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Important legislation changes - what you need to know for your Business

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Inside this August edition of the quarterly Mackellar business newsletter:

• Tradie and construction roundtable deep dive
• How to combat rising energy costs
• Bills before parliament that affect business
• Recent legislation - what you need to know
• Finding, applying and winning grants - made easy!
• CrowdStrike software update and other potential risks
• 3G is switching off – are you impacted?
• Need help? Free resources to support your business

Politics done differently

Increasingly I am hearing just how tough it is for many of you. At every opportunity I am raising your concerns with the Albanese Government and pressing for measures that will support business.

Recently I held a People’s Jury on Housing in Mackellar, to look at solutions to the housing crisis. Rising rental costs and difficulty in attracting staff to the beaches all formed part of the discussion. For information on the results please visit my website.
In October, small business month, I will be hosting a construction roundtable discussion and a grants training workshop. I hope you can come along (more details below).

In the meantime, my team are out and about door knocking businesses, listening to your concerns and raising awareness of the help available. How can we help you? Please get in touch.

Tradie and construction roundtable

Like the rest of the community, business is facing the headwinds of inflation and higher interest rates. Data shows that it's been particularly tough in the construction sector. It helps me advocate for changes if I have concrete examples of how business is being affected and where support can best be directed. Please join the conversation and let me know how your business is faring in these uncertain times.

To participate in the construction roundtable discussion on Wednesday 23 October, 6–7.30pm, RSVP to my business engagement manager [email protected]. Places are limited. If you cannot attend but would still like to contribute, please email me.

How to Combat Rising Energy Costs

Power bills are continuing to increase despite recent government rebates. Here are a few practical tips to try to help stem the tide.

  • Compare your energy supplier - Checking if you are on the cheapest plan is quick and easy with the Energy Made Easy comparison site. Find your latest bill and price check all available suppliers. Set a diary reminder to review your rate every 6 months or more.
  • Are you getting your government $325 energy bill relief? This should automatically be applied to your latest bill as a quarterly payment. Don’t miss out. Apply here.

Thinking about solar and/or batteries but don’t know where to start? Here are a few ideas:

  • The Solar Consumer Guide from the federal government offers free and helpful information about rooftop solar and batteries, for individuals and businesses.
  • Keep an eye out for the upcoming business battery incentive program opening in November via our free Mackellar Grant Finder. It will offer up to $2,400 off the up-front installation costs of a battery for homes and businesses with existing solar, depending on the size of the battery.
  • Reach out to Go Solar Mackellar, a volunteer organisation who provide free, independent assistance to help you on your solar journey.
  • Energy Efficient Upgrades - Potential 20% tax deduction (up to $20,000) with the small business energy incentive. New assets, or improvements to existing assets, which support more efficient energy use may be eligible. Find out if you can apply.

Bills before Parliament that affect business

  • Better Targeted Super Bill - deals with tax on balances in superannuation funds over $3m. There has been concern that it would result in the taxation of unrealised capital gains in super funds, such as property or business assets including farms. The Independent Member for North Sydney, Kylea Tink, introduced amendments calling on the government to adopt a simpler method, such as using a deemed rate of return to reduce uncertainty and mitigate the issues raised by small business.
  • CFMEU legislation - The government is attempting to force the Construction Forestry Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) into administration after allegations were aired about connections with bikies and standover tactics on building sites. So far the opposition and the Greens are refusing to support the bill, with the opposition seeking deregistration of the union.
  • Future Made in Australia Bill - provides the framework for the government’s plan to invest $22.7 billion to help unlock private sector investment in future industries, that will be needed as the world transitions to renewable energy. According to the government, the fund aims to make the most of our net zero potential and ensure the benefits of these investments are widely shared and flow to local communities.

Recent legislation - what you need to know

There have been substantial changes to workplace legislation that may impact you. These include new casual employment rules, underpayment regulations and a right for employees to disconnect. Here is a summary of the timing and a snapshot of the changes that you should be aware of.

The Fair Work Ombudsman also offers support on its website via several useful tools and services.

In addition to the federal Fair Work Ombudsman there is also the NSW Small Business Commission which:

  • Provides a central contact for small businesses to make complaints about other businesses and government agencies
  • Facilitates the resolution of disputes through mediation
  • Supports the fair treatment of small businesses

Have you acted on your new positive duty requirements under the Sex Discrimination Act?

Businesses must take proactive steps to meet their obligations under the Sex Discrimination Act. Simply responding to reports of unlawful behaviours is not enough. For more information and help on your responsibilities please read the guide provided by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The case studies at the end provide practical examples of how to help your business comply.

Finding, applying and winning grants – made easy!

Signup now to receive alerts about grants from my FREE Mackellar Grant Finder (like Google for all grants, rebates and incentives!). DIY training and help is also available on my website business page.

There are grants for all industries and business sizes. Some take just a few clicks to apply. In October, small business month, my office will be running a grant training workshop. Save the date - 29 October - and keep an eye out for more details on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Through the Mackellar Grant Finder you will find details on the federally funded Digital Solutions service for all small businesses. The program provides access to online webinars, face-to-face workshops and other special events by leading digital experts. See below for examples of courses available (free or $45 for 4 hours one to one). Apply here.

  • A step-by-step guide to using Facebook ads to skyrocket your sales
  • Lights, camera, action – create videos that attract more customers
  • Create email campaigns that actually drive sales and deliver results
  • Latest AI tools to supercharge your small business
  • Digital tools to accelerate your small business

CrowdStrike software update and other other potential risks

Watch out for malicious websites and emails claiming to help you recover from the CrowdStrike technical incident. The Australian Signals Directorate Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has more information on this incident. Stay up to date on the latest cyber security threats and alerts relating to small and medium businesses on the ACSC website.

3G is switching off – are you impacted?

If you are running a small business, it is important to know if you will be impacted and have time to upgrade your phones and other devices before 3G is switched off. If you receive notice from your service provider that your device is impacted, we recommend you take urgent action to stay connected. For further information visit infrastructure.gov.au

Need help? Free resources to support your business

  1. Free mental health support for small business owners.
  2. Debt helpline assistance
  3. Contract disputes? Contact the Small Business Ombudsman
  4. General Business Help? Service NSW Business Concierge Call 13 77 88 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
  5. Winning Business | NSW Small Business Commissioner
  6. $1000 Safety Rebate - what items can you claim?
  7. Digital Solutions Program – Optimise your Websites, Cyber Security, Invoicing, Socials and much more. Gain the help you need at a fraction of the cost
  8. Federal Government Small Business Help. Information, grants, services, and support from across government to help your business succeed.
  9. Fair Work Ombudsman – help to navigate your legal requirements under workplace law.
  10. Tax courses and guides
  11. Resources for NSW Employers
  12. Tips for claiming home-based small business deductions

Here to Help

As your Independent Member, I am accountable to you, the community. It’s crucial that I hear from you so I can raise your concerns when I am in Parliament. I will:

  • Listen to your needs on issues that matter to you
  • Seek your input on legislation that impacts you
  • Raise issues in Parliament
  • Work with the government to develop the policy that supports business

Get in touch - My team and I are here to help. Please email [email protected] or call me on 9913 9566 or message me on - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.