Legal matters
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Credit card surcharge gauging could hurt, experts say
6:42PM | Thursday, 9 June 2011 | Michelle HammondIndustry groups have criticised a plan by the Reserve Bank to cap surcharge fees on credit card transactions, claiming the move would unfairly target smaller companies.
Spreets and Cudo call for code of conduct
6:50PM | Wednesday, 8 June 2011 | Michelle HammondGroup-buying sites Spreets and Cudo have released a framework for an industry-specific code of conduct, detailing ethical and best-practice commitments to merchants and members of the sector.
Warning to SMEs as Harvey Norman franchisees fined for bait advertising
6:13PM | Wednesday, 8 June 2011 | Michelle HammondSmall businesses are warned to pay attention to their catalogue advertising after six Harvey Norman franchisees were fined for advertising items they could not supply.
RedBubble relents over Hipster Hitler t-shirt storm
6:48PM | Monday, 6 June 2011 | Oliver MilmanRedBubble has finally removed the Hipster Hitler t-shirts that caused uproar among some of its readers, following talks with the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission.
Coalition’s super pledge gets mixed reviews
6:11PM | Friday, 3 June 2011 | Michelle HammondThe Federal Coalition has pledged to remove the “unpaid tax collector” status of small firms if it achieves government, in a move that has been welcomed by small business groups but dismissed by Labor.
FWA’s minimum wage increase slammed by industry
6:06PM | Friday, 3 June 2011 | Michelle HammondFair Work Australia has awarded the country’s lowest paid workers a minimum wage increase of $19.40 per week, but industry groups say the move will hurt small businesses.
All Borders stores to close but no decision on Angus & Robertson
6:36PM | Thursday, 2 June 2011 | Madeleine HeffernanThe nine remaining Borders bookstores throughout Australia are set to close, but the administrators of its collapsed parent say no decision has been made on the future of Angus & Robertson.
Telco customers to set their own spending limits
6:49PM | Thursday, 2 June 2011 | Michelle HammondNew moves designed to protect consumers from suspect telco companies have the potential to transform the industry, according to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.
Half of SMEs fail after insurable loss
6:38PM | Wednesday, 1 June 2011 | Michelle HammondAlmost 85% of SMEs think they are fully insured but around half fail after an insurable loss to their business, according to insurance experts.
Text message sacking prompts legal warning
5:06PM | Tuesday, 31 May 2011 | Michelle HammondEmployers are being warned to act with caution when dismissing staff after an employee was awarded almost $10,000 in compensation after being sacked via text message.
Reduce GST threshold to $100, retailers urge
5:13PM | Monday, 30 May 2011 | Michelle HammondAustralian retailers are calling for the GST threshold to be slashed from $1,000 to $100, as well as demanding the right to dictate their own opening hours.
Law firm cuts ties with RedBubble over Hitler t-shirt controversy
5:46PM | Friday, 27 May 2011 | Oliver MilmanLeading law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler has refused to work again with former client RedBubble over the listing of “Hipster Hitler” merchandise on the art retail website.
Physical theft bigger threat than IP theft to small businesses: Report
5:00AM | Friday, 27 May 2011 | Michelle HammondA new report reveals 60% of small business owners have suffered a security breach in the last 12 months, with physical theft far more common than vandalism or IP theft.
Apple iTunes head for the cloud
5:12PM | Monday, 23 May 2011 | Michelle HammondApple is close to finalising agreements with major record labels in a move that would allow consumers to access songs via the internet using any of its gadgets.
MP slammed over “rogue” warning to budding franchisees
5:56PM | Monday, 23 May 2011 | Michelle HammondFranchising experts have questioned the motives of WA Liberal MP Peter Abetz, who has warned prospective franchisees that “rogue elements” may “prey” upon them.
AusPat patent service launches online
5:36PM | Monday, 23 May 2011 | Michelle HammondAustralian inventors can now access patent records online thanks to changes made by IP Australia to its patent search system AusPat.
Coalition accuses government of ‘lifting’ SME advocate idea
5:00AM | Monday, 23 May 2011 | Oliver MilmanThe Federal opposition has accused the Government of stealing its idea after Small Business Minister Nick Sherry unveiled proposals for a national small business “advocate” to help resolve disputes.
FIA labels Customs a “toothless tiger” over enforcement of $1,000 import GST threshold
5:15PM | Thursday, 19 May 2011 | Michelle HammondThe Fair Imports Alliance has labeled Customs a “toothless tiger” after viewing the final report on its three-month campaign into the enforcement of the $1,000 import GST threshold.
Businesses welcome FWA community worker pay deal
5:28PM | Tuesday, 17 May 2011 | Michelle HammondIndustry groups have welcomed Fair Work Australia’s “careful and methodical approach” in delivering equal remuneration for social and community service workers.
Union pay rise push will hurt small business, claims ACCI
5:37PM | Monday, 16 May 2011 | Michelle HammondAustralian Chamber of Commerce and Industry claims a union push for a $28-a-week pay rise for employees will add $3.6 billion to the wage bills of struggling small businesses.
