Small business access to justice Bill

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed a Senate vote to improve access to justice for small business.

Ombudsman Kate Carnell said the passing of Labor’s Competition and Consumer Legislation Amendment addressed a key finding from her Small Business Loans Inquiry.

“Access to justice is an important issue for small business operators,” Ms Carnell said.

“The Senate bill allows Federal Court judges to waive liability for adverse costs to small business private litigants in cases related to the misuse of market power.

“It gives small business operators confidence to proceed with legal action, knowing they will only be liable for their own costs.

“This has the added benefit of filtering cases that might potentially be considered vexatious or unlikely to succeed, saving time and money for all involved.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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