Former Liberal MP Bruce Billson appointed API chair

The Australian Property Institute (API) has announced its new independent chair.

Former Liberal MP Bruce Billson has been tapped to take on the role, which is begin vacated by Tyrone Hodge, who had been API’s National President and Chair since 2015.

Billson is a current member of the ACCC's Small Business and Franchise Advisory Committee and was the Executive Chairman/Independent Director of the Franchise Council of Australia from 2016-2018.

”Bruce’s extensive experience in government, franchise models, banking and small business innovation, combined with his background in competition policy and law reform, will contribute strongly to the continued success of the property profession in anticipating opportunities and adapting to contemporary challenges,” said API CEO Amelia Hodge.

Billson has been an independent non-executive director for Judo Bank and is a founder and principal of policy advice/advocacy and strategic communications/ stakeholder relations firm, Agile Advisory; Special Counsel to Royce Communications; Director of Small Business & Enterprise at Deakin University's Business School; Chair of the Deakin/IPA SME Research Centre Advisory Council and member/chair for several private business advisory committees. 

Billson’s political career hit a road bump when he was censured by House of Representatives after it was revealed he has received an undeclared salary from the Franchise Council of Australia while still working in government.