ASBFEO proposes federal ‘small claims’ tribunal to help SMEs seek cheaper, faster justice

Australia’s small businesses deserve affordable access to justice through the Federal Court, the national small business ombudsman says, proposing a small claims tribunal-style alternative to lengthy and financially exhausting legal proceedings.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson is calling for the development of a Federal Circuit Court system to hear small business disputes.

Speaking on Canberra’s Radio 2CC on Wednesday, Billson said the legal system and regulators provide some protection to small businesses.

Yet chasing justice through the Federal Court can be too time-consuming and costly for small businesses to pursue, he said.

“There’s a whole bunch of laws at the moment that try and support fair and reasonable commercial conduct, whether it’s between suppliers and supermarket chains or more broadly in the economy,” Billson said.