(22 December 2025 – Australia) The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has announced the Hon Bruce Billson’s successor.
The current Victorian Small Business Commissioner, Lynda McAlary-Smith, will commence in her new role at the expiration of Mr Billson’s five year term on 11 March 2026.
“Lynda brings deep experience, sound judgment and a genuine understanding of the small business community. I commend Minister Dr Anne Aly on such an insightful appointment” commented CAFBA Chair of Advocacy & Quantum Business Finance Co-Founder, David Gandolfo.
“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 stated.
“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.
“In announcing Lynda’s appointment, the Minister’s thanks for my significant contribution and strong advocacy on behalf of the small and family business community are appreciated,” Mr Billson said.