Small business industry update

The Queensland Small Business Champion has put together a list of useful news and information for small business.

Financial Obligations

Single Touch Payroll Reporting starts on 1 July—do you employ 20+ people? Are you ready? Learn more at the Australian Taxation Office website.

The $20K instant tax write-off has been extended—learn more about how it works.

If your business is in the finance industry, you'll need to know about the new fees to be levied under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Industry Funding program. Watch
ASIC's video about the program to learn more.

Do you buy or sell imported goods? There are important changes to GST on these purchases commencing on 1 July. Find out more.

 

Helpful Resources

Learn about creating mentally healthy workplaces for small businesses at Heads Up, an initiative of The Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance and beyondblue.

Do you have concerns about a purchasing decision made by the Queensland Government? A Queensland Government Procurement Compliance, Coordination and Referral Unit has been established to receive/refer/respond to procurement-related complaints and enquiries. Contact the team at QPPCompliance@hpw.qld.gov.au.

There is plenty of help available to better understand Cyber security—don’t let it stump you, think of it like putting on a seat belt! More information is available in this guide from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).

Misuses of or breaches of private customer data are important for small businesses to understand. Find out your obligations at the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website. An example of a handy toolkit is also available (scroll right down).

 

Changes to be aware of

Providing labour hire services in Queensland? You may need to apply for a licence before 14 June. Find out more online or call this hotline to speak to a human: 1300 576 088.

The Queensland plastic bag ban commences on 1 July. No more lightweight plastic shopping bags to in-store or online customers. Read more online or call the National Retail Association’s Retail Hotline on 1800 RETAIL (738 245).

 

National Initiatives

Electricity pricing is being investigated nationally by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)—Queensland small businesses’ feedback and experiences have gone into the mix. The final report is due out soon.

Submissions recently closed on the
Inquiry into the Franchising Code of Conduct. Updates will be shared as they come. Do you have a franchising enquiry or dispute? It is free to discuss your dispute with the Office of the Franchising Mediation Adviser.

The Inquiry into Payment Times and Practices by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is having impact. There is now a national payment transparency register. Check the list or join the list via the ASBFEO website. The Business Council of Australia has also published supporters of its Australian Supplier Payment voluntary Code.


Has your business been involved in a dispute? Kate Carnell, ASBFEO, wants to hear your experiences for the ASBFEO's inquiry into access to justice. Complete this survey by 30 June.


Other inquiries/investigations being led by the ASBFEO are listed below:

Nationally there is work being done to better understand the impact of internet competition and digital disruption on small business across Australia. Read the Inquiry report, and find out about the Small Business Digital Taskforce.

Have Your Say

The Queensland Government has released a consultation paper on the Queensland Small Business Procurement Commitment. Help shape the future of this important business opportunity for small businesses.
 

Small business tax concessions—these can play an important role in helping small businesses at all stages of their business lifecycle. The Australia Board of Taxation is seeking feedback on the effectiveness of existing concessions and considering new concessionary approaches. Review the consultation guide and have your say.