"I hope this isn't the sign of what the Turnbull government is going to do - pander to big business like the Howard government did. This doesn't augur well for our productivity or standard of living." Franchise Council boss Bruce Billson has pointed the finger at shopping centre landlords. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen A Liberal source said Mr Billson's removal was due to a personality clash between the two men. "I don't think Malcolm likes Bruce's personality," the source said. "He is very vocal in cabinet. He doesn't let small business go and that gives Malcolm the shits." Another Liberal said Mr Billson, a Victorian without strong factional backing, lost out because of the need to promote more women and talented Victorians.

Mr Billson's demotion shocked many because he was popular in the small business sector, is regarded as a moderate and was a relatively recent appointee to the frontbench. By contrast Eric Abetz and Kevin Andrews, who were also demoted from cabinet, are viewed as strong conservatives and were senior ministers in the Howard years. Mr Billson was a strong supporter of an 'effects test' to limit the power of big business. Credit:Chris Hopkins While Mr Billson backed Mr Abbott in the leadership spill, so did other ministers who were maintained in their current roles or promoted. Mr Turnbull offered Mr Billson the role of Minister for Cities and the Built Environment, a post outside cabinet reporting to Environment Minister Greg Hunt. Mr Billson declined the offer and South Australian MP Jamie Briggs was then given the portfolio. Kelly O'Dwyer, long regarded as one of the Liberal Party's rising stars, was appointed Small Business Minister as well as Assistant Treasurer.

Mr Billson was a strong advocate for introducing an "effects test" into competition law to limit the power of big business. An effects test would toughen competition law by cracking down on business behaviour with "the purpose or likely effect of substantially lessening competition". The Nationals and many Liberals support an effects test but Mr Turnbull reportedly spoke against it in cabinet alongside other senior ministers. He doesn't let small business go and that gives Malcolm the shits ​As part of its Coalition agreement with Mr Turnbull, the Nationals stipulated that an effects test must be brought before cabinet for a full discussion. Mr Strong said Mr Billson "has been brought down by a concerted campaign by the Business Council of Australia, Wesfarmers and Woolworths" - all opponents of an effects test. "Big business doesn't innovate - small businesses do and not just in the tech area," he said.

Mr Strong said he disagreed with Mr Turnbull's decision but that he looked forward to working with Ms O'Dwyer. ​Mr Billson said in a statement he had hoped to continue his advocacy on behalf of small business and overseeing the government's response to the Harper Review into competition policy. "My admiration and deep affection for the enterprising men and women of Australia and my passion for the ground-breaking policy work and initiatives we have pursued remain undiminished; however my ability to pursue this work at a cabinet level has ended," he said. "I will reflect on the next stage of my career with my family and support network." Mr Billson has been the member for the Victorian seat of Dunkley, traditionally a marginal seat, since 1996.

Alongside then-treasurer Joe Hockey, he designed this year's budget centrepiece: a $5.5 billion small business package including tax cuts and a $20,000 instant asset write off. Loading Josh Frydenberg, who has been appointed Minister for Resources, said earlier this year: "I don't think any other minister gets as much praise in the party room as Bruce." Follow us on Twitter