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 allow small and family businesses to start, grow and succeed. 

Established under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015, ASBFEO was created to do something simple but vital: level the playing field. 

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 job is running a small business, representing 35 per cent of small business owners – the same share as across all business owners nationally, according to the ABS Census. 

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 Australia’s small and family businesses.

Resilience, realism and resolve shape the small business outlook

February 2026

Australia’s sole traders — the spirited, self-starting enterprising women and men who power our communities — are far more numerous and diverse than most policy settings recognise. New analysis by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), drawing on customised integrated administrative data in the ABS’ DataLab insights, reveals a vibrant enterprise cohort that has long been hiding in plain sight.

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 commence in her new role on 11 March 2026 at the expiration of Mr Billson’s 5-year term.

Key highlights: ASBFEO Small Business Pulse November 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 themselves on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurement, as climate-related financial disclosures requirements for large businesses and some government entities, could see SMEs asked for their GHG emissions if they are a supplier.

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 Australian community. And for some of Australia’s largest businesses that once started out as a family business, their business success is also part of Australia’s economic fabric.

August 2025