This Month
Non-compete ban may free big earners in tech and finance
Labor’s new rules could extend to white-collar workers who make more than $175,000 when including bonuses.
March
Ian left to start his own business. Then the legal letter arrived
Most workers forced to sign egregious work contracts are excited about Labor’s ban on anti-competition clauses – but not all.
What Labor got wrong about non-competes
Protecting low-paid childcare workers, yoga teachers and hairdressers makes sense, but the devil is in the detail.
January
Schwartz family-backed Armitage Associates buys ERP software firm
The founders took the reins of the business under a management buyout in 2017 and are expected to remain with Redcat under Armitage’s stewardship.
October 2024
‘It comes down to housing all the time’: NAB chief’s growth warning
The bank’s boss, Andrew Irvine, says access to talent is the biggest hurdle for SME growth. But our housing crisis isn’t helping.
Small business wants out of privacy laws as data breaches rise 215pc
The small business lobby is pushing to limit the reach of Labor’s overhaul of the Privacy Act to firms with annual turnover above $10 million, up from the current threshold of $3 million.
July 2024
Small consulting firms to get a leg-up from new Canberra rules
An overhaul to federal government procurement rules means agencies must now seek quotes from at least one small firm when seeking consultancy services.
April 2024
The Melbourne shopping hotspot that became a ‘ghost town’
Businesses on Bridge Road in Richmond, which has a whopping 15.5 per cent vacancy rate, fear an insolvency snowball effect.
The plan to build the next Who Gives a Crap
Businesses helping deliver social good in the community will get extra help finding critical capital investment, the federal government says.
‘We’ll stay off your backs’ Dutton tells business leaders
Peter Dutton has promised business leaders cheaper energy prices and less government interference under the Coalition.
February 2024
‘Deadset nightmare’: Why small business failures are soaring
MYOB CEO Paul Robson fears small businesses may not enjoy the soft landing tipped for the rest of the economy.
The inheritance promise that will rip your family apart
Small businesses and farms are potential battlegrounds where future generations dispute verbal agreements about who gets what.
January 2024
Five big tests for small businesses in 2024
Cash flow, new IR rules, and the threat of cybercrime are making life for small enterprises even more precarious.
November 2023
‘Not a bank’: Tax Office ramps up debt warning
ATO commissioner Chris Jordan says companies and individuals not paying tax and super obligations will face consequences.
Meet Sydney’s go-to private jeweller
After adding ready-to-wear collections to custom orders, Olivia Bond’s business has outgrown its space and is moving to the heritage Trust Building’s top floor.
Government turns around its Optus cyber debacle
Clare O’Neil’s cyber strategy is a strong first step to raising national standards, tackling plenty of areas where businesses need help, and leaving room for further reform.
September 2023
How to run a property business from your super fund
A reader asks whether his SMSF can start a self-storage enterprise where he owns the land and the fund buys the rest.
June 2023
Fury as small business owners face 73pc rise on shareholder loans
Rates set at 8.3pc under Division 7A – intended to stop profits going tax-free to private company shareholders – means they’ll feel the squeeze.
May 2023
Incentives for businesses to rein in energy price
The other measures to help SMEs include a $392.4 million industry grants program and the promise of more skilled migrants.