Opposition underlines SME issues with new shadow ministry roles for former business owner Luke Howarth
The federal opposition has a new-look shadow ministry and an updated focus on small business issues, through the introduction of former family business operator MP Luke Howarth to shadow treasury and finance roles.
ACTU says workers will ban engineered stone themselves if regulators don’t act
Australia's union movement says its members will forbid the use and transportation of engineered stone unless governments formally ban it outright, escalating pressure on businesses which process and use the popular material in home construction.
A major minimum wage hike and impending super increase will hammer small businesses, industry representatives fear
The federal government has maintained its call for the national minimum wage to move in line with inflation, heralding the possibility of significant back-to-back increases flowing through to small business employers.
COSBOA, ACTU agree to four-point industrial relations reform agenda ahead of Jobs Summit
Australia's small business sector and union representatives have agreed on a four-point priority plan for the Jobs and Skills Summit, declaring a common interest in simplifying the IR system for workers and employers.
COSBOA says Labor’s jobs and skills summit is no “stunt” as Dutton, Littleproud split over attendance
The Opposition Leader publicly turned down an invitation to the Jobs Summit, claiming the summit would be compromised by government favouritism towards union policy suggestions.
Labor to target businesses over pay deals “rort” as Jobs and Skills Summit looms
The shape of Australia's looming Jobs and Skills Summit is becoming clearer, as senior federal government ministers tout the end of one-sided enterprise agreement terminations and a new kind of digital skills apprenticeship as leading items on the agenda.
Small business groups put migration, skills, and IR reform on the agenda of landmark employment summit
On September 1-2, the Albanese government will make good on its election pledge to meet with business groups, union representatives, and social service advocates to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the Australian economy.
What is an ‘employee’? ATO aims to review superannuation guidance after landmark court ruling
The ATO is reassessing six guidelines on superannuation and employment after a High Court ruling found a worker contracted by a labour hire firm actually qualified as an employee.
“Delicate juggling act”: SMEs to balance minimum wage hikes against surging power and raw material costs
Small and medium-sized businesses are planning how to handle a larger-than-expected hike to the minimum wage as other costs soar.
Minimum wage rises 5.2% to $21.38 an hour, giving a boost to 2.7 million Australians as cost of living soars
Australia's minimum wage will rise by 5.2% to $21.38 an hour, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.
What small businesses and startups can expect from the new Labor government
Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese and senior Labor MPs have outlined the party's economic vision.
DoorDash, TWU sign industry-first agreement on gig economy principles, paving the way for further regulation
The agreement outlines key principles for workers and companies operating in the gig economy while backing the push for enforceable industry standards.
