John Durie: COSBOA chief says IR reforms could represent a barrier to new jobs
The political breakthrough over the government’s industrial relations reform has left small business very concerned about the consequences, according to COSBOA chief Alexi Boyd.
John Durie: It’s time for a small business-specific IR award
Why doesn’t the federal government revive an old plan to establish a small business industrial relations award?
John Durie: ACCC pushes for new laws to deal with fake reviews and scams on Google and Meta
The federal government has yet to commit to the reforms, but said Treasury would consult before potential legislative changes are introduced next year.
John Durie: COSBOA to focus on cybercrime at monthly forum as business reps tout Cyber Wardens program
COSBOA will focus members' attention on cybercrime at tomorrow's regular roundtable, which will also include a discussion of a new code of conduct.
John Durie: ACCC to rule on Woolworths’ buyout of a local IGA as watchdog ponders creeping acquisitions
Creeping acquisitions are a key issue for small business, as the best hope of a lucrative payday is often when a big retailer like Woolworths buys them out.
John Durie: Small business ‘can’t avoid commitments’ as ATO works through backlog of arrears
Small businesses are being warned to pay attention to their tax obligations and if in trouble, to speak up early to set repayment plans with the ATO.
John Durie: With the economy slowing and SMEs struggling, it’s decision time for Jim Chalmers
Chalmers has raised the hurdle for his budget next year because if Tuesday’s effort was designed to get the conversation started, that is when decisions will come.
John Durie: New directors vie for COSBOA board positions as council looks to put union deal concern behind them
Australian Meat Industry Council’s Patrick Hutchinson and Independent Food Distributors Association’s Richard Forbes are among those standing for election on October 27.
John Durie: Competition Minister raids the archives for market reform inspiration
Competition Minister Andrew Leigh will today use the 30th anniversary of the landmark Hilmer reforms to make his case for comprehensive competition reform in Australia.
John Durie: For the first time in decades, small business lending is outpacing home loans
As home owners continue to face interest rate hikes, small business lending has powered ahead of home mortgages as the boom growth area for banks.
John Durie: After the Optus breach, it’s time to reconsider the federal government’s data storage rules
The Optus debacle has shone a light on business data storage, but the federal government must also consider its own data collection requirements, John Durie writes.
John Durie: ACCC launches civil action against architectural firm over alleged bid rigging
The ACCC has stepped up its war against bid rigging with a civil cartel case against national architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall for allegedly trying to fix a bid for Charles Darwin University in 2020.