Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

29/10/2026

Don’t let cyber criminals trick you this spooky season 👻

Keep your small biz safe all year round with these simple steps:
👉 Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
👉 Update your passwords regularly
👉 Turn on automatic software updates
👉 Regularly back up your files and devices
👉 Consider using eInvoicing or PayID
👉 Talk to your staff about cyber security
👉 Know who has access to your data

Visit asbfeo.gov.au/cyber-security for more

27/10/2026

Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of ✨

Thinking about turning your business dreams into reality?

We’ve just updated our resources for starting a small business webpage to help you get started 👉 asbfeo.gov.au/starting-a-business

26/10/2026

Disputes aren’t always about proving who is right or wrong. Sometimes, they’re about finding a practical way forward.

In her latest op-ed, our Ombudsman, Lynda McAlary-Smith, shares why early intervention matters and the support available to small businesses experiencing a dispute.

Read the full article 👉 https://businessbuilders.com.au/business-advice/business-tips/when-disputes-arise-dont-go-it-alone/

22/10/2026

Heading to the 2026 First Nations Business Showcase?

Don't miss your chance to chat with our team to learn more about how we can support your small biz!

📍 National W**e Centre, Adelaide
📅 Wednesday 4 November

Find out where we’ll be next 👉 asbfeo.gov.au/events

19/10/2026

The National AI Centre is conducting a national survey asking businesses across Australia to share their experiences with AI 💭

Take part and share what’s working, what’s not and where you’re seeing value. Your insights will help to build Australia’s biggest picture of AI use in business.

Find out more 👇

What's your experience with AI?

Are you saving time? Finding new ways to work? Still figuring out where it fits?

We're asking organisations across Australia to share how they're using AI, the value they're seeing, and the challenges they're facing.

This national survey will help build a clearer picture of AI use across Australia, and contribute to one of Australia's most comprehensive datasets on AI use.

The survey is open to Australian organisations, including business of all sizes and not-for-profits.

Register now to take part and be counted: bit.ly/4h5GP5K

15/10/2026

October is National Safe Work Month, a timely reminder that a safe workplace is good for both your people and your business ⚠️

The theme for National Safe Work Month in 2026 is ‘Safe work is for life’, which recognises that WHS is about more than preventing harm in the moment. It’s about designing safe and healthy work that prevents injury, illness and long-term harm that can affect every part of life.

Creating a safe workplace doesn't have to be complicated. Small, regular improvements can help protect your team, reduce disruption and build a stronger business 🫱🏼‍🫲🏼

Here’s what you can do:
👉 identify and address workplace hazards
👉 talk with your workers about safety concerns
👉 review your policies and procedures
👉 make sure staff have the training they need

Learn more about National Safe Work Month 👉 https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month

Safe Work Australia

13/10/2026

Yesterday our Ombudsman, Lynda McAlary-Smith delivered a keynote address and took part in a Fireside Chat at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Leader’s Summit.

In her address, Lynda spoke about the trends we’re seeing through our assistance function, challenges and opportunities our small businesses continue to face, and what decision makers should consider when developing policies.

Photo credit: ACCI

13/10/2026

October is Cyber Security Action Month, a reminder that taking simple steps can make a big difference to protecting your business, staff and customers.

Take a moment to:
👉 Enable multi-factor authentication
👉 Turn on automatic updates to keep your software and systems protected
👉 Regularly back up your files and data

Investing a little time now can help reduce the risk of business disruption later.

For more cyber security tips visit 👉 asbfeo.gov.au/cyber-security

12/10/2026

Last week, our Ombudsman, Lynda McAlary-Smith, and Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy, Aidan Storer, were in Darwin for October Business Month.

From networking events to roundtable discussions, they heard firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in the Territory.

Most importantly, they created space for direct and honest conversations about what it really takes to start, run and grow a business.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences with us – these conversations reinforce the importance of hearing directly from the small business community to inform our advocacy and assistance work.

Australian Financial Complaints Authority ACCC The Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations Australian Institute of Company Directors Business Enterprise Centre NT

09/10/2026

Running a small business can be rewarding, but managing customers, finances, staff and day-to-day responsibilities can also be demanding.

This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself – because looking after your mental health is not just good for you, it's good for your business too 🫶

If you need more support, there are services available to help:
👉 NewAccess for Small Business by Beyond Blue is a free, confidential online coaching service that offers flexible and personalised mental health support
👉 The Small Business Debt Helpline has a team of qualified financial counsellors who can provide free, independent and confidential advice
👉 Smiling Mind offers a free mindfulness program for small business owners through the Smiling Mind app
👉 If you’re experiencing emotional distress, you can access Lifeline's 24-hour crisis support service

For more mental health tips visit 👉 asbfeo.gov.au/mental-health