Senate votes for $30,000 instant asset write-off, expanded eligibility for SMEs
The instant asset write-off scheme will cover purchases worth $30,000 and will expand to medium-sized businesses, according to amendments passed in the Senate that significantly expand a plan put forward by the Albanese government.
Right to disconnect: Tony Burke defends “reasonable” out-of-hours contact as SMEs demand to see fine print
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke says it is reasonable for employers to email staff and enquire about shifts outside of working hours, as the debate about the 'right to disconnect' heats up.
COSBOA fears ’employee-like’ rules could come for all contractors, despite Burke’s assurances
Small business representatives have issued a broad-scale rejection of the federal government's latest industrial relations reform package, despite Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations assuring entrepreneurs proposed changes to "employee-like" work will not encroach on "genuine small business".
“Momentous occasion”: New 30% tax break for video game developers passes in the Senate
A tax break providing video game studios a 30% refund on development costs has passed in the Senate, marking what Australian industry leaders have described as a major win for local talent.
“Really positive”: Andrew Leigh hailed for competition reforms, as Small Business Ombudsman calls for further action in 2023
Small business groups have praised the Labor government's recent competition reforms, Small Business Bruce Billson says, but the SME advocate suggests more could be done to crack down on harmful conduct in 2023.
“It’s just not fair”: Andrew Leigh targets Booking.com and Expedia contracts as Treasury considers legislative crackdown
A new Treasury consultation seeks feedback on 'price parity' clauses offered by online travel agencies, which can force small accommodation businesses to offer their cheapest possible price on major platforms.
Small businesses under 20 staff shielded from enterprise bargaining reforms as IR bill nears passage
The federal government's industrial relations reform bill is set to pass into law after the Senate crossbench secured a raft of amendments.
REDcycle collapse a sign of broken recycling system, but SMEs can still play their part
A leading plastics expert suggests a combination of tougher legislation and business ingenuity is needed to solve the global waste crisis.
“Enormous boost”: ACCC hails the outlawing of unfair contract terms, claiming major victory for small businesses
Australia's competition watchdog has welcomed new legislation outlawing unfair contract terms, a long-awaited move advocates and lawmakers say is vital to stop large companies from exploiting the small businesses which supply them with goods and services.
Labor to introduce bill banning pay secrecy rules, leaves door open for action on multi-employer bargaining
The federal government will next week introduce an industrial relations reform bill it hopes will drive wage growth and secure fairer working conditions.
Government plan allowing Optus to share hacked user data with banks labelled a “red herring” by privacy advocates
The federal government wants to make it easier for telcos to share hacked user data with the banks, but advocates want greater action.
Labor introduces legislation to ban unfair contracts for SMEs, heap $50 million penalties on anti-competitive businesses
Penalties of $50 million for companies found to have engaged in anti-competitive behaviour could soon be a reality, as the federal government tables legislation that could drastically increase the risks of breaching competition and consumer law.
