“Zero economic sense”: Farmers furious with producer levy in government’s $1 billion biosecurity plan
Australia's leading farming groups are furious at the Albanese government for pushing ahead with biosecurity funding plans that would impose a new levy on primary producers.
New bill promises special ACCC treatment for small business complaints
Small businesses would be granted a dedicated complaints process within the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, fast-tracking their concerns about breaches of competition law or franchising regulations, under a new bill before the House of Representatives.
Explainer: What the “right to disconnect” means for businesses and workers
Australian workplaces and employees are only a few steps away from a legal "right to disconnect", allowing workers to mute their phones and shut off their laptops outside of working hours.
Stage 3 tax cuts under the spotlight as opposition decides position
While the government has come under fire for breaking an election commitment to leave the Stage 3 tax cuts untouched, the opposition is expected to cement some form of support for the changes at a joint party room meeting.
$150,000 instant asset write-off, codes protecting SMEs in COSBOA budget wishlist
The federal government should expand the instant asset write off to cover assets worth $150,000, and shield small businesses from prosecution if they abide by new codes of conduct, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia says in its 2024 pre-budget submission.
Crossbench “especially concerned” for small business in part two of Closing Loopholes
They may have partnered with the federal government on December's surprise industrial relations reforms, but a fresh report shows crossbench Senators Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock have significant concerns over the second half of Labor's Closing Loopholes package.
Write-offs, grants, AI awareness: Business sector’s 2024 federal budget wishlist
The federal government should boost the instant asset write-off for small businesses, extend green upgrade grants, and funnel more capital into high-potential startups, according to the pre-budget wishlists of major business lobby groups.
Former Labor minister Greg Combet to chair the Future Fund
Former Labor minister Greg Combet is to be the new chair of the Future Fund, replacing Peter Costello.
How Woolworths, Peter Dutton, and January 26 combined for 2024’s first culture war
Looking for a culture war topic in 2024, Dutton has attempted to shock the fading debate around Australia Day back to life.
Decoding Australian retailers’ decision to distance themselves from January 26
Why are big retailers shying away from Australia Day merchandise for business rather than social reasons? Why pursue a business-first, activism-second strategy?
More Australian businesses say employees can work on January 26 if they want to
Many small businesses and startups say they will open for business and permit staff to work on the January 26 public holiday, amid broader discussions about the future of Australia Day and the date on which it is celebrated.
Explainer: Business innovation and investment visas reportedly slashed
The federal government has reportedly closed the Business Innovation and Investment Program to new applicants, shuttering a widely-used visa scheme as it attempts to rework Australia's migration system.
