How can the government help small businesses impacted by natural disaster?

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson is hitting the road to uncover how the government can better assist small businesses affected by natural disasters.

Billson will visit natural disaster-hit areas across the country seeking on-the-ground feedback from impacted business owners.

Feedback sessions will inform future support

The Ombudsman will kick off his roadshow on Monday 14 February 2022 in Rockhampton with sessions planned for most Australian regions impacted by disasters including Kangaroo Island and Tasmania. The conversations with business owners will help to inform the Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry.

“We want to hear from small and family business owners who have lived experience of a natural disaster and have ideas about how best the government can support them to prepare and remain resilient in the case of an unavoidable event,” Billson says.

“What we learn from small businesses on this tour, will help inform our recommendations to improve education and engagement programs to best target and assist small businesses in preparing for natural disasters such as fires, floods and drought.”

Disasters devastating impact on business

The Ombudsman acknowledged disasters can have a devastating impact on local businesses and that recovery can take years.

“It can mean damaged and destroyed assets, reduced production and revenue streams, and sadly, a business-ending event in some cases that can have devastating personal impacts. Recovery can be lengthy – taking a heavy toll on small business owners, their staff and the broader community, but can be greatly assisted by good preparedness,” Billson said.

Billson believes the cost of natural disasters and the time it takes for small businesses to get back on their feet could be reduced by being better prepared, taking  risk and impact mitigation action and bolstering resilience.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be visiting more than 20 areas across six states and territories that have been impacted by fires, floods and cyclones. I encourage small and family business owners to take part in this important discussion,” he concluded.

Small business operators who are unable to make a feedback session can contribute their insights here.

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