What’s New – 7 June 2023
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy.
Be ready – recession or not
Businesses should be prepared for a recession, even if one is not imminent. Planning ahead and having a strategy in place can help businesses survive and even thrive during a recession. This includes having a cash reserve, reducing costs, and diversifying income streams. Additionally, businesses should focus on customer service and marketing to stay competitive.
Lewis Land’s $1.5b Harbour Shores to drive decade-long transformation of Harbour Town precinct
Sydney-based Lewis Land Group is preparing for a decade-long transformation of its Gold Coast Harbour Town precinct with construction of the first stage of the $1.5 billion Harbour Shores residential development likely to begin early next year.
Cars and tax
The ATO provides information on how to claim car expenses for business use. It outlines the different methods of calculating car expenses, such as the cents per kilometre method, and provides information on how to keep records and what to include in tax returns.
Next big price hikes set to hit Aussies
Australians are facing increased costs for HECS repayments, energy bills and health insurance premiums. This is due to the rising cost of living and the government’s decision to increase the HECS repayment threshold. This will have a significant impact on the budget of many Australians.
Monthly CPI indicator spikes to 6.8 per cent in April
In April 2021, the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicator rose to 0.68%, the highest level since December 2020. This increase was driven by higher prices for petrol, electricity, and fruit and vegetables. The Reserve Bank of Australia is monitoring the situation closely.
Australian online marketplace scams rise rapidly
Scams on Australian online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree have surged, with a 66% increase in customer reports over three months. Scammers often exploit PayID, prompting users to be vigilant and educate themselves about red flags.
Government to act on migrant worker ‘crisis of exploitation’
The announced measures will help protect vulnerable workers after it found one in six migrants in Australia is paid less than minimum wage.
How Garry Weaven helped start a financial revolution to boost workers’ retirements
Garry Weaven is a former union official and superannuation fund manager who has written a book about his experiences in the industry. He argues that the superannuation system is broken and needs to be fixed, and that the government should be doing more to protect people’s retirement savings. He also calls for greater transparency and accountability in the sector.
Queensland Government to invest $500m in renewable energy projects
The Queensland Government will invest half a billion dollars to propel the development of large-scale solar and wind projects, to help the state meets its renewable energy targets, and its commitment to maintain a majority share in energy generation.
Employee or Contractor? Why not knowing the difference can put you in ASIC firing line
Employers must be aware of the differences between employees and contractors to avoid compliance risks with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Employers must ensure they are aware of the legal requirements and obligations for each type of worker, and must ensure they are compliant with the relevant laws.
Aussies have revealed how much they spend on alcohol
Australians have revealed that they spend an average of $1,000 a year on alcohol, with men spending more than women. The majority of this spending is on beer, followed by wine and spirits. The survey also found that younger Australians are more likely to spend more on alcohol than older Australians.
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