Politics Archives - SmartCompany

Google rep denies using AI for live Senate responses, dodges market dominance claims

Tegan Jones — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 05:14:20 +0000

In a Senate committee on Friday, Google faced questions about its market dominance in search and AI, as well as the possible use of AI during the hearing.

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“Pile of new red tape”: Coalition pushes to disallow controversial rules for tax practitioners

David Adams — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 23:43:25 +0000

The Coalition will seek to reverse a set of new and highly controversial rules for tax practitioners, arguing they will impose unnecessary red tape on accountants and bookkeepers.

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“Flame of ambition”: Ombudsman proposes Prime Minister’s awards for small business in 14-point plan

David Adams — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 01:49:39 +0000

Would small business awards handed down by the Prime Minister, or formal accreditation for those who pay suppliers on time, help to re-energise the SME sector? Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson believes so.

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“Conditions are extremely tough”: Senator David Pocock urges Labor to expand asset write-off to help small businesses

David Adams — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:52 +0000

Early signs point to yet another parliamentary showdown over the instant asset write-off scheme, as both Coalition senators and independent crossbencher Senator David Pocock say the small business tax break should expand beyond the government's latest proposal.

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Tony Burke inherits home affairs, drops industrial relations portfolio in cabinet shake-up

David Adams — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:26:50 +0000

A federal cabinet reshuffle will see new faces in the employment, workplace relations, and skills and training portfolios, with Minister Tony Burke set to inherit home affairs, immigration, and cyber security responsibilities.

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Cabinet reshuffle: Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor resigns, opening door for new minister

David Adams — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 01:55:55 +0000

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney have resigned from the ministry and will not contest the next election, kickstarting a reshuffle of the Labor government's cabinet.

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Petition against “unfair and unworkable” tax agent rules attracts 2,000 signatures

David Adams — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 01:54:39 +0000

A petition against "unfair and unworkable" changes to the rules governing tax agents has closed with more than 2,000 signatures, calling on Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones to reconsider the August 1 shake-up.

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CFMEU fallout: Opposition promises to bring back construction watchdog

Andrew Brown — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:54:27 +0000

This comes as the CFMEU's construction division has been accused of taking kickbacks, being linked to organised crime and employing standover tactics on worksites.

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Exclusive: COSBOA chair calls on governments for targeted support, less red tape

Matthew Addison — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:50:44 +0000

How do we generate productivity in small business? The answer involves right-sized regulation, encouragement, digital uplift, and reduced compliance costs, said Council of Small Business Organisations Australia chair Matthew Addison.

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Labour is sweeping the UK election. What does that mean for Australian SMEs?

David Adams — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 02:37:54 +0000

As the final vote is tallied, here is an overview of what new Labour Party leadership could mean for traders at home.

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