Welcome back to Small Biz Matters!

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #210
Broadcast date: 24th October 2023
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Hon Bruce Bilson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

I sat down with The Hon. Bruce Bilson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman to discuss how small businesses can be more involved in policy and what ASBFEO does to support small business. In what way do they speak on behalf of the small business community represent us in Government consultations – particularly in difficult policy areas.

We discussed in what ways ASBFEO assists with dispute resolution, improving payment times, and learned about the tax concierge service the office provides to small business who are resolving problems with the ATO.

Always an interesting discussion, Bruce will be joining Small Biz Matters throughout the year to inform listeners on what advocacy work ASBFEO is conducting, and how you can be involved.

PEOPLE - Can you tell the audience a bad why you’re so passionate about small business and what you’ve done over the years to support? The reality is governments have a lot of impact on small business is through regulation. So realistically, is there anything that can be done, or any thought leadership which can improve this situation?

POLICY - In your opinion, is there a good place to start for small businesses who want to be more involved in reducing red tape?

PURPOSE - Can you tell the audience about the role of the ombudsman and how you influence policy in the federal Govt?

Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.
Bruce brings three decades of experience, knowledge, commitment and an understanding of the issues facing small business. Bruce was the Australian Government Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015, a founding Director of Judo Bank and has held various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute. He has also owned and operated a number of small businesses, and knows first-hand the joys and challenges this involves.

To find out more go to: https://www.asbfeo.gov.au

Next week on the show we welcome the CEO of the Australian Retailers Association Paul Zahra live in the studio. It’s their 120 year anniversary so we’re going to talk about how they represent their 50,000 retail shopfronts throughout Australia. what makes a successful association last? As a national body, how do you balance the policy work across so many different government agencies? And importantly, what do you think will be the focus of small business policy in the next 12 months?