Business owners impacted by natural disasters invited to meet with Ombudsman

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson is set to visit Healesville on Wednesday, February 23 to meet with small business owners who have been impacted by natural disasters. They are encouraging people from Murrindindi to take part in the event, and to take the online survey.

Mr Billson says he is keen to speak with bushfire-impacted small business owners at a feedback session to be held at The Memo Hall, Nan Francis Room, 256 Maroondah Highway, Healesville on Wednesday, February 23 from 3.30 to 4.30pm.

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

“What we learn from small businesses in this session, will help inform the work on our current Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry, including recommendations to improve education and engagement programs to best target and assist small businesses in preparing for natural disasters.”

He is particularly encouraging small and family business owners to take part in the important discussion.
Small business operators who are unable to make a feedback session can contribute their insights at asbfeo.gov.au/small-business-natural-disaster-preparedness-and-resilience-inquiry-form or complete the online survey at tinyurl.com/325y2t8m