TOPIC
The 2026 global economy: nervously muddling through
The world economy enters 2026 in a nervous state. Volatility and cautious consumers are the norm, even though growth has proven surprisingly resilient.
Staff shortages ‘force small firms to merge or quit’
Kristen Beadle, who is also manager of SMEs and insolvency, said the higher salaries and sign-on bonuses offered by big firms were luring...
Peak unemployment bodies say raising jobseeker rate should take priority over lifting pension income test
A private member’s bill introduced by independent MP Rebekha Sharkie on Monday would increase the income test threshold for pensioners,...
Business confidence plummets while consumers remain more optimistic
Consumers were feeling more confident although there were early signs of a drop in the index in all states except Queensland and South Australia....
Nearly half of SMEs positive about their business targets
But they are still facing challenges in hiring staff and chronic staff shortages that may have an impact on them achieving those targets....
Australia’s central bank hikes rates, says policy not on pre-set path
Wrapping up its August policy meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifted its cash rate by 50 basis points to 1.85%, marking an...
Australia’s leading financial bodies agree on climate reporting
Some of the bodies that participated in the statement included CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Institute...
ANZ Australian Job Ads past the peak
The index showed that job ads in July decreased 1.1 per cent m/m in July, following a slight downward revision of the June number and although...
‘Dark days loom’ for SMEs near the brink
Concerns over rising fuel, materials and labour prices combined with a post-pandemic hangover would send many to the brink, said the manager of...
‘$15 pint’: biggest tax hike in 30 years paints sobering future for Australia’s beer drinkers
The Australian Tax Office announced the excise on beer would be lifted by 4%, or $2.50 more a litre on Monday under its CPI indexation review....
Confidence falls despite strong post-omicron conditions
However, SME business conditions rose to +13 index points in Q2, a strong level by historical standards, with trading conditions particularly...
