Legal

With the new financial year now well underway, a number of important HR and employment relations changes that came into effect on 1 July should be on your radar.

Businesses are being urged to prepare themselves for a significant overhaul to personal property laws, which will mean businesses supplying goods on credit must record their interest on a new national Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

Many business owners remain unsure of significant amendments made to the Sex Discrimination Act, which include broader implications around breastfeeding at work and that harassment can be committed by new technologies like mobiles and social media.

In the 6 months since the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) introduced its mandatory reporting product safety requirement, 911 reports triggered a total 40 recalls, but the organisation believes many SMEs may not be fulfilling their responsibilities.

The Federal Government’s new Standard Business Reporting (SBR) reforms mean SMBs and accountants no longer need expensive software to report electronically, thanks to the implementation of cloud technology.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has found AquaDepot Imports engaged in resale price maintenance by refusing to supply an online retailer which discounted products below a specified price.

Recent changes made to the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) invites SMBs to take advantage of novated leasing, which could help retain staff, reduce administrative burdens and save time.

Allphones Retail Pty Ltd has been fined $45,000 for contempt of court orders, following action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The Federal Government has granted additional funding to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), to assist it in cracking down on businesses that gouge customers by making misleading carbon claims.

Business owners are being invited to weigh in on how the R&D Tax Credit will be administered, with the tax now open for public consultation.

Business owners concerned about registering an already trademarked business name are being given Government assistance, with the launch of TM Check.

The Federal Government has introduced a stringent payment regime obliging state agencies to pay small business creditors within 30 days, or they’ll face penalties for late payment.

The first national study into the impacts of local government regulation on business by the Productivity Commission has been given the green-light, a move backed by the Federal Government.

Suncorp Super & Investments has improved the experience of business customers in managing their super guarantee responsibilities, by introducing a new system called EASE.

Online ugg boot seller Marksun Australia has been fined $430,000 for engaging in false and misleading conduct, which includes its unauthorised use of the Australian Made logo.

The nationally funded Paid Parental Leave scheme was brought in at the start of the year. But did you know that as of 1 July, you’ll be responsible for administering the scheme in your business?

Fair Work Australia will introduce amendments to minimum working hours for students on July 1, with the General Retail Industry Award to allow full-time school students to work a minimum 1.5 hours casual after-school work.

Anti-dumping legislation is set to receive its most important improvement to date, as the Federal Government looks to lessen the impact of dumping on local businesses.

Business owners will face an added end of financial year compliance burden when the Federal Flood Levy is installed on 1 July, according to leading accounting software provider MYOB.

For small and medium enterprises the world of risk management is changing rapidly with greater emphasis on governance and transparency and a seemingly relentless push towards tighter regulation.