As the government’s final pre-budget pledges roll in, the ACCI says a $365 million boost to apprentice numbers is hardly enough
ACCI has criticised a proposed three-month extension to the federal government's apprentice wage subsidy scheme, saying the program should be extended by no less than two years.
Industry groups hit back at COSBOA’s claims they do not represent small business
Small business associations and employer groups continue to argue over the failed outcome of the industrial relations omnibus bill, which passed the Senate last month.
Conflict beats consensus in IR again, says COSBOA chair Mark McKenzie
McKenzie says conflict and zero-compromise behaviours must be relegated to pre-COVID IR history, where they belong.
Businesses snap up $500 million in apprentice subsidies as COVID-19 sees commencements tank
The federal government has paid $500 million to businesses under its apprenticeship and training subsidies program, Michaelia Cash says.
JobKeeper eligibility eased for businesses, as government pledges $15.6 billion more for wage subsidies
More Australian businesses will keep receiving JobKeeper wage subsidies from September, with the federal government easing the eligibility criteria for both businesses and employees.
Morrison’s “JobTrainer” pledges $2 billion for apprentice wage subsidies and vocational training reform
Apprentice wages will be supported through to March next year in a $1.5 billion extension to subsidies that will also see medium sized businesses benefit.
The minimum wage is increasing: Here’s what that means for you
The increase will see wages for Australia's lowest-paid workers increase to $753.80 per week, or $19.84 per hour. But the bump will be staggered.
Workplace consults to kick off next week as SMEs mull drastic changes to modern awards
The Morrison government's IR consultations are taking form and are slated to kick-off as early as next week, with SMEs expected to focus on modern awards.
Skills overhaul: Scott Morrison’s JobMaker plan will shake up national funding for vocational training — but won’t increase it
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says $1.5 billion in federal funding for vocational training needs to be overhauled to support SMEs with relevant skills.
Big retailers continue “immoral” squeeze on small suppliers, using COVID-19 as excuse
The ACCC is looking into claims big retailers are using COVID-19 to squeeze suppliers by demanding heavy discounts and delaying payments.
Small businesses offered new $10,000 government grant to rebuild after the bushfires
Small businesses that have experienced a substantial drop in revenue as a result of the bushfires will soon be able to access a new $10,000 grant from the federal government.
What does a Coalition government mean for small business?
The Coalition has been returned to government and work is already underway to flesh out the state of play in small-business policy.