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.
November 2024
Why this FIFO construction firm ‘never loses a client’
Fostering long-term relationships with clients such as gold miner Newmont has helped this business more than double revenue to $80m in a year.
ATO patience runs out as small business tax debt hits $35b
The Tax Office has warned it is taking a firmer approach to unpaid debts, after going easy on stretched small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 2024
Small businesses fear payments squeeze in surcharge ban
Business owner Rob Anderson says payment processing costs have jumped “exponentially” with 80 per cent of customers now using card and digital payments.
AMP eyes February for long-planned expansion into business banking
The company, which already has a major mortgage loan book, will target start-ups and sole traders as it attempts to find higher margins.
RBA puts payment industry on notice to protect shops, restaurants
Business groups including those representing the hospitality and convenience sectors worry they will be left wearing the cost of a ban on debit card fees.
Labor to ban debit card payment surcharges
The Albanese government is attempting to ease financial pressure on families ahead of a federal election next year. But the change could hurt small businesses.
Labor accused of backtracking on small business IR review
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt flatly refuses to expand the scope of the Fair Work Act’s definition, “making a mockery” of a Labor crossbench deal.
Small business hammered by rising costs
Higher costs for energy, rent, insurance and interest rates are putting small businesses under the most financial pressure in decades, a new report concludes.
Is there any rhyme or reason to credit card surcharges?
From absolutely no fee to more than four per cent, paying for a coffee can suddenly become very costly. These cafés explain why they charge what they do.
Victoria slumps for business, as execs warn: ‘It’s really struggling’
CSL chairman Brian McNamee and former NAB CEO Ross McEwan warn that the state is in financial peril, as new business starts fell behind the rest of the country.