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How to resolve AdBlock issue? McAlary-Smith succeeds Billson as ASBFEO
THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) 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 March 11, 2026 at the expiration of Mr Billson’s five-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.
Federal Small Business Minister, Anne Aly said the role of the ASBFEO had grown in importance over recent years and she congratulated outgoing ombudsman, Bruce Billson, on his skill in helping small business leaders to navigate challenges continually being thrown at the sector. 
“With more than 800,000 new small businesses since May 2022, it’s obvious that Australia is a great place to start and grow a small business,” Dr Aly said.
“The Ombudsman plays an important role in helping us to ensure small businesses have the conditions they need to not only get off the ground but to thrive.
“Ms McAlary‑Smith will be a strong advocate for the more than 2.6 million small businesses and family enterprises right across Australia.
“I also thank outgoing Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, for his significant contributions to the small and family business community and for his strong advocacy on their behalf.”
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