Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

The government's Economic Reform Roundtable kicks off tomorrow, and I am optimistic that real outcomes with positive and lasting impact on small and family businesses are in reach.

And they need to be.

Operating conditions have been tough for small businesses over the past few years, although pleasingly, we have seen some recent signs of improvement, the first glimmer since August 2022.

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Ben Fordham.

2GB Sydney

Subject: Economic Roundtable and Small Business  

Ben Fordham 

Originally published in The Daily Telegraph

By Bruce Billson

This sector makes up 98 per cent of Australian businesses, so why is it under-represented at the upcoming economic roundtable? It cannot merely be an afterthought, writes Bruce Billson.

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

Competition laws will work better for small businesses with a dedicated court list.

For small businesses, effective competition is vital. Knowing they can compete on a level playing field, a small business can confidently start an enterprise, invest, take risks and accept the responsibilities of business ownership.

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

The first half of this year has been characterised as a test of endurance for many small businesses, but I'm encouraged by the enduring optimism and the promise of improvement.

A greater focus on the exceptional grit of small businesses that are our economic foundation is essential.

Courageous and committed small business owners have been contending with a prolonged challenging operating environment. It is essential we recover lost ground.

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Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Nick Rheinberger.

ABC Radio Illawarra

Subject: Insolvency figures, small business pulse, ASBFEO assistance

Nick Rheinberger

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, urges all Australians to recognise the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of the people driving our 2.5 million small businesses on World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day. 

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

What's going on for small business right now? We have seen the first quarterly improvement since August 2022, suggesting that conditions might be stabilising and the most difficult days are possibly behind us.

But we need to do more to make sure we get the best out of the small business economy for both our national wellbeing and community benefit.

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

ASBFEO recently released our fourth Small Business Pulse - a health-check on the small business operating environment.

It recorded a microscopic improvement of 0.1 per cent this quarter. This is the first quarterly increase since August 2022 after a significant deterioration that occurred in the post-COVID period.

Originally posted in the Canberra Times

It is pleasing to see so much recent attention on what is needed to bolster our economic resilience and to restore living standards at a time of uncertainty and disruption. International economic uncertainty is exacerbating existing and persistently strong pressures on many small and family businesses.