The Minister for Small Business, the Hon. Michael McCormack MP announced the first independent review of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (the Ombudsman) on the 15 March 2017.
The review concluded that the Ombudsman is operating effectively and efficiently, both in advocating for small businesses and family enterprises and assisting them navigate a complex dispute resolution system.
The review also noted the balance between the Ombudsman’s advocacy and assistance functions is appropriate to ensure its independence and impartiality.
A number of recommendations were made to build the Ombudsman’s effectiveness by increasing engagement with small businesses, improving collaboration and information sharing with other agencies and enhancing the Ombudsman’s input into policy and legislation that impacts small businesses.
Under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015, the Minister for Small Business is required to appoint a suitably qualified and independent person to conduct a review of the Ombudsman every four years.
Independent expert, Ms Su McCluskey, led the review with the support of the secretariat provided by Nous Group.
A number of parties made submissions to the review.
Questions regarding the review may be directed to sbombudsmanreview@treasury.gov.au or Robert Sale at Nous Group +61 2 6201 9025.