Wage Watch: The Fair Work Commission has confirmed a 4.75% rise to Australia’s national minimum wage from 1 July 2026, lifting it to $26.44 an hour ($1004.90 per week) and raising modern award rates, with extra protection for the lowest-paid classifications. Economic Pressure: The ABS says GDP grew just 0.3% in the March quarter as cyclone disruptions hit exports and productivity fell, while business investment rose on big machinery and equipment spending tied to data centres. Budget & Tax Tension: Business groups warn Labor’s tax changes could weigh on investment and trusts, as debate over capital gains tax reform continues to dominate small-business concerns. SME Tech & AI: Several AI-focused moves landed, including agnt8x launching an AI agent recruitment/workforce platform and NextGen Pathology choosing Proscia to build an AI foundation for growth. Energy & Waste: WA’s “Remade in WA” gets $17.8m to build solar panel and embedded battery recycling pathways, aiming to cut landfill and create local jobs. Local Business Opportunities: NFF-backed “Know Your Grocery Code” training will help fresh produce suppliers understand and enforce rights under the mandatory grocery code. Payments & Growth: IREN secured transmission for an 800MW South Australia data centre campus, expected to support hundreds of construction and ongoing jobs. Market Signals: ScrapTrade launched an online scrap buying and selling marketplace to help households and businesses get better prices without the usual phone-and-yard runaround.