This Month
Fears fewer ‘rat-catchers’ risk Defence paralysis
Prominent people were asked to propose one policy initiative they believed political parties should pledge to do, should they win the election.
Small and medium businesses must act big in cybersecurity fight
SMBs face the same frightening cybersecurity landscape as larger enterprises, but lack anything like the same financial muscle and expert staff to fight back.
These women are conquering Aussie dinner tables, one lasagne at a time
The Dinner Ladies began with two women selling home-cooked meals to friends. It now delivers 40,000 meals a week and is expanding in a $2 billion market.
Labor extends key small business tax break
The instant asset write-off for small business will be extended for one year, but Anthony Albanese says making it a permanent feature would slow or stop investment.
March
This ‘nightmare’ superannuation reform has small businesses worried
Small businesses owed $1.8 billion in unpaid super in 2023, now reforms aimed to make sure it is paid on time has them on edge.
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.
Albanese says more sweeteners to come for tradies, blue-collar workers
Responding to why he failed to extend the small business $20,000 instant-asset write-off for another 12 months, the prime minister hinted there would be more news to come for plumbers, electricians and other tradies.
‘Missed opportunity’: Business underwhelmed by Chalmers’ offering
While welcoming a surprise tax cut of $536 a year for workers, business groups say the budget failed to fix stagnant productivity and the structural deficit.
How this typical family will be affected (including housing worries)
Tori and Ryan Spettigue hoped for help with childcare, and they got it. Sort of. They still worry their kids won’t be able to afford to live anywhere near them when they grow up.
Victoria starts handing out hefty bills in land tax ‘grab’
More than 400,000 people who run a small business or Airbnb from their home have been hit with hefty land tax bills under the government’s plans to rein in debt.
February
Treasury boss rejects ‘politicisation’ attack by Coalition
In a fiery estimates hearing, Steven Kennedy rejected claims his department has been politicised by Jim Chalmers and filled with former Labor advisers.
Teal election pivot is a sign of taxing times
It says something about the dire state of the economic policy debate when the teal Independents have more sensible things to say about tax than either major party.
Teals must back gas to truly support small business
If the independents hold the balance in the next parliament, will they protect small businesses from unsustainable energy costs or continue prioritising ideological commitments over economic and business realities?
‘It’s not 2022 anymore’: How teal MPs are reshaping their pitch
The shift in language from teal MPs to focus more on hip pocket issues such as tax over the past year tells a story about a changing political landscape.
Revolt over Labor bid to stem ATO tax break for small businesses
A fresh row has erupted over small business following attempts by the government to ram through new legislation that affects firms with tax debts.
Teal MP wants $20k tax-free threshold for small business
Sophie Scamps said she would also push for an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses, which expires on June 30.
January
This Labor MP got hacked. But now it helps him with his job
Cybersecurity envoy Andrew Charlton built a multi-million dollar firm before entering politics. But it almost came crashing down after a costly online attack.
Dutton’s proposal for taxpayer-funded lunches is not serious policy
Less than a week after condemning Labor’s cost-of-living policies as sugar hits, Dutton on Sunday announced a new sugar hit of his own.
December 2024
‘A man is not a plan’: How Naomi Simson created an experiences empire
Naomi Simson founded RedBalloon in 2001 on a shoestring budget. Now she’s looking to expand the company into the international market.
Teals back more small business IR exemptions as unions baulk
In a letter to the workplace relations minister, lower-house teal MPs argued smaller firms should not be subject to the same workplace laws as big companies.