Small business help in Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has no dedicated Small Business Commissioner. Access Canberra Business Assist is the closest analogue. Business disputes go to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT). For B2B and B2G disputes, ASBFEO is the right route. For tax debt and financial counselling, the Small Business Debt Helpline (1800 413 828) is the right call.
Who to contact in ACT
- Access Canberra Business Assist (no dedicated SBC)
- Free advice
- N/A — disputes route to ACAT
- Advice only — no statutory mediation function
Important for crisis routing
When the state SBC isn't the right fit
Where to send your matter next.
Access Canberra Business Assist
small business
ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT)
general
National services that do most of the work
For tax debt, financial counselling, mental health, and formal insolvency, national services are the right call regardless of state.
Small Business Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
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Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
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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Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners
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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Lifeline Australia
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Phone, text, or chat. Free, confidential.
Free
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