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Business News Releases

SMSF investment ban starts today - Master Builders

TODAY (August 10), the Federal Government's ban on self-managed super funds (SMSFs) investing in the residential property sector comes into effect.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the decision was the latest in a series of Federal Government policies that failed to recognise their impact on builders and tradies and would put future projects at risk.

"The government's recent ill-considered approach will harm small business builders," Ms Wawn said. "Whether it's the SMSF investment ban, restrictions on housing investment through changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, or changes to business trust structures, these policies all have significant ramifications.

"Why will the SMSF ban stall projects? Many developments, particularly apartment projects and large master-planned communities, rely on investor pre-sales to secure finance and commence construction. The government should review this policy before it becomes entrenched and, at a minimum, exempt new residential construction from the ban.

"The Federal Budget as a whole is a blow to construction jobs, housing supply and confidence. Builders and tradies are facing cuts to their investment from multiple fronts, rising costs and are being boxed into a no-win situation.

"Australia needs policies that support housing supply and construction investment, and it needs them now, not later,” said Ms Wawn.

www.masterbuilders.com.au

 

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Have your say: Is your business prepared for a cyber attack?

FROM SCAMS and phishing emails to ransomware and data breaches, cyber threats are becoming a growing concern for small and medium sized businesses across Australia.

That's why the Parliamentary Select Committee on Cyber Security for Small to Medium Sized Businesses and Organisations wants to hear directly from business owners about the challenges they face and the support they need.

The committee has launched a short stakeholder survey to better understand the cyber security experiences of small and medium sized businesses and organisations.

Committee Chair Sally Sitou MP said the survey is an opportunity for business owners to make their views heard.

"Running a small business is demanding enough without having to worry about cyber criminals targeting your operations, customer data or finances," Ms Sitou said.

"We want to hear what's working, what's not, and what government, industry and cyber security experts can do to better support small businesses.

“Whether you have experienced a cyber incident, are concerned about the cost of cyber security, or need clearer advice and support, we want to hear from you.”

The committee is particularly seeking feedback from businesses with fewer than 200 employees, as well as cyber security and technology experts.

The survey is designed to be quick and easy to complete and will help inform the committee's work examining the cyber security challenges and opportunities facing Australia's small and medium sized businesses.

Have your say by completing the survey here:

Survey on the cyber security preparedness of small to medium sized businesses – Fill out form here.

The survey will be open until January 29, 2027.

Businesses, organisations and individuals who would like to provide more detailed feedback can also make a written submission to the inquiry until August 28, 2026.

A spokesperson for Parliamentary Select Committee said Australians' experience can help shape practical solutions to better protect Australian small businesses and other organisations from cyber threats.

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Plymouth Brethren and Advance to appear before Electoral Matters Committee

REPRESENTATIVES of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and Advance will appear at a public hearing of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters on August 21.

Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "The committee continues to gather information relating to the conduct of the 2025 Federal Election, including engagement by third parties. Transparency is one of the pillars of our democracy, and voters deserve to know who is involved in campaigning at our polling booths.

"I thank the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and Advance for confirming their upcoming attendance to provide evidence to the committee as we further consider these important issues," Mr Laxale said.

The program for the hearing will be advertised on the committee’s public hearings webpage. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Further information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee’s webpage.

 

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Electoral Matters Committee visits Hobart

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is holding a hearing in Hobart today, August 5, as part of its inquiry into the 2025 federal election.

Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "The spread of disinformation and misinformation on social media and AI at elections is increasing significantly. In Hobart, the committee will be discussing tools for dealing with online disinformation and misinformation in campaigning.

"The hearing will also discuss the process for redistribution of federal electorates," Mr Laxale said.

The committee will hear from Tasmanian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson in his capacity as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, alongside Deputy Chair Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

The committee will also hear from former Tasmanian Senator Catryna Bilyk, former Mayor of the City of Clarence, Doug Chipman, and psephologist Kevin Bonham, among others.

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Location: Committee Room 1, Parliament House,1 Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania

11.15 am           Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah

12.00 pm           Mr Thomas Chick

12.45 pm           Break

1.30 pm             Dr Robert Hortle, Dr Lachlan Johnson and Mr Doug Chipman

2.15 pm             Dr Kevin Bonham

3.00 pm            Mrs Catryna Bilyk

3.45 pm             Close

Further information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee’s webpage.

Programs for these upcoming hearings will be advertised on the Committee’s public hearings webpage as they are finalised. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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Independent review underway at Bureau of Meteorology

AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW has been commissioned by CEO of the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), Stuart Minchin, to help inform the organisation’s future organisational strategy and ensure it delivers value to Australians in a rapidly changing environment.

The review will form part of the bureau's preparations for its next strategic plan, which will come into effect in the second half of 2027. It will examine how the organisation can best meet the future needs of Australians, industry and community stakeholders, while maintaining the trust and confidence that underpin its role as the nation's trusted source of weather, water, climate and environmental intelligence.

The review has been commissioned in consultation with Federal Environment and Water Minister, Murray Watt, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

It will be led by Phillip Glyde, former chief executive of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority. Mr Glyde will be supported by an expert panel including DCCEEW Deputy Secretary, Sean Sullivan and internationally experienced public policy advisor, Raj Nahna.

The panel will assess:

  • The bureau's service offering and its alignment with current and future community needs.
  • The effectiveness of public communications and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.
  • Opportunities to strengthen reputation, resilience and strategic partnerships.
  • Strategic challenges and opportunities likely to influence the bureau's value over the next decade.
  • Areas of unmet customer demand and alignment with the bureau's legislative mandate.

The review panel is expected to report back by March 31 next year.

“The work BoM staff do every day is complex and they face a range of pressures, so this review will bring an independent perspective to understanding the services being delivered and how that value can be strengthened into the future," Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said.

"BoM’s role in keeping Australia safe, informed and prepared in a changing climate has never been more vital. Maintaining trust in, and ensuring the effectiveness of, BoM’s information and services is essential," he said.

"Many Australians rely on BoM to make decisions on-farm, at work and in severe weather, and I know we’re all committed to ensuring that future services meet people’s needs and expectations."

BoM CEO and director of meteorology, Stuart Minchin said, "The development of our next strategy is a significant opportunity to take a fresh look at what matters most to the Australian community and to ensure we are well positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities.

"We deeply value the trust that the Australian public and our customers place in us. Our work underpins essential services, economic activity, environmental health and community wellbeing, for all Australians every day, so it’s important we get it right," Dr Minchin said.

"This review will help the Bureau of Meteorology better understand current and future customer needs and ensure our strategy and services are squarely focussed on the things that are important to the Australian community, our customers and partners.

"The review is firmly focused on the future. It is about ensuring the bureau remains a trusted, modern and responsive organisation that continues to meet the needs and expectations of a changing world."

Click here to learn more about the independent review.

 

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