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News

October 09, 2026

Ombudsman welcomes ATO credit card reprieve for small businesses

Author: Mike Sullivan

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…

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

Oct 08, 2026 215

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…

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

Oct 07, 2026 163
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…

Committee to shine light on solar waste and reuse opportunities

Oct 02, 2026 323

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…

Report into the Hume Circle Precinct

Oct 02, 2026 306

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…

Hearings commence: cyber security for small businesses

Sep 30, 2026 438

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,"…

HIA promotes safer site today, smarter sites tomorrow

Sep 30, 2026 462

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…

Committee examines Australia-Fiji defence and security agreements

Sep 29, 2026 627

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…

Critical minerals inquiry in Brisbane and Mackay

Sep 25, 2026 935

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…

Public Works Committee heads north to RAAF Base Darwin

Sep 25, 2026 902

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…