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Business News Releases

Ombudsman welcomes ATO credit card reprieve for small businesses

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Lynda McAlary-Smith, has welcomed the decision that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will continue accepting credit card payments until June 30, 2027, describing it as a practical outcome that recognises the cash flow realities facing many Australian small businesses.

Ms McAlary-Smith said access to flexible payment options remains important for many small business and family enterprise operators who carefully manage cash flow while meeting their tax obligations.

“I welcome the Treasurer's announcement that the ATO will continue accepting credit card payments until 30 June 2027,” Ms McAlary-Smith said.

“This is a sensible and welcome decision that gives small businesses breathing room and recognises the very real cash flow pressures they are managing.

“For a small business, flexibility in how and when bills are paid can make a real difference to cash flow,” she said.

“The ATO has listened to concerns from myself and other stakeholders about the impact this change would have had on small businesses and the need for genuine consultation that reflects the real experiences of business owners who are already managing significant financial pressures.”

Ms McAlary-Smith said, “This extension provides valuable breathing room for small businesses who use credit cards as a legitimate cash flow management tool to meet obligations on time and allows consultation about longer term arrangements to take place.

“Small businesses have told us that removing this payment option too quickly would make managing already tight cash flow even harder. It is pleasing to see those concerns heard and acted on.

“This extension provides valuable time to properly consider what comes next and ensure any longer-term arrangements are workable for small businesses," Ms McAlary-Smith said.

“While this is a positive outcome, I will continue to advocate strongly for the interests of small businesses and ensure their practical experience is at the centre of the ATO’s consultation as I work with them over the coming months.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

 

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ATO extends transition period for taxpayers using credit cards until June 30 next year

THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has suspended its plan to deny payments by credit card from November 30. It has agreed to continue accepting credit card payments for tax obligations until June 30, 2027.

An ATO spokesperson said the change followed "discussions with the government and the provision of transitional funding".

"We will continue to consult with relevant stakeholders and stewardship groups to understand how best to support those experiencing financial hardship and identify alternative arrangements for businesses and individuals who are unable to pay via other methods," the ATO said in an official statement.

"Taxpayers who wish to continue using a credit card to meet their tax obligations after 30 June 2027 may continue to use third-party payment providers. The ATO encourages taxpayers considering these options to carefully consider relevant fees, charges and processing timeframes.

"The ATO also encourages taxpayers to remain vigilant against scams and verify the credentials of any third-party providers before sharing information or making payments."

The ATO said taxpayers needing additional support "are encouraged to contact the ATO or speak with their registered tax professional".

www.ato.gov.au

 

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ATO payment change adds mounting pressure on home builders, HIA says

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)  and Federal Government to reverse the decision to cease accepting credit card payments from November 30, warning the change needs to be viewed against the cumulative financial pressure already confronting residential building businesses.

HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft said the decision removed a legitimate payment option used by some businesses to help manage cash flow at a time when builders are being asked to absorb an increasing range of costs, taxes and compliance obligations.

“Residential builders and small businesses more broadly continue to navigate a challenging operating environment, with increased construction costs, wages, insurance, finance and regulatory costs all significantly higher than they were just a few years ago,” Mr Croft said.

“Builders and small businesses are also navigating a growing list of additional cost and compliance pressures.

“Recent and upcoming changes include increases in minimum award wage rates, the introduction of payday superannuation, restrictions on credit card surcharges, higher fuel costs, increases in insurance premiums, and additional costs flowing through from levies and charges applied across the supply chain.

“Businesses are also facing proposals that could significantly increase the tax burden on family-owned enterprises, a reduction in government support for employers taking on apprentices, and an expanding range of regulatory and reporting requirements.

“Each of these changes may appear manageable in isolation, but together they are placing increasing pressure on business cash flow, profitability and confidence," Mr Croft said.

“Combined with elevated construction costs and tighter trading conditions, these pressures continue to make managing cash flow one of the most significant challenges facing residential building businesses.

“Cash flow remains critical for residential building businesses. Builders are often balancing payments to employees, subcontractors, suppliers, insurers and government agencies well before the next progress payment is received from a client.

“While the ATO's decision does not change the amount of tax owed, it removes one of the tools some businesses use to manage the timing of payments and maintain cash flow," he said.

“HIA is calling on the ATO and the Federal Government to reverse the decision before it takes effect on November 30 and retain access to credit card payments for taxation liabilities.

“Removing payment flexibility does not reduce a business's tax obligations. It simply makes managing cash flow more difficult at a time when many builders are already facing significant cost pressures.

“Small and medium-sized builders construct the majority of Australia's new homes. At a time when governments are looking to increase housing supply, every effort should be made to support the businesses responsible for delivering those homes, not impose further costs and complexities on their business,” Mr Croft said.

www.hia.com.au

 

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New ABS Building Activity data amid small builder pressure say Master Builders

TODAY, the Australian Brueau of Statistics (ABS) released building activity data for the June quarter, showing new home building starts rose by 7%.

This includes a 11.3% lift in detached house starts and only a 0.6% higher density increase. Non-residential building activity is also up 12.1% on a year earlier.

While today's figures provide a snapshot of activity in the June quarter, other recent data releases, including building approvals, indicate the outlook has weakened since.

Building approvals, which precede building activity, dropped by 6.1% in August, with engineering construction activity also falling by 4.7% during the June 2026 quarter.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said it was important to remember that 98% of the construction industry is made up of small businesses.

"Recent policy decisions have been death by a thousand cuts for small building businesses at exactly the time Australia needs them delivering more homes and critical infrastructure," Ms Wawn said.

"Today's figures show there was still activity in the pipeline during the June quarter, but more recent indicators suggest conditions have since deteriorated and the outlook for new projects is becoming increasingly challenging.

"The flat result for higher-density housing is particularly concerning because that part of the market needs to do the heavy lifting if Australia is to meet its housing targets," she said.

“Each new measure, whether it be the ATO’s credit card ban, the upcoming changes to trusts or the changes to property investment, is adding to the growing burden on the small businesses responsible for building Australia."

Master Builders' forecasts released last week downgraded expected activity across housing, civil construction and non-residential building over the next five years compared with forecasts published in March.

The forecasts show Australia is on track to fall 262,000 homes short of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

“That’s 262,000 less homes for Australian families, first home buyers and renters,” Ms Wawn said.

“The cumulative impact of the Federal Budget, continued interest rate increases and an ongoing global uncertainty have deteriorated the environment.”

www.masterbuilders.com.au

 

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Committee to shine light on solar waste and reuse opportunities

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Tuesday, October 6, as part of its inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling.  

Following industry site visits in Sydney and Wagga Wagga, the committee will hear evidence from industry, researchers and government stakeholders on opportunities and challenges in Australia's solar panel recycling and reuse sector, including how the industry can respond to growing volumes of end-of-life solar panels.

Committee Chair, Anne Urquhart MP, said, "The committee has seen firsthand the work already being undertaken by manufacturers, recyclers and researchers across the sector. Through this inquiry, we want to better understand the capabilities that currently exist, the challenges facing industry, and how Australia can prepare for the growing number of solar panels that will reach the end of their life in the years ahead.

“We are interested in exploring the potential policy settings, infrastructure investments and regulatory measures that could support a sustainable and economically viable solar panel reuse and recycling sector,” Ms Urquhart said.

The inquiry was referred to the committee on January 19 this year by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt.

Public hearing details:

Date:               Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Time:               9am to 4:30pm AEDT
Location:         Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, ACT 2600

The hearing will be audio-visual broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

The committee will hear evidence from:

  • Regional Development Australia Southern NSW & ACT
  • Mr Wayne Peacock
  • Halocell Energy Ltd
  • Second Life Solar
  • TSP Energy
  • Circular Australia
  • Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
  • Pan Pacific Recycling
  • Product Stewardship Centre for Excellence

Further information, including the terms of reference, can be found on the Committee’s website.

 

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Report into the Hume Circle Precinct

THE Joint Standing Committee on National Capital and External Territories has today presented its report for its inquiry into the National Capital Plan (NCP) Amendment No.102 – Hume Circle Precinct.

Chair of the NCET Committee, Alicia Payne MP, said this report into Amendment 102 was one of the most significant planning proposals considered by the committee in recent years.

“The proposal has generated considerable public interest and prompted important discussions about the future of Canberra, the National Capital Plan, and the need to find the right balance between accommodating growth and renewal and preserving the characteristics that make the national capital unique,” Ms Payne said.

“The committee heard strong views about the future of the Hume Circle Precinct.

“After carefully considering the broad range of evidence from stakeholders including residents, community organisations, planning experts, the NCA, the ACT Government and the developer (JEGA), the committee has recommended that Staffordshire Terrace be removed from Amendment 102," she said.

“Further recommendations in this report are intended to strengthen future NCA consultation and planning processes, improve cooperation between the NCA and the ACT Government, and ensure that infrastructure, community needs and national capital considerations are appropriately addressed as planning for the precinct progresses.

“While there is broad recognition of the potential for renewal and additional housing, the community must be provided with sufficient information about the consultation processes, involved early and openly in major planning decisions, and have confidence in how decisions are made," Ms Payne said.

“The committee’s recommendations provide a practical pathway for improving trust and ensuring the community has an ongoing voice as detailed planning progresses.

“The committee would like to sincerely thank all stakeholders for their participation in the inquiry process and notes the challenges of maintaining and enhancing the Canberra landscape whilst respecting the intent of the Griffin Legacy.”

A full copy of the report, including recommendations and further information about the inquiry is available on the committee’s website.

 

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Hearings commence: cyber security for small businesses

THE House Select Committee on Cyber Security for Small to Medium Sized Businesses and Organisations will hold its first public hearing for the inquiry into cyber security for small to medium sized businesses and organisations on Tuesday, October 6.

"Running a small business is demanding enough without having to worry about cyber criminals targeting your operations, customer data or finances," Committee Chair Sally Sitou MP said.

"We want to hear what's working, what's not, and what government, industry and cyber security experts can do to better support small businesses to deal with modern day cyber threats."

The committee has scheduled seven public hearings to hear from a wide range of groups, including small businesses and organisations, cyber security experts, government officials, and representatives from sector groups, among others.

Public hearings are scheduled on:

  • Tuesday 6 October 2026
  • Friday 16 October 2026
  • Monday 19 October 2026
  • Tuesday 20 October 2026
  • Thursday 22 October 2026
  • Monday 2 November 2026
  • Wednesday 4 November 2026

Detailed programs for each hearing will become available on the committee's website, and hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

The committee has also launched a short stakeholder survey to better understand the cyber security experiences of small to medium sized businesses and organisations.

The survey is designed to be quick and easy to complete and it will help inform the Committee's work examining the cyber security challenges and opportunities facing Australia's small to medium sized businesses and organisations.

The survey will be open until January 29 next year.

 

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HIA promotes safer site today, smarter sites tomorrow

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) is marking National Safe Work Month by recognising the significant safety gains achieved across the residential building industry over the past two decades and highlighting how technology and innovation are helping create the smarter, and safer, building sites of the future.

HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft, said today's residential building sites are safer, better managed and more safety-conscious than ever before.

"The residential building industry has made significant progress in workplace safety over the past two decades," Mr Croft said.

"That progress has been driven by builders, trades, workers and businesses embracing better training, stronger safety systems and a more proactive approach to managing workplace risks.

"Today's sites are safer than ever before because safety has become embedded in the way building businesses operate. From site inductions and toolbox talks to risk assessments and supervision, safety is now part of everyday business."

This year's National Safe Work Month theme throughout the month of October is, 'Safe Work is for Life', an important reminder that workplace safety is about more than preventing injuries today. It is also about protecting the long-term health, wellbeing and careers of workers across the industry.

"While the industry can be proud of the progress that has been made, there is always more work to do," Mr Croft said.

"Safety is not a destination. It is an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, and every worker, subcontractor, supervisor and business owner has a role to play in creating safer workplaces."

Mr Croft said technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving safety outcomes across the residential building industry.

"Digital safety management systems, mobile site inspections, real-time reporting tools and online training are making it easier for businesses to identify hazards, manage safety obligations and respond to risks before incidents occur.

"Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and smarter project management tools also have the potential to further improve safety outcomes by helping businesses identify patterns, assess risks earlier and make better-informed decisions."

Innovation in products, equipment and construction methods is also helping make sites safer.

"Advances in prefabrication, modular construction, mechanical lifting equipment and modern building systems are reducing manual handling risks and improving workplace safety for builders and tradespeople,” Mr Croft said.

"The next generation of safety improvements will be driven not only by culture and training, but also by the adoption of smarter technologies and innovative ways of building."

Mr Croft said strong safety performance delivers benefits for workers, businesses and clients alike.

"Good safety outcomes are also good business outcomes. Safe workplaces help retain skilled workers, reduce disruption, improve productivity and support successful project delivery.

"The strongest safety outcomes occur when businesses combine good leadership, practical safety systems, effective training and innovative solutions."

As part of National Safe Work Month, HIA is encouraging all businesses to take the opportunity to review their safety practices and continue building strong safety cultures across their workplaces.

"HIA remains committed to supporting the industry with practical tools, resources, advice and training to help continue the industry's strong safety performance and drive further improvements into the future," Mr Croft said.

More information on National Safe Work Month can be found here and HIA's dedicated safety resources are available through HIA's Safety Hub.

 

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Committee examines Australia-Fiji defence and security agreements

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 1, as part of its inquiries into the Ocean of Peace Alliance and Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union.

The treaties were both referred to the committee on August 11 this year and will be examined together due to their complementary defence, security and regional cooperation objectives.

The Ocean of Peace Alliance aims to establish a defence and security partnership between Australia and Fiji. The treaty will require both countries to cooperate to develop defence capacity, consult in the event of security-related developments, and act to meet the common danger where one faces an armed attack.

The Ocean of Peace Alliance may also be joined by other Pacific countries ‘in a position to further’ the Alliance.

The Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union aims to deepen Australia and Fiji’s bilateral cooperation across security, economic integration, people-to-people links, climate and regional cooperation.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP, said, "The inquiries into the Fiji defence and security treaties allow Parliament to investigate whether these treaties are in Australia’s strategic and economic interest.

"The committee is particularly interested in understanding the practical effects of these agreements and what they mean for Australia's relationship with Fiji and the broader Pacific region," Ms Chesters said.

The committee will hear evidence from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Australian Federal Police.

Further information about the inquiries, including the treaties’ text, national interest analyses and submissions received by the committee, are available on the inquiries’ webpages.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Time: 2pm to 3pm AEST (approximately)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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Critical minerals inquiry in Brisbane and Mackay

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold public hearings in Brisbane and Mackay as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.

On Monday, September 28, the committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including academics, engagement professionals, mining and mineral processing companies, and government, about the social licence requirements and economic potential of critical minerals projects.

On Tuesday, September 29 the committee will meet with representatives of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance and Isaac Regional Council to explore the opportunities for critical minerals development in a region shaped by mining, as well as the challenges facing local communities in those regions.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "There are tremendous opportunities for mining regions to leverage their existing resources and expertise to take advantage of the critical minerals boom. Areas like Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville have the people, expertise and infrastructure to take these opportunities to another level in processing and manufacturing of critical minerals.

"The committee is keen to see how these opportunities might be progressed while ensuring that the benefits and costs are distributed fairly."

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website. The committee will travel to other regions across the country in the coming months.

Public hearings

Date: Monday, 28 September 2026
Time: 9am– 3.20pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 2, Level 3, Parliamentary Annexe, Alice Street, Brisbane.

Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Time: 9am – 10.30am (AEST)
Location: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Rd, Paget.

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

 

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Public Works Committee heads north to RAAF Base Darwin

NEXT WEEK, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the committee) will visit Darwin, Northern Territory, to conduct a site inspection and public hearing for its inquiry into Facilities to Support AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control (Package 1)—RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory.

The Department of Defence is proposing to deliver fit-for-purpose facilities and infrastructure to support the requirements of the AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control project. The project proposes to deliver facilities for the 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, including a new Operations Support Facility, new vehicle shelters, and associated external works to provide infrastructure and security. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $299.1 million (excluding GST).

The committee will conduct a site inspection of RAAF Base Darwin and be briefed in private by Defence officials on the project, prior to conducting a public hearing with Defence witnesses in Darwin City later in the day.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to listen in to the public hearing via the APH website or attend the hearing in person at the location listed below.

Public Hearing Details:

Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Time: 1.30pm – 2.10pm (ACST)

Location: Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory (Nitmiluk Lounge), Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800.

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

 

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