Labor, Coalition to compete for small business hearts and minds at COSBOA summit
The federal government and the Opposition will show off their duelling visions for the small business sector at this week's COSBOA National Small Business Summit, one of the last big-name business events before the May budget outlines taxpayer support for SMEs.
Small businesses “at the heart of our decision-making”: Julie Collins
Minister for Small Business Julie Collins explains the various initiatives the government is taking to help small businesses thrive in Australia.
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.
Unprecedented: SME payment times regulator names and shames late reporters
Australia's payment times watchdog has quietly named and shamed the parent company of Regional Express and other ASX-listed giants for failing to comply with its data collection rules.
Collins: “Fairness” front and centre in Labor’s 2024 small business strategy
A fairer competitive landscape will help small businesses cope with persistent inflation and economic volatility, Small Business Minister Julie Collins says, outlining the federal government's approach to small business support in 2024.
Opinion: Adding extra complexity for already stressed SME owners is not helpful
Former CEO of COSBOA Peter Strong says the Australian workplace relations system is the most complex in the world, and it may be very difficult for small businesses to 'look at the detail'.
Exclusive: Small Business Minister Julie Collins on Labor’s SME track record and IR “fear-mongering”
In an exclusive discussion with SmartCompany, the Small Business Minister backed Labor's achievements for SMEs 18 months since the election.
$18.2 million for small business cybersecurity “health checks” and post-attack support
Small businesses will gain access to a new cyber security "health check" program and tailored assistance to help them recover from cyberattacks, under a new $18.2 million plan from the federal government.
“Shot in the arm”: Coalition pushes to expand new instant asset write-off to $30,000
The Coalition is pushing to expand the new-look instant asset write-off scheme, arguing it should cover eligible assets worth up to $30,000, up from $20,000 covered by the Labor government plan.
Julie Collins pledges to work with small business on data privacy, cyber security overhauls
The federal government will work with small businesses as they encounter significant data safety obligations for the first time, Minister for Small Business Julie Collins has reaffirmed, using a Cyber Security Awareness Month statement to remind SMEs of major changes in the digital arena.
Exclusive: Independent review of Franchising Code of Conduct to investigate fairness in $170 billion sector
Australia's franchising rules will face a new independent review, giving small businesses a chance to share how recent regulatory changes are shaping the $170 billion sector.
Housing and small business portfolios go hand-in-hand, Julie Collins says
Small businesses are "at the very centre" of the Albanese government's policy agenda, Small Business Minister Julie Collins says, declaring her responsibility for the housing and homelessness portfolios overlaps with the needs of today's small business sector.
