Returning this November for its sixth year, Shop Small shines the spotlight on the importance of small businesses and encourages Australians to walk through their doors. It reminds people that if they value small businesses and want to see them thrive, they need to support them. American Express has marked the launch of Shop Small […]
By Sooraj Sidhu and Lindsay Carroll, NRA Legal Yesterday, the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) president Iain Ross responded to reports commissioned last year, which urged the establishment of a ‘Small Business Division’ of the Fair Work Commission and the reduction of red tape associated with unfair dismissal and adverse action claims. The news comes following […]
The National Retail Association (NRA) has today rejected the policy package outlined by ACTU secretary Sally McManus at the National Press Club today, saying it would cripple small business. In her address, Ms. McManus took specific aim at employers hiring casual workers and attacked the independent Fair Work Commission (FWC). NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said […]
By Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman A Cyber Security Best Practice Guide has been developed to help busy small business operators understand the risks and how to prevent cyber attacks. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman published the guide after research showed 60 per cent of small firms that experienced a […]
by Sid Sidhu and Troy Wild Ashley Duddington v Mario and Clara Enterprises Pty Ltd and Morgan Trading Pty Ltd [2017] FWC 2958 Small business employers (employing less than 15 employees) are reminded by a recent case before the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to use the Small Business Dismissal Code (the Code) when terminating employees. […]
According to a statement released by Small Business, Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith, operators and employees in South Australia’s Small to Medium Business sector play a key role in transforming the local economy and the sector is a big winner in the 2017-18 State Budget handed down on 22 June. The Minister said grants to […]
QUEENSLAND Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Queensland Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan announced disaster assistance in response to Tropical Cyclone Debbie that has affected twenty-eight local government areas in Queensland. Minister Keenan said the assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). […]
Small online retailers represent 37% of total online retail sales over the past 12 months, according to a report by Quantium. Though growth rates vary month-to-month, small online retail spending is trending much higher than past periods, tracking an estimated 22.2% higher than a year ago. These retailers are primarily based in Personal & Recreational, […]
If you’re part of a small business in Queensland, it’s a good time to purchase software and get the training you need to use it. Until 9 December, the Queensland Government is offering small businesses matched funding of up to $10,000 for hardware, software and services as part of its Small Business Digital Grants Program. […]
Having a strong online presence is increasingly important for companies of all sizes. Now there’s free digital training to help small businesses to help level the playing field. Officially launched at last week’s Australian Chamber Business Leaders Summit, Google has officially launched The Digital Garage in partnership with the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The free […]
Last week I mentioned the ongoing review of the General Retail Industry Award, and specifically the issue of penalty rates for Sundays. This week I attended a talk on the issue by the President of the Fair Work Commission, Justice Iain Ross. While he didn’t comment on the likely decision, he did make reference to […]
It’s been a big week for the NRA with our spectacular Rewards for Excellence Gala on Wednesday night in Sydney, and former CEO, Trevor Evans MP delivering his Maiden Speech to the Australian Parliament. The 2016 NRA Rewards for Excellence Gala was held on Wednesday night at the Sofitel in Sydney, with the 14 award […]
Did you miss the 30 June SuperStream deadline? The Australian Tax Office recognises that some small businesses needed extra time to get ready so they are supporting you by extending the deadline. You now have until 28 October 2016 to make the changes and be SuperStream ready. There are a number of options a small […]
There’s nothing more frustrating and soul-destroying for any business owner than to see the results of your hard work disappear into the pockets of complete strangers. Yet we know that’s the daily reality for many small business owners in the retail space. That’s why your association is working actively with law enforcement agencies and governments […]
The National Australia Bank has released the Online Retail Sales Index: Indepth Report for June 2016 showing that online sales are surging, however bricks and mortar stores are still pulling ahead. At a glance the online retail spend in Australia is $20.1 billion while bricks and mortar equates to $296.9 billion. Although NSW has come […]
The Victorian State Government has commenced its small business regulation review to help identify barriers that are hindering growth and sustainability across the state. The review will be led by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, with a goal to reducing red tape and the regulatory burden on small businesses. Small businesses […]
Over the next two years, the Victorian Government will examine how regulation is impacting the state’s small businesses in three sectors of the state’s economy, first focusing on Victoria’s retail sector. The Victorian Government is looking at what they can do to cut regulatory burdens for small retail businesses. They want to know what specific […]
As of Friday 8th July, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) launched a revitalised website with new design and features which have been based on feedback compiled through a website usability survey by stakeholders. The Commission was seeking feedback to improve the design, user experience and the functionality of the website. Feedback received from stakeholders has […]
The South Australian Minister for Small Business, Hon Martin Hamilton-Smith MP, has advised the National Retail Association of the launch of the Small Business Development Fund for Northern Adelaide. Small businesses based in the local government areas of Playford, Salisbury and Port Adelaide Enfield can now access a $10m fund to grow their business and […]
With tax time around the corner the Australian Tax Office wants you to make the most of small business tax concessions. What are the tax concessions? The ATO has a What’s new for small business page that keeps an up-to- date list of available tax concessions and eligibility requirements. This is a great resource to make sure […]