What’s known so far about the federal budget

6 May

Jim Chalmers is putting the finishing touches on his fifth federal budget, with some of the measures starting to be revealed. WHAT’S ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE BUDGET * The government has already flagged large cuts to the NDIS, with savings of $15...[Read More]

End of the free ride: studies call for road user charge

6 May

Australian motorists should pay a fee for every kilometre they drive in order to maintain and build the nation’s road network, according to two studies into transport reform. But the reports, released on Wednesday, disagree over who should pay...[Read More]

Understanding the NDIS: Who it supports and how it works

23 April

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s flagship program designed to support people living with permanent and significant disability.  At its core, the NDIS provides funding to eligible individuals so they can access the...[Read More]

Financial security: key strategies to safeguard your financial future

23 April

Financial stability doesn’t usually come by chance; it requires preparation and strategy. Most of us depend on a steady paycheck, but few consider what would happen if it disappeared suddenly.  Protecting yourself against financial disaster means...[Read More]

Job market yet to feel impact of Iran war, rate hikes

22 April

The Iran war has yet to hit Australia’s robust labour market, but a double-blow to unemployment from higher oil prices and the Reserve Bank is on its way. The jobless rate held steady at 4.3 per cent in March, despite the Middle East conflict...[Read More]

Showers free in aged care reform as health rebate cut

22 April

Private health insurance rebates will be slashed for older Australians to fund essential home care services such as showering and dressing support. The federal government has backed down on a requirement that people receiving aged care support pay...[Read More]

Spoils of Iran war to deliver Chalmers a budget boost

15 April

The Iran war is set to deliver a $36 billion windfall for Treasurer Jim Chalmers, but increased spending on cost-of-living measures could derail efforts to get the budget back in black. Even with a fragile ceasefire holding in the Middle East, the...[Read More]

Fuel, fertiliser shortages could deliver barren harvest

1 April

Australia’s regional and rural businesses will face a triple threat from fuel, fertiliser and interest rate changes over the coming months, but can fight back with investments in renewable energy and artificial intelligence. NAB issued the advice...[Read More]

Spike in jobless rate unlikely to end RBA hiking cycle

25 March

Noisy jobs data has revealed a tight labour market, giving the Reserve Bank the green light to further hike interest rates despite a spike in unemployment. The jobless rate jumped to 4.3 per cent in February, despite almost 50,000 more people...[Read More]

Sticky situation as super changes stretch small firms

25 March

Rising costs and cash flow pressures could force thousands of small business owners to dip into personal savings to comply with new superannuation rules. Changes slated for July 1 require employers to pay employees superannuation at the same time as...[Read More]

Unions urge five per cent pay rise as inflation bites

25 March

Nearly three million low-paid workers would receive thousands more in annual wages under a union push for a five per cent pay rise. The ACTU will ask industrial umpire the Fair Work Commission to increase the minimum wage to $26.19 per hour, up from...[Read More]

Insolvencies at record highs, set to rise on Iran war

25 March

Australian businesses are failing at record rates and soaring energy prices are set to make matters worse, putting the national economy at risk of recession. Business insolvencies and payment defaults were already at or near their highest-ever...[Read More]

Rice could be key ingredient to cutting steel emissions

11 March

Leftover rice could be the key ingredient to halving carbon emissions from iron and steel production, according to a trial led by Australian researchers. The CSIRO and Indian Institute of Science revealed the findings on Tuesday from tests in which...[Read More]

When your business is your family farm it’s important to consult a specialist insurance broker or adviser

5 March

Running a family farm, especially one passed down through generations, is more than just a business—it’s your family’s heritage, legacy, and livelihood.  Protecting this invaluable asset requires expertise beyond basic insurance...[Read More]

CBA boss calls for spending cuts, bold reform in budget

4 March

The bosses of Australia’s largest companies have urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers to take a bold agenda to the May budget to salvage the country’s faltering international competitiveness. Speaking at the Australian Financial Review Business Summit,...[Read More]