Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson will today hold the first of many community feedback sessions as part of his inquiry into natural disaster preparedness and resilience.

His information-gathering mission kicks off this morning in Townsville, followed by Mackay in the afternoon and then Rockhampton this evening.

Tomorrow he will be in NSW, meeting communities in Murwillumbah and Lismore that have been affected by floods, bushfires and other natural catastrophes.

Mr Billson will visit other parts of the country this month including Kangaroo Island and Tasmania with the aim of hearing from those who have experienced a natural catastrophe on ways the Government can improve preparedness and resilience to deal with future disasters.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be visiting more than 20 areas across six states and territories that have been impacted by fires, floods and cyclones,” Mr Billson said.

“I encourage small and family business owners to take part in this important discussion.”

The Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry was launched last month after Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert referred it to the Ombudsman, who aims to report his findings no later than March 18.

The inquiry follows a recommendation in the 2020 Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Arrangements that “state and territory governments should continue to deliver, evaluate and improve education and engagement programs aimed at promoting disaster resilience for individuals and communities”.

Mr Billson says the impacts of natural disasters on small businesses can be devastating. They can mean damaged and destroyed assets, reduced production and revenue streams, and sadly, a business-ending event in some cases that can have devastating personal impacts.

“What we learn from small businesses on this tour, will help inform our recommendations to improve education and engagement programs to best target and assist small businesses in preparing for natural disasters such as fires, floods and drought,” he said.

Click here for more details about the feedback sessions.