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AUSTRALIAN SMALL BUSINESS AND FAMILY ENTERPRISE OMBUDSMAN WELCOMES SUCCESSOR

AUSTRALIAN SMALL BUSINESS AND FAMILY ENTERPRISE OMBUDSMAN

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), the Hon Bruce Billson has welcomed the announcement of Lynda McAlary-Smith as his successor.

Ms McAlary-Smith is the current Victorian Small Business Commissioner and will commence in her new role on 11 March 2026  at the expiration of Mr Billson’s 5-year term.

“Lynda is an excellent choice as the next Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, given her established network of stakeholders, regulators and policy makers and experience in dispute resolution and advocacy in support of small business in Victoria”, Mr Billson said.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the transition and ensuring Australia’s small and family business community continue to have a strong and fearless ally in their corner, an authoritative and persuasive voice and an advocate of constructive policy measures and initiatives that will help to ‘energise enterprise’.

“After a record year of assistance requests, ground-breaking analytical and research insights and real and meaningful progress on many advocacy priorities including ‘right-sizing’ regulation, improved small business access to justice and then need for more targeted tax reform, ASBFEO has positive momentum that with Lynda at the helm, will no doubt carry forward and be added to.

“In announcing Lynda’s appointment, the Minister’s thanks for my significant contribution and strong advocacy on behalf of the small and family business community are appreciated,” Mr Billson said.

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