September 2024
CEO who said TV host needed an ‘uppercut’ lands at Franchise Council
Go figure: saying a TV host needed a “firm uppercut or a slap across the face” isn’t career suicide.
March 2024
The shrinking small business ombudsman
While politely ignoring Bruce Billson, the government is handing Craig Emerson more appointments than a bulk-billing doctor.
August 2022
Small business warned to act urgently on domain names
Small Business Ombudsman Bruce Billson wants a key deadline extended by 12 months to help limit an online ambush.
January 2022
Rapid test shortage cripples small business
Business groups are pleading for staff to be given faster and cheaper access to rapid virus tests to allow employees to return to work.
November 2021
A choice over Afterpay will put the Treasurer among frenemies
A heavyweight fight is under way over buy now, pay later rules. It is drawing in an awkward combination of Afterpay, the RBA, the Commonwealth Bank, senators and lobbyists.
March 2021
Billson calls on APRA, ASIC to clarify lending rules
Bank caution on business lending could be rectified if APRA and ASIC provided guidance that retail banking standards don’t need to be applied to SME loans, says the new small business ombudsman.
Billson sees the light on franchisor penalties
We promised to keep an eye on how the new ombudsman dealt with the many tricky policy areas likely to bring him into conflict with his former employer.
COSBOA thrilled Bruce Billson’s back
‘We couldn’t really think of anyone else we’d rather in the role,’ says Peter Strong. Go figure.
February 2021
Bruce Billson to replace Kate Carnell as Small Business Ombudsman
The former minister was censured by Parliament for failing to declare an outside salary from the Franchise Council of Australia.
