Outsourcing for cashflow: Airtasker says more founders are offloading admin and operational tasks to protect energy and focus on revenue, with CEO Tim Fung pointing to burnout risk and a “Founder Tax Calculator” to show what DIY work costs. Insurance squeeze from tobacco arson: In Melbourne, small businesses near tobacconists are being denied fire cover or priced out as arson attacks linked to illicit tobacco markets escalate, raising fresh calls for insurers and policymakers to stop pushing costs onto unrelated operators. Cybersecurity gap: A new look at why attackers target under-resourced SMEs highlights that one weak supplier account can expose payments and trusted access, making basic, accountable controls tied to real contract needs more urgent. Card surcharge shake-up: With the end of card surcharges from Oct 1, businesses may be able to offer cash discounts instead—potentially changing how shoppers see “sticker prices” and checkout costs. AI governance for SMEs: Commentary warns that “AI psychosis” (confident but wrong outputs) can be especially risky for small firms that lack governance resources. Smart glasses crackdown: The federal government is considering banning recording-capable smart glasses in Commonwealth workplaces, citing privacy and security concerns. Migration labour pressure (SA): Changes to Working Holiday Maker caps and ballot allocation could tighten labour supply for SMEs in agriculture, tourism and hospitality. EV charging for regional tourists (Qld): EV drivers heading inland face limited fast charging, with Kingaroy flagged as a gap for tourism-linked local economies. SME tax uncertainty: CPA Australia urges fixes to a proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts, warning of major compliance and advice costs for family businesses. Energy trial for renters (NSW): Ausgrid’s Community Power Network trial aims to let renters and small businesses share benefits from C&I rooftop solar via community batteries. South Australia wine support: A $109m package backs the state’s wine sector with loans, storage and inventory solutions as businesses navigate a tough period. Olympic rowing secrecy (Qld): Calls grow over non-release of an assessment report for the Fitzroy River course, with critics questioning transparency. Copyright theft on Temu (Sydney): A local T-shirt maker says thousands of copied designs were sold on Temu, adding pressure on platforms to improve takedowns and complaints handling.