And so ends a 20-year stint in political life for the member for Dunkley.
But the real tragedy of the story is how small business has lost a real champion for its cause.
It is very rare to find a politician with a true passion for the portfolio he’s been assigned, but Mr Billson is one.
Proof positive was one of the only shining lights to emerge from last year’s budget: allowing small businesses an immediate write-off of any expenditure under $20,000.
Truly good legislation can only come about when a minister has not only a passion but empathy for the sector they are looking after and in the small business portfolio all the planets had aligned.
Better still, when the leadership changed within the current Coalition government, Mr Billson reiterated his commitment to the cause, stating he felt he still had so much to do for small business.
Unfortunately, politics came into play and the portfolio was taken away from him, resulting in his retirement from public service.
Any sector wants the legislation and policy affecting it to be beneficial, and one thing they are all crying out for to achieve this is to have a representative who will actively fight on their behalf.
Further, if there is a segment of the business community more in need of this than any other, it is small business. I mean, how many times have we heard the analysis from commentators that small business needs more assistance which in turn would help drive the Australian economy?
Instead, not only has the portfolio been reassigned, it now no longer sits alone as it has become part of Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer’s remit.
It’s a classic case of change for change’s sake and, with no disrespect intended to the ability of the member for Higgins, could see small businesses around the country as the real losers.
