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The November 2025 Small Business Pulse is now available

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  • Media Centre item (193)

Media Section

  • Policy & Advocacy (2)
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  • (-) Media Centre (193)

Least-cost system for making payments a win for all

Originally published in The Daily Telegraph.

A quick ‘tap and go' has made it very easy to make a payment for something we need.We're not restricted to having the right amount of cash in our pocket or wallet and paying by cheque is now…

… A quick ‘tap and go' has made it very easy to make a payment for something we need. We're not restricted to having … by cheque is now so rare and ancient that it is going to be phased out. But the simplicity and convenience of making … gouged out of small and family businesses. It is time to mandate least-cost routing and have an easy-to-use …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Keeping small businesses afloat comes down to us all

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

This week we celebrate World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, which is a terrific opportunity to say a big thank you to the enterprising people who are the lifeblood of our communities.…

… celebrate World Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, which is a terrific opportunity to say a big thank you … consider this as an afterthought. This would mean every time a decision is made, small business will be front of mind … were twice as many small business owners aged between 30 and 49 as there were aged over 50. And only 8 per cent of …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Payment problems for small business, helping small business resolve disputes

 TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Jeremy Jones.

ABC Radio Capricornia

Subjects: Payment problems for small…

… TRANSCRIPT: Payment problems for small business, helping small business … Bruce Billson, joins me now. Bruce, thanks for your time.  Bruce Billson Jeremy, fab to be with you and how good’s that 1976 song Rich Girl from Hall … with Jeremy Jones. ABC Radio Capricornia Subjects: Payment problems for small business, helping small business …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Perils of fringe financiers for small businesses

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Rod Henshaw.

2CC Canberra…

… allowed to continue? How are they allowed to exist in this day and age when there's so much tightening up of these sorts … to settle. And that, that may have penalties if you miss a payment, hundred dollars for the first few days, but after … No matter how desperate the situation, taking the time to read the documentation, understand the proposition …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Government should show small businesses respect

Originally published in the Canberra Times.

Australia's small businesses have been treated in a very shabby way by squabbling in our Federal Parliament.And our Parliament is a repeat offender.

Repeatedly we hear it said that small business…

… only purchased but installed and "ready for use" by June 30. However, the legislation that would make this tax break … and as recognised by the government, the tax break may be the critical difference in being able to afford to do … that qualify for the incentive. Small businesses need time to plan investment decisions, not be forced in the final …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: what small, family and farming businesses need to know about 3G shutdown

 16 October 2024

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with John Mackenzie.

Radio 4CA Cairns

 

…

… business. Bruce, good morning. Bruce Billson John, fab to be with you sir, and your listeners. John Mackenzie There … and equipment in their business they may use every day and not think of what the wireless communication link is … on the 28th of this month. We're 12 days away, still time to check and that's what I'm urging small, family and …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Small business conditions, ATO debt collections, ASBFEO Tax Concierge Service, global computer outage

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Jess McGuire.

ABC Radio NSW Regional

Subjects: Small business conditions, ATO debt collections, ASBFEO Tax Concierge Service, global computer…

… well. Superannuation is up. This is a really challenging time, which is why we revealed, in recent months, 46 per cent … around, and I certainly feel for and get out of bed every day working for those small and family businesses that are … have them contact you, the opportunity to work through payment plans. The chance to take account of any hardship …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Right to Disconnect Law for Small Business

TRANSCRIPT

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

2GB Sydney

Subject: Right to Disconnect Law for Small Business…

… texts or emails which are considered unreasonable, can now be ignored. And if bosses breach the rules, they can cop a … for most more businesses, I think this has change number 30 to the world's most complicated workplace relations system … and those conversations have been going on for a long time.  Now there’s a law there, so they're thinking, gee, I …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Surge in Small Businesses worried about being paid

New figures from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman reveal a 50 per cent jump in requests for help from distressed business owners who are fearful that another business who owes them money has become insolvent or who are…

… financial commitments. The Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, said payment disputes were an early warning sign of a cash flow … business owners, for whom their business is their full-time livelihood endeavour, are earning less than the average … days.  The delay, well beyond the usual payment terms of 30 days, was having significant flow-on consequences for Mary …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Hands-on ombudsman tackles digital divide for business

Originally published by The Canberra Times.

WHEN Paul, the proprietor of Zenbar Massage, was setting up his remedial massage business in Dickson last year, one of his early priorities was to promote his service.

After researching…

… his last name published) was seeing around one customer a day armed with a voucher for his service. The problem came … the marketing service and within two months negotiated the payment of all the funds owed to Paul. Having the ombudsman … try to phone and email people when they are in a different time zone," he said. "I was just one small business, and they …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

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

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

…

… 3G switch-off - small business warned not to be caught short 29 May 2024 Australian Small Business and … great to be with you and your listeners on this capital day.  Leon Delaney It's a lovely day today, but it's not … Leon Delaney Now, we've known for quite some time that this is coming, and it's not exactly meant to be a …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

Awareness is not enough, and a fatalistic attitude to risks will only make things worse

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

Welcome to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves of the steps we can take to prevent an unwelcome cyber event that can be highly damaging to small and family-…

… Bruce Billson Welcome to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to remind ourselves of the steps we can take to prevent … one-on-one and in-person coaching. Importantly, since May 30 this year, businesses with an annual turnover of more than … to report when they make a ransomware or cyber extortion payment, or are aware that a payment was made. This reporting …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

ASBFEO helps over 50,000 small and family businesses

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

The "dirty boots people" is what one of Australian's leading economic regulators calls us. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has been "in the…

… Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has been "in the field" every day since it was established in March 2016, working alongside … economic times, more need to know how we can help. At a time when most small businesses are facing many headwinds and … supporting the resolution of a dispute, our assistance can be referral to other support and resources that can help the …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Merchant transaction fees (least-cost routing); regional bank branch closures

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Eddie Williams.

ABC Radio South East NSW

Subjects: Merchant transaction fees (least-cost…

… to reduce the burden both on the small business taking the payment and you, the customer, paying for your long black? … not in the interests of consumers. And it's way past time where the banks have been and should have been actively … Bruce Billson Fab to be with you. Take care. Have a great day.  Eddie Williams Bruce Billson, the Australian Small …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

ASBFEO Small Business Pulse

TRANSCRIPT

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

Radio 2CC Canberra…

… still is alive, Leon, and interestingly I suppose I would be saying a real focus on self-care. I put that to carry your … environment, one that has been a bit challenging for some time with margin squeeze and customers really looking for … seen a higher-than-expected inflation figure the other day. We have seen a lower-than-expected economic growth …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

2025-26 Federal Budget, instant asset write-off, insolvency, small business conditions

TRANSCRIPT

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

Radio 2CC…

… and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and joins us now. G’day Bruce.  Bruce Billson Steve, morning to you and your … much but I don't think it'll be sneezed at either at a time when small businesses are really struggling. Margin … The average age of a business owner is 50. 8% are under 30. Where's the young people? Used to be 17%. And just last …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

The business landscape has changed drastically. Remember, trust your spidey senses

Originally published in The Canberra Times

By Bruce Billson

Digital tools have transformed the economy and the ways in which we do business.

There's much to be gained for a small or family business deepening its digital engagement.…

… and the ways in which we do business. There's much to be gained for a small or family business deepening its … at lightning speed through e-invoicing, and electronic payment systems allow for that invoice to be paid (hopefully) … support compliance, automate routine tasks and even help time-poor business owners organise their busy lives - so more …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

National FBD, family business succession issues and more

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Leon Delaney on Radio 2CC Canberra.

Subjects: National Family Business Day, small business trading conditions, family business succession issues,…

… on Radio 2CC Canberra. Subjects: National Family Business Day, small business trading conditions, family business … Bruce, good afternoon.  Bruce Billson Leon, great to be with you and your listeners. And what a great day to … a conventional piece of wisdom that I've heard from time to time that you should never lend money to a family …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

National FBD, Tasmanian small and family businesses.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with David Wood on Ultra 106five Hobart.

David Wood

Today is National Family Business Day, and to find out a little bit more about…

… Hobart. David Wood Today is National Family Business Day, and to find out a little bit more about it the … is joining us. Bruce, welcome. Bruce Billson David fab to be with you and your listeners. And what a fab day … And they do this on the dining room table a lot of the time, and the dining room table becomes the boardroom.  Bruce …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Banking announcement to fight scams, Australian Government’s cyber support for small business

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Kerry Peck.

Radio 2BS Bathurst

27 November 2023

…

… television, and we've been talking about it for quite some time. We really do, in this day and age, have to be vitally aware of scams, don't we? … details and if there's any irregularities then hold up the payment. That's a good measure. That's the measure that's …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

The perils of fringe financiers for small businesses

Originally published in The Canberra Times.

By Bruce Billson.

While there can be many joys of small business ownership, small businesses also deal with many potential perils.Access to finance is one of the double-edged levers for small…

… business-to-business disputes ASBFEO assists with involve payment disputes - small businesses just wanting to be paid … cent per year. Daily late payment fees, starting at $100/day, can soon escalate to as much as $1000/day. We have seen … themselves from potential borrowing mishaps, is to take time to verify if a lender is an AFCA member before taking …

Media Centre item
Op-ed
ASBFEO Live

Economic Roundtable and Small Business

TRANSCRIPT

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

2GB Sydney…

… Billson, good morning.  Bruce Billson  Ben it's fab to be in your aura with your listeners.  Ben Fordham  Great to … people and 3/4 of those who do that for their full-time livelihood take home less than average weekly wages. So … of stuff small businesses are facing. So today's a big day in the round table, they are talking about red tape Ben, …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

When the dining table becomes the board table – celebrating National Family Business Day

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, is encouraging all Australians to celebrate National Family Business Day on Thursday 19 September.

“It’s a great moment to reflect on the crucial role family-owned…

… the board table – celebrating National Family Business Day 17 September 2024 The Australian Small Business and … all Australians to celebrate National Family Business Day on Thursday 19 September. “It’s a great moment to reflect … services businesses in your community and often it will be family owned and led. “Some of our most enduring …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Help small businesses thrive this MSME Day

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…

… Help small businesses thrive this MSME Day 26 June 2025 The Australian Small Business and Family … and relentless personal commitment to succeed at a time when many are doing it tough right now.  “Our economic … livelihood opportunities and community wellbeing would be so much less without the extraordinary contribution and …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Payment Times Reporting Scheme

Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman sat down with Nick Fox, Deloitte’s Payment Times Reporting Lead to discuss the recent release of the first Payment Times Reporting Register.

Below is a summary of the…

… Payment Times Reporting Scheme 10 March 2022 Bruce Billson, … Enterprise Ombudsman sat down with Nick Fox, Deloitte’s Payment Times Reporting Lead to discuss the recent release of … positive role played by the Register to help reduce the time it takes to pay small business suppliers Some large …

Media Centre item
News
ASBFEO Live

How small business can get help

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

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subject: How small business can get help, insolvency concerns, payment times, solving problems with digital…

… How small business can get help, insolvency concerns, payment times, solving problems with digital platform … we are at the Murrumbateman market selling them at market day. But when we're not at the market, we might be promoting … made about talking to a real person, this harkens back 20, 30, 40, years ago, Bruce, when I was banging on the table and …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

TRANSCRIPT: Insolvency and small business; help for small businesses needing support

TRANSCRIPT

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

Radio 2CC Canberra

Subjects: Insolvency and small business;…

… to close its doors, we've laid out money, we've had staff time, we've made financial commitments and incurred expenses … at night after being everything in the business during the day. So, I think that's a really important conversation we … have been paid by their customer, which then slows up the payment to their small business supplier like we were …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

OMBUDSMAN’S SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE TO DEALING WITH DEBT

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, has released a guide to help small business navigate the challenge of paying or collecting a debt.

“Outstanding debts can be overwhelming for a small business – whether…

… of paying or collecting a debt. “Outstanding debts can be overwhelming for a small business – whether you are owed … and this can become worse when they don’t receive a payment they were expecting.” Mr Billson said a first step … days.  The delay, well beyond the usual payment terms of 30 days, was having significant flow-on consequences for Mary …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

Small business needs certainty

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…

… two crucial tax breaks announced in last year’s budget. “Time is running out with just six weeks until the end of the … to that amount for eligible assets between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.  (The Treasurer announced in this week’s budget the scheme would be extended to 30 June 2025.) Without legislation authorising …

Media Centre item
Media Releases
ASBFEO Live

3G shut-down, digital platforms, October Business Month, financial and mental health support for small businesses

 18 October 2024

TRANSCRIPT

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson interview with Rick Hind.

ABC Radio Darwin

 

…

… went to zero for the year and what would happen? It was a time of anxiety, and frankly, didn't amount to much in the … you bought the technology from. I know some of the card payment system providers have been up and about, and you know … client base and just let them know that 28 October is D-Day for 3G. Rick Hind It's been moved before should it be …

Media Centre item
Transcript
ASBFEO Live

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