Utility Stress in Victoria: Complaints about gas and electricity disconnections in Victoria have doubled year-on-year, with debt-collection complaints up 58%—a warning that cutting off struggling households may need tougher limits. Card Surcharge Shake-up: From 1 October, card surcharges are banned and banks’ interchange fees are capped, forcing small businesses to rethink pricing and checkout signage as cash-only customers become less of a “discount lever.” Cashflow Pressure in Canberra: The Canberra Business Chamber says sentiment is as bad as ever as higher fuel and interest-rate costs squeeze consumers’ spending, hitting retail and hospitality hardest. Energy Tensions Hit Local Communities: Construction is set to begin on a major north Queensland wind farm with residents near Mount Fox raising biodiversity and health concerns, spotlighting the local cost of net zero. Payments for SMEs Abroad: Indonesia is expanding cross-border QR payments for tourism via QRIS Antarnegara, aiming to make it easier for international visitors to spend and for local micro, small and medium businesses to capture that demand. Cybersecurity Worry for SMBs: Security experts warn the online data-safety system is “fundamentally broken,” pointing to the latest Medicare portal hack as another sign small and medium operators can’t rely on tech alone. Australia Post Under Fire: A Senate inquiry hears claims Australia Post is “running post offices into the ground,” with allegations of policies that reduce foot traffic and threaten family-run businesses. Regional Business Safety Funding: NSW will fund a three-year CCTV trial on Newcastle’s Beaumont Street to deter crime and support police response, with local businesses pushing for action.