Looking after mental health
- Beyond Blue – New Access for Small Business Owners is a free mental health coaching program. Call 1300 945 301 for more information.
- Lifeline is available 24/7 to provide compassionate support for people in crisis. Call 13 11 14 or access their crisis support online chat.
Help managing debts
Below are actions you can take if you're concerned about debt:
- access specialised support services available for your mental health and wellbeing
- update your financial and business records to get the most effective advice
- seek free assistance from trusted advisors to understand your options
- connect with industry associations and business groups for valuable peer support
- consult with specialists if you're considering business closure.
Debt counselling
The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free government service for those in financial difficulty.
- Call 1800 413 828 – 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (AEST), Monday to Friday
- Live Chat with a financial counsellor – 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. Call 1300 771 741 to be connected to your local FRCS service.
The Australian Banking Association has a Financial Assistance Hub for individuals and businesses experiencing financial hardship. The website also has hardship team contact details for most Australian banks.
Small business restructure
Financially distressed companies may be eligible for a small business restructure, an option which enables the company's director/s to propose a plan to settle debts while retaining control of the business. For more information, go to Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) website on restructuring plans.
Check ASIC's list of registered liquidators to find a registered small business restructuring practitioner.
Help with tax and Business Activity Statement (BAS)
Seek advice from a registered Tax Agent or BAS Agent. Always check they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
The National Tax Clinic Program is a free service for eligible small businesses and individuals to access tax advice and support.
The Australian Tax Office (ATO) offers support in difficult times, including:
- support to lodge and pay
- Cash Flow Coaching Kit
- Natural disaster support.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) offers a Tax Concierge Service to help small business owners navigate the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) process. Call 1300 650 460 for more information
Resolving a problem
The ASBFEO also helps small businesses try to resolve disputes with other businesses or federal government agencies.
Call 1300 650 460 – 8am to 8pm (AEST), Monday to Friday
State-based Small Business Commissioners are available to offer support to small business owners in their state. Support services may include mediation and compliance advice.
Protecting assets
Registering on the Personal Property Securities Register is a way to let people know if personal property such as cars, goods or company assets have security interests over them.
A $2 search will show you if the goods you want to buy are likely to be free from debt or other things that could put your money at risk.
Support after insolvency
Australian Business Exit and Restart Association (ABERA) is a registered Australian charity dedicated to educating and supporting people who have experienced bankruptcy and business closure.
