Economy | SmartCompany

First-of-its-kind RBA paper outlines which businesses are most likely to be acquired

David Adams — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:30:15 +0000

New data, previously unexplored at scale, gives entrepreneurs a clear insight into what acquirers want to see.

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ASIC expands probe into Big Four audit firms after KPMG allegations

Andrew Brown — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 01:02:14 +0000

ASIC has launched a broader investigation into the Big Four consulting firms following whistleblower allegations against KPMG.

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QLD budget 2026: What small businesses and startups need to know

David Adams — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:52:24 +0000

The 2026-27 Queensland budget offers a suite of targeted small business support policies, but little in the way of specialist startup support, as Treasurer David Janetzki traces a years-long path back to surplus.

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NSW budget 2026: What small businesses and startups need to know

Tegan Jones — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 03:45:00 +0000

NSW has just handed down its budget for 2026-2027, and most notably, a replacement for the axed Business Connect program has been announced.

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NSW budget reveals $37 million for Business Connect successor

Tegan Jones — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 03:11:05 +0000

The NSW budget has committed $37 million to a small business advisory program to replace Business Connect after the service was axed in 2025.

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Fuel prices set to rise as government winds back excise cut

Mrinaal Datt — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:07:21 +0000

Australians will pay more for petrol and diesel from July 1 as the federal government begins winding back temporary fuel tax relief introduced during the Middle East conflict.

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RBA leaves interest rates unchanged after three straight hikes

Mrinaal Datt — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:35:45 +0000

Following three consecutive rate rises, the central bank's monetary policy board voted unanimously to leave the cash rate steady at 4.35% on Tuesday.

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KPMG misconduct crisis triggers nationwide review of government contracts

Mrinaal Datt — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:35:17 +0000

The fallout from KPMG’s escalating governance crisis is spreading across Australia, with federal and state governments reviewing contracts and seeking assurances over data security.

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South Australia budget 2026: $50 milllion R&D fund boosts startups, little SME relief

Tegan Jones — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:18:09 +0000

South Australia's 2026 budget includes a new $50 million R&D fund and startup support, but no major tax relief or broad small business grants.

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US plans new 12.5% tariff on Australian goods claiming forced labour concerns

David Adams — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:36:23 +0000

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has already called the US' tariff proposal "unjustified", pointing to Australia's anti-slavery legislation.

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