have a current business continuity plan, according to a report by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise … Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry report, tabled in Federal Parliament today, found that taking … clarity and certainty of the support available.” The report finds governments at all levels and the business …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman backs tax report

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has strongly backed a call from the Inspector-General of Taxation for the Australian Taxation Office to more consistently and transparently…

… Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman backs tax report 14 October 2021 The Australian Small Business and … appeal decisions. “This is a significant investigation and report by the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation … to help people as part of their Charter.”  Ms Payne’s report called for the Tax Office to update the Taxpayers’ …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

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…

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 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…

… has been extended until 15 September.   Mr Billson’s report will be handed to the government in December.   MEDIA … has been extended until 15 September.   Mr Billson’s report will be handed to the government in December.   MEDIA …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

DIGITAL PLATFORM PROVIDERS NEED TO DO BETTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has called on digital platform providers to dramatically improve their dispute resolution processes for small business.

Mr Billson said there has been a noticeable…

… involving digital platform providers, and since July 2020 the Ombudsman has taken on more 236 cases involving … with scammers only removing them once they receive payment. “Most disturbingly, there are commercial service … with scammers only removing them once they receive payment. “Most disturbingly, there are commercial service …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

ACCC Supermarket Inquiry highlights need for continuing vigilance to support fairness

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Supermarket Inquiry report confirms that the supermarket sector is highly concentrated and unduly challenging for small business suppliers, says the Australian Small Business and Family…

… and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC)  Supermarket Inquiry report confirms that the supermarket sector is highly … Ombudsman. Mr Billson welcomed the release of the ACCC’s report and expressed encouragement at the Government’s … and community vitality”, Mr Billson said.   The ACCC’s report notes ASBFEO’s citing of results of the Independent …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

MEDIA RELEASE: Small business Ombudsman's guide to using social media securely

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide for small businesses using social media as their business platform, with tips to reduce the chances of being hacked.

“Using social media can be a…

… turn ads on or off and can remove or update advertising payment information. Have your account/s set up so the … account recovery (should you need it). Create a separate payment method that is only used for your social media … all users require full admin access. “If you are hacked, report your issue immediately to the platform and make sure …

Media Centre item
ASBFEO Live

40,000 SMALL BUSINESSES HELPED BY OMBUDSMAN

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has reached the milestone of helping 40,000 small businesses seeking assistance with a dispute.

Ombudsman Bruce Billson said this was a significant moment for the agency.

“…

… The latest data, published in the ASBFEO Quarterly Report, reveals 26% of cases relate to digital services. “The … about the Tax Concierge Service and the Quarterly Report. MEDIA CONTACT: 0448 467 178 … The Australian Small … The latest data, published in the ASBFEO Quarterly Report, reveals 26% of cases relate to digital services. “The …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Hands-on ombudsman tackles digital divide for business

Originally published by The Canberra Times.

WHEN Paul, the proprietor of Zenbar Massage, was setting up his remedial massage business in Dickson last year, one of his early priorities was to promote his service.

After researching…

… 01 August 2023 Originally published by The Canberra Times. WHEN Paul, the proprietor of Zenbar Massage, was … the marketing service and within two months negotiated the payment of all the funds owed to Paul. Having the ombudsman … the marketing service and within two months negotiated the payment of all the funds owed to Paul. Having the ombudsman …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Don't be a 3G switch-off casualty

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Dusty Fitzpatrick.

2BS Bathurst

Subject: Don’t be a 3G switch-off casualty

Dusty Fitzpatrick

The Australian Small…

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Dusty Fitzpatrick.

2BS Bathurst

Subject: Don’t be a 3G switch-off casualty

Dusty Fitzpatrick

The Australian Small…

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

OMBUDSMAN SUPPORTS ‘RIGHT-SIZED’ PRIVACY CHANGES FOR SMALL BUSINESS

The public rightly expects any personal information collected and stored by businesses - whether they are large or small - will be protected, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson. 

Mr. Billson…

… reforms around cyber risk management, Digital ID, payment times, deepening the digital engagement of small business and … reforms around cyber risk management, Digital ID, payment times, deepening the digital engagement of small …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

… for ASBFEO’s input into the Treasury departments annual report.  ASBFEO Key Performance Indicators include: … for ASBFEO’s input into the Treasury departments annual report.  ASBFEO Key Performance Indicators include: …

Ombudsman launches Inquiry into Commonwealth Procurement

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has launched an Inquiry to examine the impact of reforms to Commonwealth procurement rules on small business.

The Inquiry was referred to the Ombudsman by the Minister…

… be sent to inquiries@asbfeo.gov.au by 1 July 2023. A final report with recommendations will be given to the Australian … be sent to inquiries@asbfeo.gov.au by 1 July 2023. A final report with recommendations will be given to the Australian …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
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…

… he said. “Scammers may sign you up for a single or monthly payment which they take from your credit card but they … a scam should contact the new National Anti-Scam Centre’s ‘Report a Scam’ page on their website  … 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

SMALL BUSINESSES URGED TO TAKE URGENT ACTION TO SAFEGUARD INTERNET IDENTITY

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has implored small businesses to take urgent action to safeguard their brand and identity on the internet or risk seeing impersonators, web-name ‘campers’ or cyber criminals…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has implored small businesses to take urgent action to safeguard their brand and identity on the internet or risk seeing impersonators, web-name ‘campers’ or cyber criminals…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
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…

… Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed the final report of the independent review of the Banking Code … the committee with expertise in small business. The final report also includes a recommendation to revitalise the … strategy and planning inquiries “We welcome the final report of the independent review of the BCCC, noting the …

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…

… Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry report included 16 recommendations. “It is clear from our … clarity and certainty of the support available.” The report found that governments at all levels and the business … disasters.” Among the recommendations and findings, the report says: There should be a “certainty of response” for …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

I fear we are sleepwalking into a 'big corporate' economy

Originally published in the Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

We need to do more to support small and family businesses. These enterprises, and the driven and courageous women and men that lead them, are the engine-room of our economy…

… 17 February 2025 Originally published in the Canberra Times By Bruce Billson We need to do more to support small … cashflow concerns, digital impacts, cyber threats, poor payment times and an ever-changing business landscape. … workplace obligations to employees, meet tax reporting and payment obligations in a timely way and pay small business …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Thank you to our small business entrepreneurs

Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, is calling on the community to join him today in saying a big thank you to the women and men running our small and family businesses.

Mr Billson said World Micro, Small…

… not overlook their own mental health during such difficult times. “This can feel unrelenting, and it is vitally … not overlook their own mental health during such difficult times. “This can feel unrelenting, and it is vitally …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Kindly customers urged to spend big with small business

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging shoppers to spend big with small businesses this weekend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales predicted to smash records.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday…

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging shoppers to spend big with small businesses this weekend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales predicted to smash records.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday…

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

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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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