13YARN
24/7 national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lifeline crisis supporters.
13 92 7624/7
Free
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The places we point Australian small business owners first. Every record carries a last-checked date, a source link, and a clear note on who they help and who they don't. We do not list commercial debt-relief operators.
We do not refer to commercial debt-relief operators.
Every service we point you to is free or low-cost, government-funded or not-for-profit, and independent of creditors. If a paid operator is offering to negotiate your ATO debt or run a Part IX agreement for a fee, talk to the Small Business Debt Helpline first — 1800 413 828, free.
24/7 national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lifeline crisis supporters.
Free
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24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Phone, text, or chat. Free, confidential.
Free
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24/7 free professional counselling for anyone affected by suicide. Eligible callers can get up to four scheduled sessions with the same counsellor.
Free
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Free six-session mental health coaching for small business owners under stress. Coaches have small business backgrounds. No GP referral required.
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Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
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Free, confidential personal financial counselling — for the personal side of a sole trader's debts, or anyone whose business has folded and is now dealing with creditors as an individual.
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Federal statutory ombudsman for small business. Free assistance with disputes against other businesses or government, plus a Tax Concierge for ATO matters.
Free assistance. A $100 first-hour co-payment applies for the Small Business Dispute Help legal-advice service and for the Tax Concierge Service.
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Payment plans you may be able to set up yourself for tax debts of $200,000 or less via Online Services for Business or the self-help phone line. Higher amounts and complex cases via the assisted line.
Interest (GIC) is the main cost, and it keeps building daily while the plan runs. Security isn't automatic, but the ATO can require it in some cases. If it takes security, or has already started recovery action, you pay those costs too.
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The official register of registered trustees and debt agreement administrators for personal insolvency. The sole-trader insolvency path goes through AFSA.
Search is free. Trustee and administrator fees vary; agree fees in writing before any engagement. Be wary of operators who advertise heavily — call the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 for an independent opinion before signing anything.
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The official ASIC search for registered liquidators and small business restructuring practitioners. Verify any practitioner you're considering, before paying any fee.
Search is free. Initial consultation with a practitioner is usually free. Appointment fees vary — agree fees in writing before any engagement.
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24/7 helpline and on-site suicide prevention for construction workers and small construction-business owners, with peer support on sites. A case example in the World Health Organization's 2021 suicide prevention guide.
Free
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24/7 free, confidential phone counselling for anyone working in Australian music or the arts. Crisis Relief grants are for people who work in music.
Free
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No-interest loans up to $2,000 for essential goods and services, and up to $3,000 for bond on a new rental or costs after a natural disaster. NILs pays the supplier directly; it can't be used for cash, bills, rent or debts.
No interest, no fees, no charges. Loan amount is what you repay.
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For personal (non-business) help services, see the free services directory.
Mental health support is free, confidential, and one tap away.