Budget 2022: Government commits $15 million to SME mental health support and debt counselling as economic pressures mount
The federal government will commit nearly $15 million in funding to mental health support and debt counselling for small business owners in the upcoming federal budget.
SMEs have just four weeks to pre-register for .au URLs as business groups fear for those left behind
Small businesses have four weeks to register a new .au domain name before those URLs become available to the general public.
Bruce Billson urges SMEs to consider .au domain before the cutoff that could prove “catastrophic”
Until auDA's 20 September deadline, owners of domain names will have priority access to the .au shortened domains for their sites.
Ombudsman names and shames electric ‘undergarment’ training company 20Volts for refusing to engage in mediation
The ombudsman accused 20Volts, which offers electro muscular stimulation training, of failing to engage with alternative dispute resolution processes brought forward by an unnamed small business.
Billson calls on government to help SMEs resolve disputes with social media giants
The small business ombudsman has advocated for government support for small businesses that trade on digital platforms, in his submission to the ACCC's digital platform services inquiry.
It’s time to talk about mental wellbeing at work
While COVID-19 has seen us take stock of our stress levels, need for discussion around mental wellbeing in the workplace remains.
Small business groups slam lengthy payment times as government launches payment times register
Large Australian companies are offering small business suppliers average payment terms of 37 days, despite ongoing calls from small business groups for a benchmark of 14 days.
Part of a “strong and thriving culture”: Prioritising mental health in the workplace
Speaking on a recent SmartCompany webinar hosted by MYOB Chief Employee Experience Officer Helen Lea, an expert panel shared how business owners can take the lead in prioritising mental health as we enter this next stage of post-pandemic life.
A guide to resources for proactive mental health management for SMEs
ASBFEO, MYOB and Smiling Mind have prepared a list of resources for proactive mental health management that are bespoke to the needs of SMEs.
Australia Post reverses ban on perishable goods that would have been a “crushing blow” to small businesses
Australia Post has walked back from its decision to stop shipping perishable goods and will now work with Small Business Ombudsman Bruce Billson to support small business food producers.
Ombudsman, small business division moved from industry portfolio to Treasury
The office of the Australian Small Business Ombudsman and the federal government's small business division have been moved out of the Department of Industry and into Treasury.
Delay in outlawing unfair contracts is harming small businesses, says Rod Sims
Small businesses across the country are still being subjected to unfair contract terms and there’s “no doubt” a delay in the government’s plans to make such terms illegal is costing those businesses greatly, says competition boss Rod Sims.
