News

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has announced it is ramping up its surveillance program aimed at weeding out illegal phoenix operators.

Some entrepreneurs have a knack for innovative business ideas, but lack the key management skills needed to get their idea off the ground and turn it into a viable reality. The truth is that entrepreneurs will be forced to learn this skill or, alternatively, they will need to employ someone to do it. The day-to-day […]

The ‘motherhood penalty’ is a major factor in Australia’s gender pay gap and an issue that must be addressed with greater urgency, the Diversity Council Australia has said.

Nearly 70 per cent of SMEs that spend money on innovation expect to receive a return on their investment within one year and expect it to make a significant difference to their business. The July 2014 Bibby Financial Services Barometer shows that more than half of SMEs surveyed are currently focused on innovation in the […]

Four out of five Aussies believe we’re losing the art of conversation, as text and social media take over, a new survey has found.

Workers will miss out on an increase in their super payments under a new deal finalised between the government and the Palmer United Party to axe the mining tax. Small businesses are also set to lose out on key measures including the loss carry-back provisions and reduction in the instant asset write-off, both of which […]

Major companies across a range of industries have warned against new laws that could hold them legally responsible for reducing competition and squeezing smaller competitors out of the market. The government commissioned competition inquiry headed by Ian Harper is reported to be seriously considering the inclusion of an effects test in section 46 of the […]

Running from September 1-6, a collaboration between the Queensland Government and independent stakeholders will play host to a dedicated week in support of small business.

The not-for-profit organisation that administers and promotes Australia’s country-of-origin certification trademark is set to launch in South Australia.

Don’t be fooled if a government agency or energy company calls up and offers a refund because of the carbon tax repeal. It’s very likely to be a scam.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has stood down its chief economist Burchell Wilson over tasteless Facebook posts, pending the outcome of an investigation.

The Fair Work Ombudsman will target supermarkets that underpay trolley workers who are already among the nation’s most vulnerable and exploited groups of workers.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz has acknowledged the government’s plan to force job seekers to apply for 40 jobs a month will impose a “real cost” on small businesses. Senator Abetz gave the strongest indication yet that the government will water down its widely criticised proposal which would also require job seekers under 30 to conduct […]

Safety concerns have led to the recall of defective electrical cable, a move that is thought to impact an estimated 40,000 homes and business and cost tens of millions of dollars.

The number of apprentices in training has declined by 12.4 per cent in the 12 months to April 2014, new figures reveal.

A Coalition commissioned cost benefit analysis of the NBN has found the high price tag linked to the provision of high-speed internet access for those in regional and rural areas would far exceed the potential benefits.

The Australian Taxation Office will audit more small businesses after new figures suggest the shadow economy is preventing about $25bn each year from being spent on the nation’s schools, hospitals and vital infrastructure.  The figures, cited in News Corp Australia papers, point to a growing problem with business owners not declaring cash payments – a […]

From today passengers aboard domestic and international Qantas and Virgin flights will be able to use their mobile phones.

Regardless of how innocuous a document may seem, all business owners are being warned to shred all paper-based confidential documents ahead of National Identity Fraud Awareness Week (October 12-18).

Australian businesses are invited to have their say on the current tax system and its impact on their operations.