#Federal Government
Australian small businesses call for more government support
Over two-thirds (71 per cent) of small business owners say the federal government is not doing enough to support them, in a new study by accounting software provider Reckon (ASX:RKN). Government red tape is considered the biggest obstacle to creating a start-up in Australia, with over half (52 per cent) of SMBs agreeing. The survey, which […]
StartupAUS calls for ‘swift translation’ of 2030 Innovation plan into ‘tangible policy action’
The Federal Government will “carefully consider” a strategy, prepared by Innovation and Science Australia (ISA), to transform Australia into a “top tier innovation nation” by 2030, Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash has announced. Released this week, ISA’s Australia 2030: Prosperity Through Innovation report contains 30 recommendations for creating a high performing innovation system, […]
Applications now open for funding to help small business pursue digital opportunities
Specialist advisers can now apply for grants from the Federal Government to help small business employers in metropolitan and regional areas take advantage of digital opportunities. As part of its Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) program, the Federal Government will invest up to $18.02million over three years on the provision of low cost, high […]
Turnbull Government paying 60% of its small business invoices within 20 days, report shows
Federal Government agencies are paying 96% of their small business contractors within thirty days of receiving an invoice, according to a new report. Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack said the latest Pay On-Time report also found agencies were paying 60% of invoices up to $1 million within 20 days, and that the overall results […]
The Federal Government commits to paying small businesses ten days sooner by July 2019
The Federal Government will begin paying small business suppliers ten calendar days sooner to improve their cashflow, it has been announced. Under the Government’s revised ‘pay on time’ policy, Small Business Minister Michael McCormack said federal agencies and entities will be required to pay invoices for contracts worth up to $1 million within 20 calendar […]
The $20,000 instant asset tax write-off has been used by 300,000 SMEs, says Federal Government
Nearly 300,000 small businesses have taken advantage of the Federal Government’s $20,000 instant asset tax write-off scheme, according to 2015-16 tax office data. The data was revealed by Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack, who described the instant asset write-off program as a “shot in the arm” for small businesses. “The instant asset write-off is […]
PM announces the end of 457 visas, proclaiming Australians must have priority for local jobs
The federal government is replacing 457 visas with a new type of temporary visa designed to ‘better target genuine skills shortages’. The announcement was made on Facebook by Malcolm Turnbull who explained “Australian workers must have priority for Australian jobs”. The Prime Minister said the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa will feature “new requirements including […]
Have your say on tax reform
Australian businesses are invited to have their say on the current tax system and its impact on their operations.
Voluntary supermarket code of conduct won’t work: Farmers
The agricultural industry and farmer groups don’t believe the proposed voluntary Food and Grocery Code of Conduct will be enough to protect their interests against the might of the supermarket duopoly.
Small grocers shocked at proposed increase to supermarket hours of trade
The Australian National Retailers Association is lobbying the federal government to deliver unrestricted trading every day except Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day.
Hiring older workers: the incentive for business
As the ink dries on the federal budget, a number of business groups believe the government didn’t go far enough in terms of encouraging business to hire new staff.
Crisis what crisis? The Commission of Audit & the Federal Budget 2014
It’s been a super month for Government economic statements, in Australia with the long awaited “commission of audit’ report being released just ahead of the usual Federal Budget unveiling.
Budget 2014: SMEs hope for lower taxes, but pessimism high
Small and medium sized businesses do not want to see an increase in the goods and services tax in next week’s Federal Budget and many are pessimistic about whether the Abbott Government will deliver on its promises for the sector.
Debt levy to hurt small business
The majority of small business owners face a vicious “double whammy” revenue hit if Tony Abbott proceeds with a mooted debt levy on income tax to repair the budget.
Women retire with 43% less super
An array of factors including sustained pay inequality, a high prevalence of participation in part time work and career breaks for family mean there is a significant super gap between men and women’s retirement savings.
What is the ATO doing to assist small business?
Small business has found itself smack bang on the national agenda this year, with the federal small business portfolio upgraded to cabinet status at the last election.
Repeal of carbon and mining tax “no significant impact for SMEs”
The majority of SMEs do not expect to feel a ‘significant impact’ from the repeal of the Carbon and Mining Tax.
Superannuation payment tools for business
From 1 July 2014, businesses with 20 or more employees will be able to use the new Superannuation Data & Payment Standard when making super contributions.
Positivity boost for business post-election
After a year of uncertainty waiting for the federal political situation to stabilise, Australian businesses are feeling positive about the future.
Five year freeze on super changes
The Rudd government has today announced that it will make no major changes to superannuation tax policy for a period of five-years – if they’re re-elected to government.
Govt’s Super Clearing House marks $1bn
The federal government’s Super Clearing House has marked a $1 billion milestone making payments on behalf of small business.
What the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook means
Need a quick breakdown on how the Federal Government’s mid-year economic outlook will affect your business? Read on.
Government enacts changes to ease burden of bank switching
The Government announced reforms designed to make it easier for people to switch banks overnight, with a Treasury-led working party to ensure the changes are enacted by July 1 2012.
Federal Government simplifies reporting process
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.