Work-from-home showdown: Victoria’s landmark right-to-work-from-home laws have stalled after a surprise vote referred the bill to a parliamentary committee, with business groups warning of legal action and a tight path to passage before the November election. Card surcharges end (but costs may rise): From 1 October, credit/debit card purchases will be surcharge-free, with interchange fees capped at 0.3%, but banks are already expected to lift annual fees and reduce perks—small businesses may see savings yet face price pressure. Tax tweaks for startups under fire: Draft legislation to preserve “softer” startup tax settings and improve innovation incentives has left parts of the tech sector uneasy over uncertainty around eligibility and investor treatment. Solar for renters/balcony solar: Energy ministers are exploring ways to safely legalise plug-in solar and batteries for apartment dwellers and renters, potentially unlocking new demand for installers and retailers. NRFC backs local industry: The NRFC has approved a $55m debt investment for Darwin-based chemical waste recycler Global Resource Recovery, aiming to expand facilities and create construction jobs. Local business pressure from crime: A Melbourne hospitality operator says repeated break-ins and attacks have cost tens of thousands and injured staff, highlighting ongoing security strain for venues. Community support campaign: A Benalla Ford dealership is running a mobile food drive to fill a Ranger with at least 100kg of donations for local relief networks. Cyber/data readiness: Home Affairs released a voluntary Industry Data Classification Framework to help organisations—including SMEs—label data sensitivity and share it securely. Startup funding: First Table raised $10m to help restaurants fill quiet dining periods, using discounts for off-peak seats. Accessible fashion exits: Jam The Label will close after eight years, citing the difficulty of sustaining an adaptive fashion category and market education costs.