With just over three weeks until mandatory data breach reporting laws come into effect, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO), Kate Carnell, has urged small businesses to ensure they are prepared as a matter of urgency. From 22 February, organisations with personal information security obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 will be […]
The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has called for the Federal Government to improve the financial outlook of SMEs by introducing a loan guarantee scheme and legislating maximum payment times for business-to-business transactions. In its 2018 pre-Budget submission, the IPA – a professional accounting body representing 35,000 accountants, business advisers, academics and students – made […]
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has released a cybersecurity guide to educate business operators about the risks and help them prevent cyberattacks. Noting that 60% of small firms that experienced a cyber breach went out of business within the following six months, Ombudsman Kate Carnell said operators couldn’t afford to be complacent […]
Stating that small business subcontractors are vulnerable to delayed payments, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell has announced she is examining payment terms and conditions for “subbies” working on government projects. “Most government departments pay their invoices within 30 days, but when a prime contractor is appointed to manage a project […]
Research showing that SMEs are reducing capital expenditure due to rising energy prices has prompted criticism of the state governments by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. The Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, pointed to the latest East & Partners SME survey* of 1280 businesses, which showed that 39.5% of SMES plan to scale back […]
National Australia Bank’s decision to introduce shorter, plain English loan contracts for small business borrowers has been welcomed by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. According to the bank, more than 130,000 business owners will benefit from the complete overhaul of its existing business standard loan form contract, which involved simplifying contractual clauses, […]
Company directors will be issued with unique identification numbers as part of Federal Government reforms designed deter and penalise directors who engage in illegal phoenixing activity. The reforms were announced this week by Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer, who said illegal phoenixing – the stripping and transfer of assets from one company […]
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has encouraged small business operators to take advantage of the Government’s instant asset write-off extension. More businesses are now eligible to buy equipment (new or second hand) up to $20,000 and write it off immediately after legislation passed the Senate. Multiple claims can be made under the […]
Last week, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman released the findings of the Inquiry into Payment Times and Practices in Australia. The results were startling but, for many small businesses across Australia, they were not surprising. The inquiry revealed almost half of small business are owed more than $20,000 from late payments, and […]
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