On 13 November 2024, the Australian Government announced the appointment of Ms Judy O’Connell as the independent reviewer for the Statutory Review of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
Under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015 there must be a review of the assistance function of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) every 4 years. There have been 2 prior reviews of the ASBFEO, in 2017 and 2021.
As the ASBFEO approaches 10 years of operation, it was timely to undertake a broader review of its functions and operation.
Ms O’Connell delivered the final report to the Minister for Small Business, the Hon Dr Anne Aly, after wide consultation with the small business sector.
Timeline
- 22 November 2024 – The independent reviewer released a consultation paper which gave stakeholders an opportunity to provide input into the review.
- 30 January 2025– The independent reviewer released a stakeholder survey seeking feedback from:
- small businesses
- family enterprises
- franchisees and franchisors
- representatives of small business and family enterprises.
- 24 February 2025 – The independent reviewer released a mediator survey to the mediators on ASBFEO’s alternative dispute resolution practitioners list.
- 18 June 2025 – The independent reviewer delivered a review report and recommendations to the Minister for Small Business, the Hon Dr Anne Aly.
- 2 September 2025 – The Minister for Small Business tabled the final report.
Terms of reference
See the Terms of reference
Media and news
- Media release – Review of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman – 13 November 2024