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Our new Vulnerability Framework supports small business owners

The Framework outlines our commitment to support people experiencing vulnerability, within our role in the tax system.

Last updated 21 October 2025

As a small business owner, we understand you may face unexpected challenges – such as illness, natural disasters or personal circumstances, that can make it harder to engage with us.

The Framework sets out guiding principles, core focus areas, and a clear approach to how we engage with the community. These elements help shape our policies, processes, and staff capability – supporting more inclusive and consistent interactions with the community while carrying out our role of collecting tax to help fund essential services for the Australian community.

It highlights how we’ll act with empathy and compassion, communicate clearly and connect people with the right support.

We've also published new web content to help people understand what support is available. This includes:

  • the full framework and an easy read summary
  • examples and information about current support options
  • information about how we’re implementing the framework and building our capability.

We thank everyone who provided feedback during our public consultation. This helped shape our final Framework and the actions we’re taking to implement it.

While implementation will take time, we’re committed to ongoing consultation and transparency.

What you can do

If you're a small business owner experiencing vulnerability:

  • visit our support page
  • share our framework with your networks
  • stay informed about ongoing implementation activities and actions.

While we can’t always change tax or super outcomes under the law, we’re committed to listening, communicating clearly and connecting people with the right support.

Learn more about Our Vulnerability Framework and find out what support is available on our website.

Keep up to date

We have tailored communication channels just for small businesses – so you’ll always be up to date with the latest information and changes relevant to you.

Explore more articles in our Small business newsroom.

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