The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said the feedback so far has shown that during times of natural disaster the majority of small businesses said that local engagement, leadership and decision-making, informed by local knowledge and community connectedness and engagement are critical.
“More often than not, it’s the local business communities who are experienced in disasters that affect their region, that can best guide and support their business peers,” Mr Billson said.
“This local leadership needs to be supported appropriately, so they have access to the resources needed to assist small business owners who are working to get back on their feet after a natural disaster hits.”
Mr Billson is currently hosting small-business feedback sessions in areas impacted by natural disasters across Australia, and said the online survey is an excellent way for small and family businesses to contribute to the ongoing inquiry.
“We want to hear from as many small and family businesses as possible, to learn more about what steps and support best helped them to proactively contend with and recover from a disaster,” he said.
“I encourage anyone in a small business who has lived experience of a natural disaster such as bushfires, cyclones or floods and may also have ideas about how best the government can support them to prepare and remain resilient in the case of an unavoidable event, to be part of this important discussion.
“What we learn from our small business community, will help inform the work on our current Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry, including recommendations to improve information and engagement programs to best target and assist small businesses in preparing for natural disasters.”
The survey closes on 28 February 2022. Submissions are also welcome and can be completed here. The deadline for submissions is 25 February 2022.