#Australian Small Business And Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Paper identifies ways to simplify the workplace relations system for the small business sector
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has released a position paper identifying ways to reduce the complexity of the workplace relations system for small businesses. “We have had significant consultations with small businesses over the last two years and the overwhelming view is the legislation is far too complicated for the […]
Ombudsman calls for small businesses to share examples of ‘heavy handed tactics’ by the ATO
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has encouraged business owners to urgently contact her office if they have experienced “heavy handed tactics” by the Australian Taxation Office. The Ombudsman, together with the inspector-General of Taxation Ali Noroozi, has been directed by the Treasury to examine cases of unfair conduct the ATO. The investigation, […]
New inquiry into international initiatives that provide SMEs affordable access to capital
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has commenced an inquiry into international initiatives designed to address the funding gap for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). [Related: Small Business Ombudsman calls for Govt to consider UK approach to boosting SME finance, Major barriers to SME investment explored by new report from […]
ASIC report provides small business lenders with guidance on unfair contract terms laws
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released a report detailing changes made by the big four banks to remove unfair terms from their small business loan contracts of up to $1 million. The report, Unfair contract terms and small business loans, also provides detailed guidance to bank and non-bank small business lenders about compliance with […]
Fintech Code of Conduct recommended by report into best-practice for SME lenders
A report outlining steps being taken by fintech lenders to increase transparency and disclosure has been released by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), Kate Carnell, in partnership with FinTech Australia and theBankDoctor.org. The report, Fintech lending to small and medium sized enterprises: Improving transparency and disclosure, looks at the different approaches to […]
Small businesses urged to air grievances with the Royal Commission into the banking sector
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has encouraged small businesses that have suffered from ‘questionable conduct’ by the banks to tell the Royal Commission into misconduct in the banking industry, now underway. Regarding the Royal Commission, Carnell told Dynamic Business that she’d like to see small businesses share examples of “scenarios […]
Committee endorses visa worker levy but Kate Carnell warns of angst for small businesses
A Senate committee has deemed it ‘wholly appropriate’ that employers pay a levy to access overseas workers; however, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, considers this “another blow” for small businesses. [Related article: Federal Budget: foreign worker tax introduced] In October, last year, the Federal Government introduced the Migration Amendment (Skilling Australians […]
Small businesses face stiff penalties under new data breaches scheme, Ombudsman warns
With just over three weeks until mandatory data breach reporting laws come into effect, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), Kate Carnell, has urged small businesses to ensure they are prepared as a matter of urgency. From 22 February, organisations with personal information security obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 will be […]
Accountants urge government to legislate against the late payment of small businesses
The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has called for the Federal Government to improve the financial outlook of SMEs by introducing a loan guarantee scheme and legislating maximum payment times for business-to-business transactions. In its 2018 pre-Budget submission, the IPA – a professional accounting body representing 35,000 accountants, business advisers, academics and students – made […]
Small business cyber security guide released
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has released a cybersecurity guide to educate business operators about the risks and help them prevent cyberattacks. Noting that 60% of small firms that experienced a cyber breach went out of business within the following six months, Ombudsman Kate Carnell said operators couldn’t afford to be complacent […]
Small business ombudsman Kate Carnell calls for prompt payment of government subbies
Stating that small business subcontractors are vulnerable to delayed payments, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell has announced she is examining payment terms and conditions for “subbies” working on government projects. “Most government departments pay their invoices within 30 days, but when a prime contractor is appointed to manage a project […]
Rising energy costs curtailing SME growth; Ombudsman blames price gouging, politics
Research showing that SMEs are reducing capital expenditure due to rising energy prices has prompted criticism of the state governments by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. The Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, pointed to the latest East & Partners SME survey* of 1280 businesses, which showed that 39.5% of SMES plan to scale back […]
NAB “first off the mark” with shorter, plain English loan contracts for small businesses
National Australia Bank’s decision to introduce shorter, plain English loan contracts for small business borrowers has been welcomed by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. According to the bank, more than 130,000 business owners will benefit from the complete overhaul of its existing business standard loan form contract, which involved simplifying contractual clauses, […]
Turnbull Government cracks down on phoenix directors
Company directors will be issued with unique identification numbers as part of Federal Government reforms designed deter and penalise directors who engage in illegal phoenixing activity. The reforms were announced this week by Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer, who said illegal phoenixing – the stripping and transfer of assets from one company […]
Most small businesses owners haven’t taken advantage of the $20k instant asset write-off
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has encouraged small business operators to take advantage of the Government’s instant asset write-off extension. More businesses are now eligible to buy equipment (new or second hand) up to $20,000 and write it off immediately after legislation passed the Senate. Multiple claims can be made under the […]
‘Act like a large company’ and other tips to help SMEs avoid the sting of late payments
Last week, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman released the findings of the Inquiry into Payment Times and Practices in Australia. The results were startling but, for many small businesses across Australia, they were not surprising. The inquiry revealed almost half of small business are owed more than $20,000 from late payments, and […]