Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

The Australian Government is seeking applications for the role of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (the Ombudsman). The functions of the Ombudsman are to advocate for, and give assistance to, small businesses and family enterprises. The role is a statutory appointment under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015 (the Act). Staff within the Treasury support the Ombudsman to perform its functions.

The Ombudsman undertakes two key functions under the Act.

• The assistance function enables the Ombudsman to receive and respond to requests for assistance in relation to small business and family enterprise matters that fall within the Commonwealth’s constitutional powers.
• The advocacy function, defined as ‘advocate for small businesses and family enterprises in relation to relevant legislation, policies, and practices’, involves research and inquiries into legislation, policies and practices affecting small businesses and family enterprises.

The Act defines a small business or family enterprise as having fewer than 100 employees and/or annual turnover under $5 million.

The Office of the Ombudsman also performs other functions including:

• facilitating mediation and dispute resolution advisor services under the Franchising, Horticulture, Dairy, and Oil Codes of Conduct
• the Small Business Tax Concierge service that assists small businesses in their disputes with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• assistance for small business in dispute with another business or government agency
• direct assistance to small businesses in obtaining a ‘no adverse costs’ order in certain proceedings
• assistance to small businesses engaging with the ATO’s Compensation for Detriment and Defective Administration Scheme.

Applications close at 11:59 AEST, 10 August 2025

To apply and for a copy of the candidate information pack: Please go to www.derwentsearch.com.au and click on ‘search jobs’.

Your application requires a resume (up to four pages) and a two-page pitch describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role.

For enquiries: Please contact Emma Alberici on 0419 683 660 or publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au, referencing the job number 33123.