Originally published in the Canberra Times on Monday, 27 May 2024.

Bruce Billson

Winning a government contract can be life-changing for a small business. As all businesses know, there is no substitute for good customers.

The Australian government procured goods and services worth $75 billion in 2022-23. Despite making up 97 per cent of all businesses, small business suppliers accounted for only $8 billion, or 11 per cent, by value.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Laura Tchilinguirian.

ABC News Radio

Subject: Ombudsman’s guide for small business - using social media securely

Laura Tchilinguirian 

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney.

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: 3G switch-off - small business warned not to be caught short

Leon Delaney

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Gary Adshead.

Radio 6PR Perth

Subject: Ombudsman’s guide for small business - using social media securely

Gary Adshead

There’s a new guide going out in relation to businesses using social media and trying to use it securely and properly. Bruce Billson is the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, and he joins me now. G’day Bruce.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has urged small, family and farming businesses to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off happening in August and September.

“The 3G switch-off will affect more than just your mobile phone signal,” Mr Billson said.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide for small businesses using social media as their business platform, with tips to reduce the chances of being hacked.

“Using social media can be a valuable way to grow and increase awareness of your business with existing and potential new customers, but there are important precautions that must be taken” Mr Billson said.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, is urging Federal Parliament to give certainty to small business about two crucial tax breaks announced in last year’s budget.

“Time is running out with just six weeks until the end of the financial year for small business to claim these deductions, but they still don’t know if they’re allowed to make the claims,” Mr Billson said.

“We’re hearing from confused small businesses who just want certainty.”

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Dusty Fitzpatrick.

Radio 2BS Bathurst

Subjects: 2024-25 federal budget, small business mental health in Bathurst, small business procurement

Dusty Fitzpatrick

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, acknowledges the public release and response by the Australian Government of his inquiry into the effectiveness of Commonwealth procurement rules for small businesses.

The Ombudsman described the Government’s response as “underwhelming” and a “missed opportunity to meaningfully improve the opportunity for competitive small and family businesses to be a supplier to the Commonwealth”.

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Stephen Cenatiempo.

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: Budget 2024-25

Stephen Cenatiempo