Minister for Small Business at POAAL meeting

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Bruce Billson, the Minister for Small Business (second from left) with POAAL Victorian Branch Chairman Des Burns (second from right) and other Licensees at the POAAL Frankston meeting.[/caption]POAAL members warmly welcomed Bruce Billson, the Minister for Small Business, to the POAAL meeting in Frankston on 30 March 2015.Licensees came from as far as the Bendigo area to hear the Minister.The Minister spoke on the latest changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct, including the emphasis on penalty provisions and good faith.As a former small business owner, the Minister has a strong grasp of the challenges facing all small businesses. He has a special appreciation of what matters to LPOs thanks to a close working relationship with POAAL during his time as Minister and before that Shadow Minister for Small Business.The Minister also spoke about the reforms to the letters service and the processes that have to be followed to implement change. Licensees present queried how moving to a two-speed service will help save the letters business.Licensees appreciated the Minister's frankness along with his understanding and support for the small business sector.Representatives from insurance brokers Network Steadfast gave a very interesting presentation on risk management in LPOs, including Business Pack and Management Liability insurance. There were many questions on insurance matters, including coverage for postage stamps.