New commissioner for Queensland's small business sector appointed
Dominique Lamb, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Retail Association, has been appointed as Queensland's new Small Business Commissioner.
Responsible and meaningful action on gas prices
The Albanese Government is taking action to limit the worst impacts of the forecast gas price increases in order to protect Australian households, industry and manufacturers, save jobs, and ensure a stable and well-functioning wholesale gas market with adequate domestic supply at reasonable prices.
Court dismisses ACCC case against Google
The Federal Court has dismissed the ACCC's case, finding that Google LLC (Google) did not mislead Australian consumers when it published an on-screen notification to Australian users, and changed its privacy policy to expand the scope of its use and collection of personal data.
The Albanese Government is partnering with States and Territories to shield Australian families and businesses from the worst impacts of predicted energy price spikes. The Government's Energy Price Relief Plan will: 1. Take action to limit gas prices. 2. Take action to limit coal prices. 3. Provide targeted energy bill relief for households and businesses. 4. Invest in cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy for the future.
Avoiding charity scams over Christmas
The Albanese Government is urging Australians to give generously to charities over the Christmas period but to be aware of fake charity scams. Fake charity scams have tended to peak over the December/January period in recent years.
National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss national priorities.
Retailers Welcome NSW Government Back to School Vouchers
Australia's largest retail peak body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), has applauded the NSW State Government's new voucher scheme which targets back to school purchases.
Anthony Albanese announces power bill relief, recalls Parliament
Canberrans can expect less bill relief than other Australians as part of a $1.5 billion national plan to cap coal and gas prices and fund targeted power price relief for households and small businesses.
ATO turns screws on bogus payments by family trusts
The tax authorities have announced a crackdown on individuals using family trusts to make bogus distributions to beneficiaries - often adult children on lower marginal tax rates - and using the cash for themselves.
Small business groups have praised the Labor government's recent competition reforms, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson says, but the SME advocate suggests more could be done to crack down on harmful conduct in 2023.
