Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose.

EP#240 ~ Unlocking the Consumer Data Rights Future for Small Business Consumers

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #240
Broadcast date: 9^th July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Live from the Fintech Australia 2024 CDR Summit

This week we were live from Fintech Australia’s CDR Summit for a very interesting discussion on why small biz mattes and why does Consumer Data Rights matter to our community – the advisors, the small businesses and the Fintech industry. Panellists were

Eric Tsang, CEO and Co-founder Skript

Grant Augustin, Managing Director SISS Data Services

Simeon Duncan, Senior Manager of International Corporate Affairs, Intuit

It’s been a hard fought regulatory battle to get us to this point and as you’ll learn in today’s discussion there’s still a long way to go.

So, what can we learn from other CDR and open banking from the rest of the world, where are the opportunities to collaborate? How can the Fintech industry make the most of this change to adapt and evolve to meet growing data needs of business? What are the missed opportunities to the Aust economy if we ignore CDR’s power and the potential to unlock the digital economy?

We need to ensure small businesses and their accountants and bookkeepers can effectively engage with the system and make data valuable and meaningful.  Today’s discussion from our experts is about empowerment, enablement and overcoming the barriers.

Let’s here from the experts as they introduce themselves and their expertise when it comes to Consumer Data Rights.

PEOPLE - What is the difference between CDR and bank feed in terms of a small business’ access and right to data?   What’s been the advocacy journey to get to this point and who has been involved and why? What do these changes to CDR mean for small businesses and the Fintech industry in the future?

POLICY - What’s the difference between bank feed and, open banking and screen scraping and why does it matter? Does the “perfect scenario” exist anywhere else in the world? Why is data quality integral to small business, government and policy making?  How important are bank feeds to cash flow and accurate / informed decision making?

PURPOSE – What is Consumer Data Rights and how did we get here? Who has lobbied to ensure small businesses, advisors and Fintech to ensure there was minimal disruption to bank feeds and the digitisation of all small businesses?

The 2024 Fintech Australia Consumer Data Rights Conference’s aim was to build awareness about the Consumer Data Right reform so more organisations across sectors can be involved in future proofing its success. It also aimed to achieve a high level of technical education for stakeholders on how Open Innovation can evolve the emerging Consumer Data Right ecosystem towards economy wide Open Data reality. It successfully showcased CDR opportunities, current and potential use-cases and connecting the established ecosystem with a broader commercial audience. full day of plenary and breakout sessions to explore the vast potential of the Consumer Data Right and highlight potential use-cases and commercial opportunities. It captured a broad audience spanning the digital economy, including fintechs and large financial institutions which are interested in but not yet fully harnessing the CDR. The event provided opportunities for players from across this burgeoning ecosystem to connect and discuss the vast opportunities CDR provides for the future digital economy.

Featuring local and international experts, policy makers, founders and builders will take to the stage to discuss the future of the CDR and showcase the most exciting emerging use cases.

The Major sponsor was Intuit.

EP#239 ~ Understanding the lifecycle and mindset of Queensland small businesses. What makes the sunshine state unique?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #239
Broadcast date: 2^nd July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Dominique Lamb, the QLD Small Business Commissioner

Queensland is a unique part of the world, not only for its natural beauty, incredible tourism industry, but it’s people. And it’s Queensland’s people that are at the heart of small business. From agriculture to retail to tourism to metro and regional areas they are as diverse as any other part of Australia.

Unique to Queensland is their passionate, experienced small business commissioner, Dominique Lamb. Formally the CEO to the National Retailers Association. She’s brought with her a wealth of experience and passion for her state to deliver some incredible achievements after only a couple of years in office. Cheers tenacious, empathetic and loves her state and the diversity of small businesses within it.

She joins us on Small Biz Matters today to talk about those achievements in two short years, and the difficulties facing small businesses in Queensland now and into the future. Plus we unpack the recently published report and first of its kind study: Understanding the lifecycle and mindset of Queensland small businesses. Its been nominated for an international award! We will ask what did the agency learn about small business in QLD and why was it so important to inform through this publication?

PEOPLE Can you tell the audience why you’re so passionate about small business and what you’ve done over the years to support? The reality is governments have a lot of impact on small business is through regulation. So realistically, is there anything that can be done, any thought leadership thinking to improve this situation?

POLICY - What are your key policy priorities for businesses in QLD? In your opinion, is there a good place to start for small businesses who want to be more involved in reducing red tape and improving policy in QLD? What successes have you recently had?  QLD seems to be at the mercy of the impacts of climate change. What are the key policy priorities here of your office to support small businesses who experience its impacts?

PURPOSE - Tell us about your recently published report First of its kind study: Understanding the lifecycle and mindset of Queensland small businesses, I’ve heard it’s nominated for an international award! What did you learn about small business in QLD and why was it so important to inform through this publication? Can you tell the audience about the role of the commissioner, how it is independent and how you influence policy in the federal Govt? Who are the main advocates who support your work and how does your office engage with them?

Dominique Lamb assumed the role of Small Business Commissioner in December 2022. With a robust background in industrial relations and employment law, she brings a unique blend of legal expertise and advocacy skills to her position.

Dominique's primary objective is to enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland and to reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small business. In her capacity as Commissioner, Dominique has embarked on a proactive engagement strategy, collaborating closely with governmental bodies, industry organisations, and regional stakeholders. One of Dominique's notable achievements has been the significant expansion of the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program, which now boasts participation from 49 Councils. Additionally, she has taken proactive steps to establish three new roundtables, providing platforms for industry representatives and regional stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to policy discussions.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence.

To find out more go to: https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/

EP#238 ~ An update from ASBFEO – procurement plans, social media bullies and the impact of policy

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #238
Broadcast date: 25^th June 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

I get cross when people say there’s no one representing small businesses. Not only do we have great business leaders and industry associations speaking up (often as volunteers or with relatively low funding or pay) but we have business peaks like COSBOA standing up for ONLY the concerns and needs of small business. By far the most empowered and collaborative of our representatives is the tenacious, independent and laser focused Ombudsman, Bruce Billson. With fewer resources than is needed the ASBFEO team works across activities like research, policy submissions, constant engagement with small businesses, outreaches into community, all in order to effectively advocate for all of us.

In today’s show, we get our Small Biz Matters exclusive update from the Ombudsman on recent activities and research, plus we get Bruce’s take on the recent May 2024 federal budget.

In the world of digital marketing and social media ASBFEO has been busy. Complaints from small businesses about social media platforms and marketing companies targeting the small end of town have been increasing dramatically. Thanks to shockingly poor processes to protect their clients (the small businesses), its relatively easy to hack a social media business account. This can be incredibly damaging. And Marketing companies looking after websites aren’t doing any better: often offering  poor customer service and then threatening small businesses if they try to leave.

On the issue of procurement: Government spends billions and a very small proportion of that goes to small business. Shouldn’t small businesses have a bigger piece of the pie? Why is it so difficult to get the Government as a client? Because the rules are complicated and as Bruce describes “it’s in-crowdy”. Plus, agencies tend to favour the usual suspects (the Big 4). The focus of ASBFEO’s report was all about not just saying we should do better but invest in, create policies and monitor the procurement process so the “doing better” actually happens. Now that the Buy Australian Plan is in place ASBFEO is working to put more profits back into Australian communities, and that means small businesses.

ASBFEO has also been advertising the Flinders University independent statutory review of the family and domestic violence leave entitlement and how small businesses can get involved and have their voices heard. He makes a good point that the impact on small businesses is disproportionate given all the double handling of work, costs and those wanting to do the right thing navigating a complex system.

Plus, we also have a good chat about the May 2024 Budget.

Bruce’s thoughts about backing small business are inspiring; let’s amplify his work and back this great business advocate.

PEOPLE -   you’ve recently released the ASBFEO report into Government Procurement in which you make 11 recommendations. What are they and why are you critical of the equity of procurement for small businesses? What exactly do small businesses have to do in order to gain access to the billions of dollars of government spending? Is the process to prohibitive? And which given the recent federal budget, which dept has the biggest opportunities for small businesses?

POLICY - Flinders University is conducting an independent statutory review of the family and domestic violence leave entitlement. How can small businesses get involved and why is it important to hear from them at this point in the process?

PURPOSE - What did you think of the May 2024 Federal Budget for small businesses? With the economy at such a low, did they go far enough to support small businesses in their hour of need and what could be done to improve their lives and make it easier to run a small business in Australia right now?

Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.
Bruce brings three decades of experience, knowledge, commitment and an understanding of the issues facing small business. Bruce was the Australian Government Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015, a founding Director of Judo Bank and has held various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute. He has also owned and operated a number of small businesses, and knows first-hand the joys and challenges this involves.

To find out more go to: https://www.asbfeo.gov.au

 

EP#237 ~ How does the ATO work with associations and industry groups to support small businesses to meet their tax obligations?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #237
Broadcast date: 18^th June 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Will Day, Deputy Commissioner Small Business at Australian Taxation Office

We are pleased to be joined on Small Biz Matters by those in government who are really at the coalface of supporting small business. Today we welcome Will Day, Assistant Commissioner in charge of small business at the Australian Tax Office. So why did we ask the ATO on the program you may ask?

Well, as difficult as it may be, whilst small businesses struggle to keep their doors open in the current economic climate, it’s also important that they continue to work on meeting their obligations. We all know that tax and compliance is difficult and unnecessary burden on small business but it is also critical ensuring that small businesses a vital role in the economy. But whilst we all struggle with compliance and making sure everything is in order there is a group of businesses who do the wrong thing; making it unfair and inequitable for the rest of us.

The ATO takes a considered and careful approach when dealing with small businesses, doing their best to really understanding what they’re going through. Critical to this is their relationship with the advisor community and associations who speak openly and frankly about what their small businesses; and how the policy burden can be better administered by the ATO to make the process as simple as possible.

So let’s have a listen to what Will Day has to say about the way they support, work with advisors, the latest digital developments on the ATO website and what they’re doing to stamp out software that gives some small businesses and unfair advantage.

PEOPLE - How does the tax office engage with the small business industry groups and associations to understand the needs of small businesses and the best way to support their members to meet their tax obligations? How important is it to engage with advisors, and is that a different conversation?  POLICY - What are your current priorities which the ATO developing with these groups to refine and make fit for purpose for small business? "The new Commissioner mentioned at the COSBOA summit the amount of collectable debt is now at over $50 billion. 65% of all collectable debt owed relates to small business and 74% of that relates to activity statements. What's your message to small businesses listening today who have a debt with the ATO and are not sure what they should do?"

PURPOSE - How does the ATO work with other government departments and regulators to streamline processes and make it easier and lessen the reporting burden on small businesses? Are there any new tech developments in the pipeline?

With over 25 years’ experience in the Australian Taxation Office, Will Day has performed many senior roles leading its support to client experiences.

As ATO Deputy Commissioner for Small Business, Will is focused on helping small business owners get things right from the start by making it easier to comply with their tax and superannuation obligations as well as helping to improve overall business literacy and skills through education. 

Will has responsibility for delivering a program of work that is focused on collaborating with partners to design a digital-first approach to make it easier for small businesses meet their obligations.

Will is also focused on making sure there is a level playing field for the vast majority of small businesses that do pay their fair share by looking closely at activities in the shadow economy.  

Prior to his current role, Will had senior roles focused on improving the quality of the ATO’s technical public advice and guidance as well as roles supporting the integrity of the tax and superannuation systems.

To find out more go to: ATO Small Business Newsroom

EP#236 ~ Unravelling the future of AccountTech with experts in the accounting and AI fields

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #236
Broadcast date: 4 June 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Roger Gregg, Sabby Gill, Aly Garrett

We all know that data, in the wrong hands can be destructive. But we also know the power of data to make us more efficient, save us time and the potential to make us better advisors and business owners.

There’s a tug of war going on right now. As small businesses, advisors and Fintech companies, how do we work together to simultaneously embrace data’s potential and control its misuse? How do we take into account the needs of businesses and consumers and the advisors in the middle? And who owns the data anyway?

In today’s panel we unpacked all this and more including AI's impact on small businesses and software development and what Australian policy makers can learn from the rest of the world to resolve the issues around data privacy.

We’re lucky to have such an esteemed group of guests. Our expert panel consists of leaders in the fields of accounting and small business, Fintech Founders and renowned international software, data and AI policy experts.

Roger Gregg - Hospitality leader and founder of software companies like LightYear

Sabby Gill - CEO of Dext and Chair of the international Digital Leaders professional network, Aly Garrett FCA - All In Advisory Architect and Accounting Adventures Podcast host.

This podcast was recorded back in 2023 at the Xero Mastermind Community Precon and co-hosted in collaboration with Heather Smith, Host of Accounting Apps podcast and international speaker on AccountTech.

PEOPLE –  - How should or could advisors embrace AI to make their practices run more efficiently (yes we do include some good practical examples). What is the reality and do small businesses in different industries even have the time to implement AI and what happens to them if they get left behind?

POLICY -   Potentially, we could be looking at more regulations placed on accountants and bookkeepers as government knee-jerk-reacts to community concerns. What will be the impact on advisors and clients if regulations tighten in data privacy with the number and severity of cyber attacks?

PURPOSE -   The impact of CDR consumer data rights could have been disastrous for advisors and their clients; luckily we dodged a bullet here in Australia but it’s a great example of how too much restriction can strangle innovation. From the perspective of those who rely heavily on data to function (the advisors and their clients) what would happen?

Roger Gregg is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in management accounting, manufacturing, retail, fintech and hospitality.

Born in Northern Ireland, prior to moving to Australia, Roger was involved in the manufacturing sector in Belfast, and was Chairman of the Northern Ireland Furniture Group.

Then when he moved to Australia in 2007, Roger was recruited to be Director of Operations for Keystone Hospitality Group, taking the group to win the prestigious Australian Group Operator of the Year award in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  It was there that he saw (and felt) the need for Accounts Payable automation and in 2011 he co-founded the Accounts Payable tech start-up invitbox with his brother Chris.  Despite neither of them having any tech experience, invitbox was awarded Xero’s Emerging App of the Year for Australia in 2013, just prior to being acquired by Intuit in 2014. 

Building upon their previous success they founded Lightyear in 2018 to continue their mission of solving Accounts Payable headaches for SMEs. The company operates both domestically and internationally, with a staff of 60 offices in Belfast and Sydney, servicing 6,000 businesses across 22 countries.

In addition to Lightyear, Roger is involved in a number of hospitality businesses as a partner in House Made Hospitality, as well as helping Bondi Brewing Company take it to the big guys.

Aly Garrett FCA is a multi-award winning fellow chartered accountant, tax agent and podcast host (check out Aly & Andrew’s All Aussie Accounting Adventures) who founded All In Advisory Pty Ltd in 2018.

All In has won Boutique Firm and Start up Firm of the Year at Accountants Daily and are Xero Cloud Champions of the Year.

Aly has worked in the accounting industry for 30 years, with big, small, traditional and innovative firms and everything in between and has helped many of them work through their digital journeys.  She knows the challenges and opportunities this can present and likes to use her experience to bring positive change in our accounting and bookkeeping communities.

Sabby Gill was appointed CEO of Dext in October 2022 and brings more than 35years’ experience in the technology sector, spanning sales, operations, development, support and customer service.  He has spent his career supporting businesses of all sizes with technology that looks to unlock their potential—both at home and in international markets. Prior to Dext, Sabby was CEO of Thomas International, which is a leading talent assessment and psychometric provider.  Other past roles also included UK & Ireland Managing Director of Sage, in addition to senior executive leadership roles at Epicor, IGT, HP, CA Technologies, Oracle, PeopleSoft and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC).Sabby currently is a member of the UK’s Digital Economy Council with Secretary of State, and the Chair of Digital Leaders Advisory Board, which has over 180,000 members across the UK.

To find out more about the best Accounting podcast out there, check it out HERE

EP#235 ~ Budget Special Part 2! Plus, how do Australian small businesses compare with their international counterparts

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #235
Broadcast date: 28 May 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Gavan Ord, Policy Adviser CPA Australia

What could be better than one Budget Special?? Two!! That’s right, we are the only dedicated small business policy and advocacy analysis radio program so its important we bring you the budget experts to really help you understand what the Budget means for you.

If you missed last week’s episode, we had a jam-packed show filled with experts on budget night for their immediate reactions and a great unpacking of the budget from David Harding from Business NSW.

So, to recap, there’s not a lot of small businesses that wait with bated breath each budget night for what’s in it for them, but there is a handful of experts looking out for the needs of small businesses in every single budget. They include Peak business groups, community organisations, industry groups and advocates from all over the country.

Making it more difficult for small business advocates, is the fact that small businesses are affected by spending decisions every single policy area and every single government department.

This week, we take the advisors’ perspective; Gavan Ord from CPA Australia gives us an analysis from what it means in terms of small business investment, planning and the future of small business policy for advocates.

Gavan is one of those experts who has been in many lock-ups, and understands how to read the papers with an added bonus capability – he’s an accountant!

Plus, we unpack a great piece of research from CPA Australia - their 2023-24 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. The research found that businesses owned by under 40s are more likely to invest in new technologies, are more likely to innovative, are less risk averse, and ultimately, are more likely to grow. Getting more young people into business – and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit – can only be a good thing for the economy in the long-run. Problem is, we have an aging population of small business people in this country; so what are the policy settings the Government needs to consider to support them and enable them to handover the mantle to a new generation of entrepreneurs? Let’s find out on Small Biz Matters this week.

PEOPLE –  Can you tell us about the recent survey conducted by CPA Australia, annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey and what the key findings were? What does the Govt think of when they think of innovation? What impact do accountants have on the everyday lives of small businesses and why are they so important in the co-design of policy?

POLICY - Why should policy makers pay attention to this data, and what should it mean for the emphasis for self employment assistance programs? How does an organisation like CPA Australia consult to Government and what other key areas are you working on right now? Does it go beyond Tax & Super?

PURPOSE -  What are the positives from this research about the future of small businesses in Australia? Or, should we be worried about growth and innovation? There is clearly a strong link between migration and small business success. This data proves it.

Gavan is an expert on business and the economy, with a special interest in small and medium enterprises in Australia and Asia. Gavan meets frequently with governments to give CPA Australia’s perspective of the impact of policy changes on the business sector. He also makes regular appearances in media commenting on business conditions and the economy.

CPA Australia’s 2023-24 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey found that businesses owned by under 40s are more likely to invest in new technologies, are more likely to innovative, are less risk averse, and ultimately, are more likely to grow. Getting more young people into business – and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit – can only be a good thing for the economy in the long-run.

A link to the full survey results, the Australian summary and infographic, and the characteristics on high-growth small businesses can be found here

EP#234 ~ The Small Business May 2024 Budget Special

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #234
Broadcast date: 21 May 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: David Harding, Executive Director BusinessNSW and expert guests from the Budget Lockup

There’s not a lot of small businesses that wait with bated breath each budget night for what’s in it for them, but there is a handful of experts looking out for the needs of small businesses in every single budget. They include Peak business groups, community organisations, industry groups and advocates from all over the country.

Each budget night, they are locked with without their devices, crammed into a room which is never big enough, fed with food that isn’t eaten, and handed a stackof budget papers, and then asked to dissect and unpack them in only two hours. It’s a remarkable feat and takes the best minds in the country. Making it more difficult for small business advocates, is the fact that small businesses are affected by spending decisions every single policy area and every single government department.

On Budget Night 14^th of May 2024 Small Biz Matters was lucky to be in the media lock up, unpacking the budget from a small business perspective, surrounded by policy experts from the Community Radio Network, The Wire and leading educational institutions.

After the lock up, I spoke to a number of leading economic experts in the country, unpacking the budget from a small business perspective. 

Then this week I was lucky enough to unpack the budget with David Harding, Executive Director from BusinessNSW, who dissected it from all angles and all policy areas.

We start the show with the small business segment on The Wire, live from the studios of the Press Gallery in Parliament House.

PEOPLE –  Why does the Federal budget mean so much to small businesses? Do you think they listen in, or do they rely on organisations like BusinessNSW to unpack and make the budget info relatable?

POLICY - Tell us about the Federal Budget and what small businesses need to know. Were there any nice surprises or was most of the information generally inconsequential? What are the major areas where the Government has offered support?

PURPOSE -  Do you think it will  it encourage innovation, growth and survival? What does the budget mean for BusinessNSW? How will the announcements make you change direction in your policy and advocacy work representing small businesses?

Chris Richardson, Australia’s leading independent Economist

Bran Black CEO of Business Council Australia

John Grimes CEO of Smart Energy Council

Georgie Dent CEO of Parenthood

David Harding, Executive Director from BusinessNSW

As Executive Director at Business NSW, David leads a number of diverse and capable teams ranging right across NSW's cities and regions, and also sits on the national business Executive Leadership Team.

He is dedicated to ensuring a strong economic and social future for all NSW communities. He is also co-Chair of the Committee for Sydney Commission into the Future of the Sydney CBD, represents customer’s interests at the Australian Energy Regulator and sits on a wide range of other trade and industry groups, policy teams and government boards and taskforces.

A supporter of good social investment, he is a Director of Engineering Aid Australia and works with many other sporting and community charities and foundations in NSW.

Business NSW is focused on the well-being and sustainable growth of our business community. Our purpose is to provide a strong, clear leadership voice for businesses on important economic and financial issues. Working closely with our members and government, we identify key challenges and develop practical policy solutions to ensure that businesses across NSW prosper and grow.

To find out more about their budget coverage go HERE

EP#233 ~ Navigating the Energy Transition. Who is representing small business in economy wide change?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #233
Broadcast date: 14 May 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Dr Brendan French, CEO of Energy Consumers Australia

There are some big changes coming down the pipeline for small business; and it involves an input every business needs: Energy. Whether you’re located in a small country town or the middle of a major shopping centre in the middle of the CBD, the energy transition is marching towards net zero with or without you. And the changes will affect many aspects of your business; from the equipment you use to make stuff, to how and where you get your energy from. And once again policy makers are grappling with how to include small businesses in the energy transition.

So what is the transition and how has it already affected your business? What’s in store in the future? Are costs only going to go up? And what about the businesses who have no power over their power?

Luckily there is an organisation which represents small businesses when it comes to the cost of energy, changing to renewables and navigating the maze of unrelatable information for small businesses. Today we welcome Dr Brendan French, the CEO of Energy Consumers Australia to answer all those questions about Energy and small business and explain how ECA is advocating for small businesses in the energy policy space.

PEOPLE –  Tell the audience about how ECA works to advocate for small businesses in the energy system? How does it influence decision makers in Government and what is its relationship with regulators to make the energy system fair and equitable for small business? How do small businesses think about energy and how does the Government think about small businesses? Is there a disconnect?

POLICY - what are the key considerations for small business and energy policy? What do policy makers need to consider as the priorities?

PURPOSE -  The clean energy transition is upon us but many small businesses don’t know what their role is or what deadlines they have to meet. Is there anything the Government can do to keep them informed?

Dr Brendan French is a leading consumer protection and dispute resolution expert, with extensive executive experience across corporate, academic, public, and community spheres.

Prior to joining Energy Consumers Australia as CEO, Brendan championed consumer interests as the Commonwealth Bank’s Executive General Manager Customer and Community Advocacy and before that as Deputy Ombudsman at the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON). He also taught in the Law School at Western Sydney University, was a Board director for a number of consumer and charitable organisations, and is a published author of academic and popular texts. Brendan holds a doctorate in the History of Ideas and has been awarded for his innovative work on fostering trust between community, corporates and government.

To find out more go to: https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/

EP#232 ~ Closing remarks from the 2024 COBSOA National Small Business Summit

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #231
Broadcast date: 30 April 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

Back in April 2024, Small Biz Matters was lucky enough to attend the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s National small business summit. COSBOA is the peak body representing the entire small business community in policy, advocacy and media on the national stage.

 

It speaks directly to ministers and departments and policy makers everywhere. So you can imagine the importance placed on its national summit – which each year the opportunity to set the national policy agenda for small business; which as our regular listeners will know, is EVERY area of policy. And this year they listened with leaders including the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in their speeches speaking of the importance of small business to our economy and our nation.

 

The closing remarks from the Summit were presented by Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. He spoke about the policy areas covered by the conference but also highlighted the desperate need for well thought out policy measures by Government to secure the future of small business in the economy, our communities and in our lives.

PEOPLE –  Who did we hear from at the Summit - the politicians, the regulators and the advocates.

POLICY - What new policy suggestions were made? What are the policy priorities for small businesses (NOT the Government) right now?

PURPOSE -  Who REALLY has the finger on the pulse of small businesses? What SHOULD policy settings be trying to achieve for Australia's 2.2million small businesses... And what about the self employed?

Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.
Bruce brings three decades of experience, knowledge, commitment and an understanding of the issues facing small business. Bruce was the Australian Government Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015, a founding Director of Judo Bank and has held various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute. He has also owned and operated a number of small businesses, and knows first-hand the joys and challenges this involves.

To find out more go to: https://www.asbfeo.gov.au

 

EP#231 ~ Mergers and acquisition law changes - whos' thinking about small business?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #231
Broadcast date: 30 April 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair, Australian Competition Consumer Commission

Competition is a major part of law reform which affects all small businesses. Whether it’s a small grocer in a regional town or a newsagent in a major city’s shopping centre, having a level playing field is paramount to small business community survival.

And without it, there is a serious impact on communities themselves.

A reduction in foot traffic as a new shopping mall is built nearby, changes to infrastructure which bypasses a regional town’s city centre in an effort to improve traffic, a big box retailer moving into the middle of town... these changes not only affect small businesses but their ability to grow, hire more people and continue to support their community.

So, who’s thinking of small businesses when these laws are being designed? It’s the ACCC. The Australian Competition Consumer Commission’s role has unique powers to administer and enforce the 2010 Competition and Consumer Act and other legislation promoting competition.

Whether it’s a big giant company gobbling up the competition with view for a bigger market share or a multinational company buying land to lock out their smaller competitors, or a large shareholder led conglomerate sidestepping competition laws by moving into a different segment the ACCC is keeping an eye on them to level the playing field.

Today we welcome Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair of the ACCC to tell us about the important work they are conducting to ensure small business voice and perspective is heard in these complex negotiations.  

PEOPLE –  Can you explain the unique powers of the ACCC? What are the benefits to small business to have a strong, vigorous competition in their sector?

POLICY - Often the public reads about multiple enquiries into aspects of competition (in this instance the grocery sector); ACCC, Treasury, sometimes ACTU. Is it necessary? Isn’t this a duplication? How do ACCC enquiries differ? the franchising code of conduct is administered by the accc and was recently reviewed by a former deputy chair of the ACCC, Dr Michael Schaper. It’s endorsed the ACCC’s suggestion to move to a licensing system. Where are we up to with that proposal?

PURPOSE -  The law regarding unfair contract terms has recently been amended to improve protections for SB. How’s that working out? Should small businesses fear the ACCC? After all, many see the sale of the business as succession planning and don’t want any limitations placed on this as a possibility for their business. Can you explain the merger reform and this will benefit small business? How will increased regulation not mean more red tape?

Gina Cass-Gottlieb commenced her 5-year appointment as Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on 21 March 2022. Before she joined the ACCC Gina was a senior and founding partner of Gilbert and Tobin’s competition and regulation team. Gina has over 25 years' experience advising on a large number of merger, competition and regulatory matters in Australia and New Zealand. She is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading competition and regulatory experts.

Gina was appointed by the Commonwealth Treasurer to the RBA’s Payments System Board in 2013 and again inin 2018. Gina was appointed to the Financial Regulator Assessment Authority in September 2021 and for 10 years Gina was a director on the board of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

Gina chairs the Digital Platforms Board and Financials Service Inquiry Board, and is a member of the Consumer Data Right Committee, Enforcement Committee, Infrastructure Committee and Communication Committee, Mergers Review Committee and the East Coast Gas Market Board, Electricity Markets Inquiry Board and Supermarkets Inquiry Board. Gina is also a member of the Bureau of the OECD Competition Committee.

Gina holds Bachelor of Economics and Laws degrees from the University of Sydney and was a Fulbright Scholar at UC Berkeley from 1986 to 1987, obtaining a Master of Laws degree, majoring in US competition law, comparative constitutional law, financial institutions regulation and securities regulation.

Gina is the first female Chair of the ACCC since it was established as an independent statutory authority in 1995.