If you’re a business owner, it’s important to understand your obligations to provide a safe and healthy workplace. This includes keeping up with changes to health and safety legislation. The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has introduced new Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws for Western Australia. Here are seven things...
Because intellectual property (IP) is not a physical asset, it can easily be overlooked. Safeguarding your business’s IP is an important step in developing and maintaining a successful business. Your business may have a wealth of IP, from the name on your door, to an innovative new process – consider the things that differentiate you from your...
Sadly, small businesses aren’t immune to the impacts of fraud. A common issue affecting many small businesses is fraudulent credit card chargebacks. Find out more about the chargeback process, how it can impact on small businesses and tactics you can use to protect your business. What is a chargeback? When a customer disputes a transaction through...
If your business has been affected by a skills or labour shortage, here are some ways you can take action to keep your business thriving. An ongoing challenge many businesses are facing is the shortage of skilled or available workers across many industries. Some workers may have changed careers or industries, others may have moved away or perhaps...
As tax time draws nearer, you might be wondering what you can claim or ‘write off’ as a tax deduction this year. It’s important to know exactly what you can – and can’t – claim to avoid running into issues later. Our business adviser, Brian Childs, shares some of his top tips for small business owners around claiming tax deductions. Beware of...
There are several key changes coming into effect from 1 July 2025 that are likely to impact small business owners in Western Australia. Here is a recap of what you need to know. New minimum wages The minimum wage for both the national and state industrial relations systems will increase from the first pay on or after 1 July 2025. National minimum...
Learn more about the support services available to help you get through any tough times you’re facing as a business owner.
The International Day of People with Disability (3 December 2023) is a United Nations observance celebrated throughout the world each year. The day aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. One in five Western Australians, or more than 411,500 people...
From 1 July 2026, you'll need to tell customers if the seafood in dishes you serve is Australian, imported or a mix both. New Country of Origin labelling rules for seafood will apply to hospitality businesses selling food that contains seafood and is served for immediate consumption (including dine in, take away or delivery). These requirements...
Small businesses in construction may feel pressured to quickly sign on the dotted line to secure work. But being unfamiliar with certain terms and clauses in contracts can lead to you working on unprofitable jobs or worse — paying out your client when things go wrong. Celia Jordaan, procurement consultant from Ichiban Commercial Consulting joined...
Business owners who constantly learn new skills will be the ones who adapt best in a changing environment
There’s a fine line between being a business contractor with an Australian Business Number (ABN) and being an employee. If you’re a contractor with your own ABN, read these tips to help make sure you’re being treated fairly and meeting your obligations. In some industries, for example in the construction industry, it’s common for businesses to...
