3G switch-off looming for small business

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, says small, family and farming businesses should urgently make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in the next few weeks.

Mr Billson today appeared before the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G mobile network. He called on telecommunications companies and business equipment and service suppliers to step up and do more to make sure small businesses were not harmed by the shutdown.

VITAL SMALL BUSINESS PROTECTIONS SAVED IN NEW BANKING CODE OF PRACTICE

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, says he welcomes the regulator’s decision to retain and enhance vital protections for small businesses in the new Banking Code of Practice. 

“A push by the banks to shrink the Code has been rejected and they must continue to include an explicit and detailed pledge outlining how they will handle complaints,” Mr Billson said. 

SOME IMPORTANT END OF FINANCIAL YEAR INFORMATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Income tax cuts, a rise in the minimum wage, updated information on tax deductions and increased superannuation payments are among changes coming into effect on 1 July, says Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

“It is essential that small business owners and managers understand these changes,” Mr Billson said. 

“Business leaders are responsible for getting this right and should check their payroll and accounting systems have been updated. 

Small Business cranky and exasperated about delay passing legislation

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, says the small business community is exasperated by the delay in passing vital incentives to invest and create jobs that will expire on Sunday.

The Ombudsman called for new safeguards to give small and family businesses certainty and a minimum 6 months to properly use government incentive schemes.

Celebrating World Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, is encouraging Australians to celebrate World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day on 27 June by saying thank you to small and family businesses for their contribution to our economy and our country.

“These are great people in plain sight, and we see them everywhere, every day,” Mr Billson said.

“We depend heavily on the small and family-run businesses in our lives who work every day to delight customers and energise enterprise.