Bill Shorten

Government backflips on plans to regulate SME access to credit

2:54PM | Thursday, 14 February 2013 |  The federal government has backed down on draft legislation which proposed regulating small business credit after criticism it would make it harder for small business to get funding.

Small wins for business on unfair dismissal laws

10:47PM | Monday, 15 October 2012 |  Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten today offered limited relief on unfair dismissal laws to business but the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the reforms are unlikely to go far enough.

ACCI calls on employers to consider mature-age workers

6:43PM | Friday, 15 June 2012 |  The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched a campaign for mature-wage workers alongside Business SA, as statistics show older workers are increasingly overlooked.

Three-pronged pay push will hurt employers, business groups claim

3:18PM | Wednesday, 7 March 2012 |  Employers will face a three-pronged pay push in coming months as unions seek pay increases for adult apprentices and other workers, while junior retail workers could also receive a pay rise.

Government accused of delaying taskforce help for retailers

12:04PM | Friday, 9 December 2011 |  A retail group has accused the government of failing to stand up for Australian retailers, after deciding to refer the recommendations of a Productivity Commission report to another taskforce.

New super scheme tipped to slash SME red tape

11:29PM | Thursday, 3 November 2011 |  The Federal Government says a new superannuation scheme will be simpler and cheaper to use, potentially easing the burden of red tape faced by small business owners.

COSBOA calls for scrapping of GST import threshold but Choice says retailers are missing the point

7:56PM | Thursday, 21 July 2011 |  The Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia says it supports moves to decrease the tax-free threshold for online purchases.

ATO delivers blow to Coalition’s super plans

6:47PM | Tuesday, 7 June 2011 |  The ATO has dealt a blow to the Coalition, claiming its plan to cut small business expenses would cost taxpayers more than $250 million over four years.

Late tax return deterrent set to impact small businesses

5:20PM | Wednesday, 18 May 2011 |  Company directors who fail to lodge their tax returns on time could become personally liable for the debts under a Federal budget change.