AGP Executive Report

Card Payment Pressure: The government has delayed the ATO’s credit-card payment ban until 30 June 2027 after small-business backlash, but the surcharge ban remains in place. Sydney businesses are urging cash payments, while a Bundaberg retailer estimates the changes could add more than $13,000 a year in costs. Jobs and Skills: Small-business hiring rose 0.8% in September, its first notable lift in months, though wage growth cooled as firms prioritised keeping staff. Regional Queensland businesses also warn visa cuts could worsen worker shortages. Manufacturing: A Sydney Composites project backed by the Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC aims to cut production cycles from four hours to 10 minutes, helping the specialist manufacturer scale output and pursue export opportunities.

Tax Payment Reprieve: The government has delayed the ATO’s credit-card payment cutoff until June 30, 2027, after small businesses warned they rely on cards to manage cash flow. The surcharge ban remains in force, however, and businesses say processing costs are still squeezing margins. A Bundaberg retailer estimates the change could add more than $13,000 to her annual costs. Hiring and Wages: Small-business hiring rose 0.8% in September, according to payroll data, but the broader trend is cooling. Employers are prioritising job security as wage growth slows. Regional Workforce: Queensland businesses warn tighter working-holiday visa limits could deepen staff shortages, particularly in regional areas that rely on seasonal workers. Manufacturing Growth: A Sydney Composites project aims to cut production cycles from four hours to 10 minutes, helping the manufacturer scale output and pursue overseas opportunities.

ATO Payment Reprieve: The government has delayed the ATO’s credit-card payment ban until 30 June 2027, after small businesses warned the November deadline threatened cash flow. The delay comes with extra funding and consultation, but the ban has not been scrapped. Surcharge Costs: With card surcharges now banned, businesses must absorb processing fees or build them into prices. A Bundaberg retailer estimates the change could add more than $13,000 a year to her costs. Hiring and Pay: September payroll data showed hiring rose 0.8% in the month, but momentum has eased since March. Wage growth also cooled as businesses prioritise keeping staff while managing higher overheads.

ATO Payment Row: Labor ministers are pressing the tax office to reconsider its plan to stop accepting credit-card tax payments from December 1, as small businesses warn they use cards to manage cash flow. The ATO says it will not absorb processing costs after the surcharge ban, while ministers give mixed signals on the decision. Workplace Safety: A $42.7 million commitment will give businesses free online access to more than 600 mandatory Australian Standards; the government says small firms and tradies could save up to $1,600 a year. Fraud Warning: Fake banknotes are being detected at their highest rate since 2018, raising the risk of losses for businesses accepting cash. Getting Found Online: Small firms are being urged to make their services, expertise and customer reviews clear across digital channels as customers increasingly ask AI tools for recommendations.

ATO Payment Row: The tax office plans to stop taking credit cards for tax bills from December, saying it cannot absorb nearly $200 million in annual processing costs. Small businesses warn they rely on cards to manage cash flow, and Labor ministers are split over whether the ATO should reconsider. Credit cards accounted for 2.3% of tax payments last financial year, but the change could hit firms that depend on that flexibility. Counterfeit Cash: Fake-note detections have climbed to 20 per million—the highest rate since 2018—with 40,613 notes found in the year to March. Most were $50 or $100 notes, and authorities warn counterfeits are improving, raising the risk of costly losses for retailers. Workplace Safety: A $42.7 million commitment will provide free online access to more than 600 mandatory Australian Standards. The government says small businesses and tradies could save up to $1,600 a year. AI and Customer Discovery: As customers ask AI tools for local recommendations, small businesses are being urged to make their services, expertise and online information clear and credible.

Payroll Compliance: BrightHR’s new Xero Payroll integration aims to cut manual timesheet errors and help SMEs manage complex award rates and wage compliance. Cash Flow: Small transport firms are facing growing strain as money goes out before customer payments arrive, while a survey finds just 30% of businesses with 1–19 employees plan to hire in the next year. Card Fees: The surcharge ban is pushing some cafes to raise prices or seek other payment methods; the ATO says it will still stop accepting credit cards for tax payments from the end of November, despite business groups’ calls to reverse the move. Tax Burden: Compliance costs small and medium businesses an estimated $31 billion a year. CPA Australia is urging a 10% reduction by 2030, including simpler reporting and updated thresholds. Disaster Recovery: Research finds affected communities had nearly 10% fewer small businesses than expected two years after major disasters, with the losses threatening local jobs and growth.

Working Capital Pressure: OnDeck CEO Cameron Poolman says many SMEs aren’t failing on performance—they’re stuck with cash going out before it comes in, driving demand for unsecured loans (often with personal guarantees) and faster lending using real-time data. Tax Red Tape Push: CPA Australia urges a 10% cut to compliance costs by 2030, plus fringe benefits tax tweaks, better use of Single Touch Payroll, and publishing the Board of Taxation’s Red Tape Reduction Review. Card Surcharge Fallout: Small businesses and groups are still pushing back after the ATO won’t reverse its move to stop accepting credit cards, while cafe price data shows 17% of venues lifted flat white prices (often by about 50 cents) after the surcharge ban. Hiring Freeze Signals: CreditorWatch finds hiring and overseas expansion intentions are down, with micro and sole traders most cautious as fuel and interest-rate pressures bite. Disaster “Recovery Gap”: QBE-backed research warns severe weather can leave long-term “economic scarring,” with affected communities seeing nearly 10% fewer small businesses two years later. AI & Cyber Risk: Coverage highlights rising concern about rogue AI agents and cybersecurity spending, with SMEs urged to take agentic threats seriously. Privacy Watchdog: OAIC opens an investigation into HeyCyan smart glasses software over how footage is captured and stored. Tourism Costs & Access: The Twelve Apostles precinct will require bookings (and soon payment) for access, adding friction for operators relying on steady visitor flows. Migration Debate: Business groups warn proposed migration cuts could worsen workforce shortages for small firms, especially in hospitality and tourism. NT Wet Season Worry: Northern Territory tourism operators call for a dedicated resilience fund as delayed seasons, higher fuel costs and disaster recovery threaten small family businesses.

Charity & Community: Rutherglen RSL’s annual Diggers Golf Day (77th event) is back with Victoria Police and Albury Legacy/Victoria Police Legacy, with local businesses backing the fundraiser. SME Funding Deadlines: Multiple federal and state grant programs close through October, offering up to $800k in non-dilutive matched co-funding for defence, creative, music and regional tourism businesses. Local Government Delays: Nambour’s long-promised CBD streetscape revamp has been re-tendered again after missed timeframes, frustrating local traders. Workforce & Migration Pressure: COSBOA and the National Farmers’ Federation warn short-term fixes for farm and regional labour won’t solve deeper workforce gaps, urging migration settings that reflect small business needs. Cyber & Fraud Risk: New RBA data shows counterfeit banknotes detected at the highest rate since 2018, with $50 and $100 fakes dominating—another headache for retailers and online sellers. Inflation Reality Check: Commentary on the RBA’s inflation target underlines why prices may not fall even if inflation cools. Tech for Accountants: Karbon promotes Stuart Totman to CTO to expand its AI “Kai” capabilities for accounting firms. Business Growth Tech: Locafy signs to acquire Map Labs’ customer base to boost U.S. revenue and profitability. Consumer Payments Shock: The card surcharge ban fallout continues to hit SMEs as businesses adjust to new fee and payment realities.

Defence Expo in Perth: Land Forces is drawing about 15,000 delegates to see drones, missile systems and rockets—big defence spending, but also controversy around weapons on display. Migration pressure on small business: COSBOA and the National Farmers’ Federation say emergency fixes for farm and regional workforce shortages won’t replace long-term migration reform, as the Coalition pushes a net migration cap of 100,000 and targets skilled roles for health, construction, regional Australia and small business. Regional business alarm: The SA Business Chamber warns housing shortages are turning into workforce shortages, with labour costs and access to skilled workers still top issues. Cybersecurity help, not more rules: Small business groups told a Canberra inquiry that AI-fuelled scams are rising and many owners are sharing sensitive data with generative AI—calling for plain-language guidance and better training support. Card surcharge ban fallout: With surcharging ended, retailers and cafés report cashflow pain and expect price pressure, while the ATO’s credit card payment ban continues to spark backlash. Local economy watch: Nambour’s CBD revamp is again delayed after tender reshuffles, frustrating local businesses. SME decarbonisation support: Schneider Electric expands an SME decarbonisation program with carbon accounting and advisory roadmaps. Tech and tourism signals: Amazon Prime launches rapid Perth delivery (up to five hours), while cruise tourism messaging ramps up ahead of the Australian season.

SME Cyber Pressure: COSBOA says many small businesses are sharing sensitive data with generative AI and want clearer, plain-language guidance plus restored cyber training funding as AI-fuelled scams rise. Decarbonisation for SMEs: Schneider Electric expands its Decarbonization Champion Program with Greenly, offering SME partners emissions tracking, audits and decarbonisation roadmaps. Workplace Support Gap: A study finds only 8% of domestic violence survivors say employers helped them manage work impacts, despite most employers believing they’d know what to do. ATO Credit Card Shift: The ATO will stop accepting credit cards for tax from Nov 30, sparking cash-flow worries for SMEs already dealing with tight margins after the RBA surcharge reforms. Super Rules Under Review: A Senate inquiry is set to examine whether teenagers are missing out on super under the weekly hours rule. AI in Business Software: TechnologyOne pushes AI agents across universities, councils and corporate finance, while Xero faces margin and growth concerns after a bruising quarter. Local Business Boosts: Amazon Prime launches rapid Perth delivery (as fast as five hours), and Melbourne’s Outstanding Pest Control rolls out same-day, guaranteed pest services. Procurement Consultancy Launch: ArcBlue founders launch BlueNorth to advise on procurement and CPO, with pro bono/low-bono support for social enterprises and small businesses.

ATO credit card payment ban: The ATO will stop accepting credit cards from Nov 30, arguing merchant fees would otherwise be borne by all taxpayers—SMEs and renters are warning of cash-flow and payment-plan disruption. RBA surcharge reforms ripple: With card surcharges ended and banks changing processes, businesses are bracing for new fees and operational headaches. R&D tax incentive pressure: Small firms are being warned about “audit hell” as R&D goalposts shift under draft law, while ATO transparency shows big players dominate claimed R&D spend. Family trust and CGT/negative gearing still pending: Parliament returns mid-October with the departure tax, proposed minimum tax on family trusts, and the next CGT/negative gearing tranche still unfinished. Super rules under review: A Senate inquiry is set to examine whether teenagers miss out on super under the weekly hours threshold. SMB tech and growth: Xero shares face pressure after a bruising quarter; TechnologyOne is leaning into AI agents for education, councils and finance. Local business impacts: ACCC scrutiny continues as supermarkets centralise supply chains, with producers warning of shelf-risk. Payments and compliance: Cosboa says the ATO needs a practical transition and faster access to New Payments Platform options. Other SME notes: Ivo opens a Sydney office; Thryv calls for better recognition of women leading tech in SMBs.

Payment Reform Shock: Australia’s card surcharge ban and lower interchange fee caps take effect, but renters and SMEs are already feeling the squeeze as Macquarie stops credit-card rent payments on its DEFT platform and the ATO moves away from credit cards—raising cash-flow worries for businesses and households. Retail Pressure: Retailers warn shoppers may see price rises as payment-cost rules change, while Woolworths says it won’t rely on checkout surcharges—shifting the competitive fight to who absorbs costs. Supermarket Power Under Scrutiny: NSW banana grower Amrit Singh says Coles’ decision to stop buying local produce signals a squeeze on small family farms, echoing ACCC concerns about supermarket dominance. SME Growth & Markets: Meta expands Muse for small businesses, while Payoneer renews its Etsy partnership through 2029 to help cross-border sellers get paid. Local Business Boosts: WA’s Land Forces expo in Perth is expected to bring major spending for hotels, restaurants and small businesses, with nearly 100 WA companies on show. Tourism Play: A Cape York colouring chase links roadhouses and camping stops to drive family travel and local foot traffic. Home-Kitchen Micro-Enterprises: SBS spotlights how home-based food businesses are growing in Australia, turning niche cultural cooking into scalable micro-SME income.

Defence Expo Boost: WA’s Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition (Oct 6–8) is set to bring nearly 1,000 exhibitors and around 100 WA companies to Perth, including 40 WA SMEs on the Defence West stand, with local hotels, restaurants and small businesses tipped to benefit from tens of millions in spending. Payment Rules Shock: Card surcharge reforms take effect, banning surcharging on designated card networks and lowering interchange caps—sparking debate over who absorbs costs and whether prices will rise for shoppers and pressure cashflow for small retailers. ATO Credit Card Clampdown: The tax office’s move to stop accepting credit card payments after the surcharge ban is drawing fresh backlash from SMEs worried about cashflow and added admin burden. SME Cybersecurity Alert: Europol’s Operation KillSwitch dismantled ransomware group KillSec, which targeted small-to-midsize organisations, underscoring the need for stronger cyber readiness in Australian businesses. Local Business Growth: Home-based food microbusinesses are growing in NSW, with operators selling niche cultural foods from home kitchens—showing how small entrepreneurs are using Instagram and community demand to scale. Regional Tourism Funding: WA’s Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund is backing upgrades at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club ahead of the Golden Saddle, aiming to lift visitor numbers and support regional jobs.

Home-kitchen microbusiness boom: In Sydney’s south-west, home-based food makers like Michelle Raguz are selling niche cultural biscuits and cakes direct to customers, with councils seeing growth but no national data—good news for small operators, but a reminder to stay on top of food rules. RBA rate-hike pressure: The latest cash rate rise is being framed as “wrong medicine” for inflation, with small businesses and households bracing for higher costs and tighter demand. Defence expo spend boost (WA): Premier Roger Cook says Perth’s Land Forces event could deliver tens of millions for local hotels, restaurants and small businesses, with hundreds of defence firms attending. Card surcharge ban fallout: As surcharging ends and interchange caps fall, retailers are warning of new fee pressure and scrambling to adjust systems and pricing. ATO payment/tax friction: Multiple reports point to the ATO tightening how people pay and access services, adding cash-flow and compliance stress for SMEs. Cybercrime crackdown: Operation KillSwitch dismantled ransomware group KillSec, targeting small-to-mid organisations—an urgent reminder to review security. Regional tourism via sport: WA will host the Australian Under 14 Club Basketball Championships through 2029, expected to lift visitor spend for local businesses.

Card Surcharge Overhaul: From Oct 1, card surcharges are banned on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa networks and interchange caps are cut—good news for shoppers, but retailers warn of new costs and pricing pressure. ATO Payment Shock: The ATO will stop accepting credit card tax payments from Nov 30, sparking backlash from small businesses and One Nation/Spender over cash-flow impacts and “double standards.” New Fees, Same Pain: Some diners are reporting “platform fees” after surcharge bans, with QR ordering platforms adding 20–60c charges that look like a workaround. Regional Tourism Boost: WA’s Cook Labor Government is funding upgrades at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club via the Regional Racing Infrastructure Fund, aiming to lift visitor spend ahead of the Golden Saddle. Fraud Case for SMEs: A Queensland bookkeeper has admitted defrauding a farming family of about $2.8m over six years, highlighting the risks of trusted in-house finance roles. Business Growth & Skills: VIC’s Skills Solutions Partnerships grants are open for up to $500k to co-design training with industry/TAFE/universities, including applied AI and data skills for small businesses. Cybersecurity Alert: Law enforcement has dismantled ransomware group KillSec in Operation KillSwitch, which targeted many small-to-mid organisations.

ATO & payments shake-up: From 1 Oct, Australia’s card surcharge ban kicked in, and the ATO also moved to stop accepting credit card tax payments after 30 Nov—sparking fresh backlash from SMEs worried about cash flow and new “platform fees” replacing surcharges. Policy pressure on small business: Opposition figures and industry groups warned the changes could push costs into upfront pricing, while the RBA says the system will be more transparent. SME fraud case: A Far North Queensland bookkeeper pleaded guilty to defrauding a farming family of about $2.8m over six years, using false employee payments. Local growth support: WA launched a second round of Farmers’ Market Grant Scheme (up to $50k) to help market operators strengthen operations. Skills & training: Victoria opened a new Skills Solutions Partnerships round with grants up to $500k, including applied AI/data skills for advanced manufacturing and small businesses. Business community: Foundation Barossa renewed its partnership with Homburg Real Estate, targeting homelessness prevention with funding tied to property outcomes. Tech & risk: Europol’s Operation KillSwitch dismantled ransomware gang KillSec, which targeted SMBs among others.