Business

Reserve Bank boss calls on businesses to invest smarter

11 February

The Reserve Bank governor has called on businesses to help lift Australia’s sluggish productivity growth as she tries to bring inflation under control. Facing a string of questions about the government’s role in driving up inflation at a...[Read More]

The way to happiness and success

5 February

Happiness and success are deeply intertwined but aren’t always the result of material gains or high-status positions. Instead, a fulfilling life and career stem from aligning your values, passions, and actions in ways that promote well-being and...[Read More]

Discount loans to drive down the price of electric cars

4 February

Motorists will be offered another incentive to choose electric over petrol through a $60 million program to cut the cost of car loans. The Climate Energy Finance Corporation announced the scheme in partnership with Hyundai on Tuesday, revealing it...[Read More]

‘Milestone deal’ for 100,000 first homes target

4 February

An $800 million Commonwealth-state deal for 17,000 new homes is a milestone in the promise to provide 100,000 dwellings for first-time buyers, the federal government says. The agreement will include almost 7000 homes for first-up owners in Adelaide...[Read More]

Healthy jobs market spells rate pain for borrowers

28 January

Analysts are warning mortgage holders an interest rate rise could be just weeks away, after surprisingly strong jobs figures heightened the Reserve Bank of Australia’s concerns about inflation. Forecasters were taken off guard by the resilience of...[Read More]

Key RBA concern eases ahead of crucial inflation print

28 January

Australian firms are noticing an easing in a key business pressure, taking some steam out of calls for the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates. But while capacity utilisation cooled slightly in December, it remains above the long-run average and...[Read More]

Cheaper houses have lift-off as guarantee takes effect

14 January

The signature election housing policy of the federal government is worsening affordability for first time homebuyers, even as it gets more people into home ownership. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigned on widening eligibility to a five per...[Read More]

Happy new ‘calendar’ year: A smarter start from a tax and accounting perspective

8 January

The start of a new calendar year is more than just a fresh page in the diary — it’s an opportunity to reset, refocus and set yourself up for a smoother financial year ahead. From a tax and accounting point of view, January is the perfect time to...[Read More]

Financial security: four key strategies to safeguard your financial future

1 January

Financial stability doesn’t usually come by chance; it requires preparation and strategy. Most of us depend on a steady paycheck, but few consider what would happen if it disappeared suddenly. Protecting yourself against financial disaster means...[Read More]

Using your accountant or adviser as a mentor for your new business

1 January

Starting a business is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. As an entrepreneur, you need to navigate various systems and processes while minimising errors and maximising success. To gain a competitive edge and make informed decisions, establishing...[Read More]

Bold company tax proposal still friendless after revamp

24 December

The business community remains dead against a bold Productivity Commission bid to transform the corporate tax regime, even after it reduced the proposed rate for big firms. The government’s economic think tank on Friday released the five final...[Read More]

CBA to repay $68m in fees to low-income customers

24 December

Following pressure from regulators, Australia’s largest bank says it will repay $68 million to low-income customers who incurred unusually high bank fees for services such as dishonoured payments and overdraws. Commonwealth Bank said on Tuesday it...[Read More]

Quarter 1 2026 tax planning: The top 5 things business owners should know

18 December

As we move into Quarter 1 of 2026, business owners have a valuable window to get their tax affairs in order before the end of the financial year approaches. Early planning can mean the difference between paying more tax than necessary and putting...[Read More]

Tax reform call as data centre boom plugs in investment

17 December

The treasurer has been urged to raise the GST, lower the capital gains discount and introduce a modest inheritance tax to fix his ailing budget as Australia’s nascent data centre boom lifts productivity hopes. In next week’s Mid-Year Economic...[Read More]

Price gouging ban will drive up costs: supermarkets