Running a small business in Australia involves navigating federal and state regulatory requirements, managing cash flow and, at times, pursuing payment from larger businesses that are slow to pay. These resources provide advisory support, dispute resolution and practical tools for small businesses dealing with those challenges.

ASBFEO — Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is an independent federal office established specifically to assist small businesses and family enterprises. The Ombudsman has specific powers to assist small businesses in supply chain disputes, including payment disputes with larger companies. If your business is having trouble getting paid by a large counterparty, ASBFEO can assist with dispute resolution, referral to appropriate bodies and, in some cases, direct conciliation. ASBFEO also advocates on systemic issues affecting small businesses and does not charge small businesses for its services.

asbfeo.gov.au — Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman: Dispute resolution assistance, inquiry service, policy advocacy and small business resources including payment dispute guidance.
ASBFEO — Dispute Support: How the Ombudsman can assist with business disputes, including supply chain and payment issues between small businesses and larger companies.

business.gov.au

business.gov.au is the Australian Government's single entry point for business information. It brings together information from federal and state agencies covering licences and permits, grants, regulatory obligations, tax and planning tools. For small businesses, it is the starting point for understanding what is required to operate legally in your industry and state, and for finding government support programmes relevant to your situation.

business.gov.au — Federal business portal: Licences and permits finder (ABLIS), grants finder, regulatory obligations, business planning tools and links to state and territory services.
business.gov.au — Grants and programs finder: Search available federal and state grants relevant to your business type and location.

State and territory small business advisory services

Each state and territory operates dedicated small business advisory services that provide localised guidance, workshops and referrals. Contact the service for your state for information on local licensing requirements, grants and business support programmes.

Business Victoria — business.vic.gov.au: Victorian Government small business advisory portal including business advisory services, workshops and regulatory guidance.
Business NSW via Service NSW — business.nsw.gov.au: NSW small business advisory services, licences, grants and regulatory information delivered through Service NSW.
Business Queensland — business.qld.gov.au: Queensland Government business portal covering licences, grants, planning and industry-specific guidance.
Business SA — business.sa.gov.au: South Australian Government small business advisory services and regulatory information.
Small Business Development Corporation WA — smallbusiness.wa.gov.au: SBDC provides free and low-cost advisory services, dispute resolution assistance and business information for Western Australian small businesses.
NT Government business support — nt.gov.au: Northern Territory business advisory services, licences and industry support programmes.

Payment Times Disclosure Register

Under the Payment Times Reporting Act 2020 (Cth), large businesses with annual turnover above the reporting threshold must report their payment terms and practices to the federal government. The Payment Times Disclosure Register makes this information publicly searchable. For small businesses, the register is a practical tool: before entering a supply relationship with a large counterparty, you can check their reported payment times to assess how promptly they pay their suppliers — and factor that into your credit decisions.

paymentregister.gov.au — Payment Times Disclosure Register: Search large business payment terms and practices — helps small businesses assess a counterparty's payment behaviour before extending credit or entering a supply agreement.

ATO Business Portal

The Australian Taxation Office's Online Services for Business (accessed via my.ato.gov.au) allows business owners to manage tax obligations, lodge Business Activity Statements, access payment plan information and communicate with the ATO about tax debts. If your business is experiencing cash flow difficulties — for example, because a major customer has not paid — the ATO has a small business debt helpline and can arrange payment plans for eligible businesses.

my.ato.gov.au — ATO Online Services for Business: BAS lodgement, tax obligations, payment plans and ATO correspondence for Australian businesses.

Related Merion resources

Business.gov.au directory page — detailed guide to the federal business portal and related registers including ABN Lookup and ASIC.
Payment Terms & Commercial Law — PPSR, SOPA and other legal tools for protecting your business against non-payment.
Financial Hardship Help — resources for businesses and individuals dealing with financial difficulty.

Small Business Support