Business support news

Professor Retha Wiesner, Founder and program director for the Women in Regional and Remote Enterprises (WiRE) Program standing alongside 2 women.

Breaking the bias for women and girls through our programs

News

8 March 2022

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day 2022 by highlighting some of the programs and initiatives we implement to support girls and women. See how we’re working to achieve gender equality by advancing women in STEM and enabling women entrepreneurs.

Aerial view of housing estate showing a more energy efficient home with solar panels.

Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) expansion: have your say

News

10 November 2021

A consultation opens on 10 November 2021 for the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) expansion to include whole of home assessments.

IT specialists examining a server in a data centre.

Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund round 2 now open

News

25 October 2021

Applications for Round 2 of the Cyber Security Skills Partnership Innovation Fund are now open. A total of $60 million in grants is available.

Two people sitting in a shop looking at a laptop.

New online tool makes hiring process simpler for small business

News

15 June 2021

The Employment Contract Tool helps employers to confidently hire a new staff member and meet their obligations under Australia’s Fair Work system.

Image of a man viewing the Capability Connection website on a tablet device.

The Capability Connection launched in Melbourne, SE Queensland and Townsville

News

24 May 2021

Capability Connection launched in Melbourne, SE Queensland and Townsville.

Payment Times Reporting Scheme updated guidance

News

4 May 2021

The Payment Times Reporting Scheme guidance material has been updated.

A man drawing a pyramid of boxes which represent organisations.

Payment times reporting portal: Organisational structure feature now available

News

12 April 2021

Businesses can no manage and update their organisational structures and submit group reports in the Payment Times Reporting Portal.

A man working on a laptop. The laptop screen has charts on it.

Payment Times Reporting Scheme reporting template now available

News

12 April 2021

The reporting template for the Payment Times Reporting Scheme is now available.

Photo of two women sitting at a table looking at a laptop and tablet

Review of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman: have your say

News

25 March 2021

Share your feedback on the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombusdman (ASBFEO). Consultation closes 30 April 2021.

Map of Australia in light blue with pink highlights to show Melbourne, SE Queensland and Townsville

Local industry capability register for Melbourne, SE Queensland and Townsville

News

26 February 2021

Local industry capability register on the way for Melbourne, SE Queensland and Townsville businesses.

A person looking over a clipboard and papers

The Payment Times Reporting Scheme has commenced

News

29 January 2021

The Payment Times Reporting Scheme commenced on the 1 Janurary 2021. The reporting portal is now available.

Government leads the way to reduce payment times

News

18 January 2021

Annual Pay On-Time Survey Performance Report for 2019-20 reveals that government agencies pay over 90% of low value invoices within 20 days.

Best practice principles released for new car dealership agreements

News

11 December 2020

The Australian Government releases voluntary guidance for the automotive retailing industry aimed at improving transparency and fairness in the development of future automotive dealer agreements.

Four wooden blocks decorated to look like shops

Changes to the Franchising Code: have your say

News

9 November 2020

Share your input on proposed changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct. Consultation is open until 4 December 2020.

Guidance material for the Payment Times Reporting Scheme

News

9 November 2020

There will be help and guidance material available to help business report under the Scheme.

Group of business people sitting round a table in a meeting room

Prepare to report under the Payment Times Reporting Scheme

News

9 November 2020

Large businesses have been contacted by the department. See how you can prepare for the PTRS.

Woman changing a shop sign in the window to ‘open’.

Supporting small and family businesses

News

29 October 2020

The Australian Government’s 2020-21 budget increases support for small and family business with the $74 billion JobMaker Plan.

Digital hub to support small businesses mental health

News

27 August 2020

The Ahead for Business digital hub for small business wellbeing has been relaunched and expanded.

Photo of a woman holding an ipad, with a restaurant behind her

New measures to strengthen the franchising industry

News

20 August 2020

The Government will introduce stronger protections and greater transparency to support and restore confidence in the franchising sector.

A woman talking to a group of adults sitting at desks. A dark board with small pieces of paper pinned to it is behind her

Workshopping with academics on small business wellbeing

News

23 June 2020

We are working with academics across Australia to build an evidence base on small business mental health.

Three people sitting on a bench in front of a shop

Help for small businesses to get back on their feet after the bushfires

News

17 June 2020

Small businesses affected by the recent bushfires can register to receive the support of a free dedicated business facilitator

Automotive franchising draft regulations: have your say

News

14 February 2020

We welcome feedback on draft regulations to amend the Franchising Code of Conduct, improving transparency and cooperation for new car dealers and manufacturers.

An automotive worker inspects car engines in a factory.

Positive results for automotive industry transition support

News

17 January 2020

A new report presents initial analysis of transition programs for workers and supply chain businesses in the automotive industry.

Photo of the roundtable. Tables and chairs occupied by men and women are arranged in an L shape that presumably forms part of a U. The Secretary, Prime Minister, and Minister are at the top of the picture.

Discussions promote small business wellbeing

News

19 August 2019

We are working with key small business and mental health representatives to brainstorm ideas to address complex wellbeing issues.

Comments welcomed on franchise relationships in the automotive industry

News

20 December 2018

Provide input on a Regulation Impact Statement to help address new car dealers’ concerns with their franchising relationships with car manufacturers.

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