Google rep denies using AI for live Senate responses, dodges market dominance claims
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.
“Pile of new red tape”: Coalition pushes to disallow controversial rules for tax practitioners
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.
“Flame of ambition”: Ombudsman proposes Prime Minister’s awards for small business in 14-point plan
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.
“Conditions are extremely tough”: Senator David Pocock urges Labor to expand asset write-off to help small businesses
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.
Tony Burke inherits home affairs, drops industrial relations portfolio in cabinet shake-up
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.
Cabinet reshuffle: Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor resigns, opening door for new minister
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.
Petition against “unfair and unworkable” tax agent rules attracts 2,000 signatures
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.
CFMEU fallout: Opposition promises to bring back construction watchdog
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.
Exclusive: COSBOA chair calls on governments for targeted support, less red tape
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.
Labour is sweeping the UK election. What does that mean for Australian SMEs?
As the final vote is tallied, here is an overview of what new Labour Party leadership could mean for traders at home.
Five things small businesses need to know about the Senate committee’s call to split ASIC in two
The federal government should consider splitting the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in two while dramatically increasing its ability to penalise white-collar crooks, according to a scathing Senate committee report.
$20,000 instant asset write-off, small business energy benefits pass in Parliament
Small businesses will be free to claim immediate tax deductions under the $20,000 instant asset write-off scheme, and seek a bonus 20% deduction on energy-efficient upgrades, after a contentious and long-delayed bill passed in Parliament Tuesday night.