E-commerce to make up almost half of the predicted $11 billion in Christmas spending this year
The Australian Retailers Association says Aussies are expected to spend an average of $726 each, with a large proportion of that coming from e-commerce.
Small business groups back industry call for revival of temporary COVID-19 IR changes
Small business groups support a push by industry to have temporary industrial relations flexibilities reinstated in a bid to support employers through the country's latest wave of coronavirus lockdowns.
ARA welcomes stable retail sales data, but says small businesses are still vulnerable
The Australian Retailers Association has welcomed the latest retail sales data, but warned smaller businesses are still vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.
SMEs to be supported as NSW prepares to ban plastic bags and other single-use items
The NSW government says it will offer support to small businesses as part of its $356 million plan to phase out single-use plastic items, including lightweight bags, straws and stirrers.
Explained: What’s in Victoria’s $250 million business support package for SMEs?
Victorian businesses in industries affected by the lockdown can apply for grants from Wednesday as part of a $250 million support package.
Small business groups and unions strike deal to give part-timers in retail extra hours without penalty rates
COSBOA and the ACTU are jointly supporting changes to the retail award, which will allow more than 1 million part-time employees to work extra shifts without receiving penalty rates.
Victorian government provides funding for industry associations to hire mental health specialists
Mental health specialists will be employed to work with industry associations under a Victorian government program designed to offer support directly to small businesses.
“We’d have to shut our doors”: Rent relief was a saving grace for small business — but it’s about to expire
Rent relief has supported thousands of businesses through the pandemic, but as we approach the expiry, there are those still unable to pay.
“Not good enough”: Pressure on banks over tap-and-go fees as uptake laggs
Tap-and-go payment fees are in the spotlight again with industry groups calling for banks to be "more proactive" about educating customers.
“Significant disadvantage”: Minimum wage to increase 3% as umpire concedes some workers are doing it tough
The Fair Work Commission has increased the national minimum wage by 3%, effective July 1, 2019. As usual, the decision has upset interest groups.
Will Labor’s minimum wage boost “flow back into the tills of small business”? It’s complicated
Bill Shorten says increasing the minimum wage will benefit small businesses. But does that claim stack up? Well, it's complicated.
Small businesses at risk of millions in backpay claims as casual double-dipping debate continues
Lobbyists say small business is threatened by casual double-dipping amid ongoing uncertainty over court action, who it effects and why.
