I am pleased to announce legislation establishing the first small business and family enterprise ombudsman has received royal assent.
This is the very first time in our nation’s history that the words “family enterprise” are used in the title of legislation. Ensuring “family enterprise” is recognised in this legislation reflects the high respect the Government holds for the hard working women and men who make up our small business community.
Today marks the start of the recruitment process to appoint the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (the Ombudsman).
Building a strong and confident small business and family enterprise community is an important part of the Abbott Government’s commitment to delivering a productive and competitive economy.
Establishing the Ombudsman was a key 2013 election commitment, and I am delighted to announce that, following today’s advertising of the Ombudsman position, we are one step closer to fulfilling this promise to the small businesses and family enterprises of Australia.
I encourage interested persons with relevant qualifications and experience to apply for this position, which will be run as an open, merit‑based selection process.
Filling a statutory role and operating with legislated functions and powers, the Ombudsman will have real capability to deliver benefits for small businesses.
The Ombudsman will be a:
- Commonwealth wide advocate for small businesses and family enterprises;
- concierge for dispute resolution; and
- contributor to the development of small business friendly Commonwealth laws and regulations.
The Ombudsman will also offer its own, outsourced alternative dispute resolution service.
To find out more about the position, including the selection criteria, please visit the Treasury website, or call: Mark Lelliott at NGS Global on (03) 8626 0621.