Firms want less talk, more action on banks

Small businesses caught up in banking disputes want immediate action to resolve their issues, not a drawn-out talkfest about the industry.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says bank-related complaints are high on the list of small business grievances to the extent that without an increased level of accountability, some banking practices have the capacity to stifle their growth.

"This isn't an argument for or against a royal commission, this is about getting immediate outcomes for small businesses and finding a mechanism that delivers solutions in a time frame that helps business owners get back on track as soon as possible," Ms Carnell said in a statement on Wednesday.