Each week, we distil the most important Australian business stories into a clear, time‑saving wrap. Expect concise headlines, context on policy and regulation, notable industry moves, technology shifts, and trends shaping operations and growth. Designed for owners, entrepreneurs and decision-makers, you’ll get what matters, why it matters, and practical takeaways to act with confidence. A trustworthy, industry‑specific summary you can rely on, delivered consistently and straight to the point.
This Week:
This week: Payday Super from 1 July will tighten SME cash flow; inflation cooled in November, easing near‑term pressure on the RBAs cash rate; fraud is shifting toward first‑party misuse and AI‑assisted scams, so strengthen payout and verification controls; and January rule changes include a cash‑acceptance mandate for major retailers, new ACCC merger notifications, and privacy compliance sweeps. Takeaway: review payroll and cash buffers, stress‑test loan structures, and plan funding for compliance and system upgrades. Visit business-loans.com.au for tailored options.
EPISODE 1135 | Business Loans Australia Weekly News Briefing | Sun, 11th Jan 2026
13 Jan 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Business Loans Australia Weekly News Briefing, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 11 January 2026.
First, a heads‑up on Payday Super. From 1 July, employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions at the same time as wages, not quarterly. That speeds up cash outflows and removes the buffer many SMEs relied on. Check your payroll systems, map the one‑off working‑capital hit, and if customers pay on 30 to 60‑day terms, consider lining up flexible funding so wages and super move without stress.
Next up, inflation cooled in November to the mid‑threes on the annual measure, easing pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia, the RBA, to lift rates early this year. Markets now see a steadier cash rate path near term. For businesses, this is a chance to revisit budgets and review your mix of variable versus fixed‑style borrowing. If refinancing is on the table, compare options and costs; small differences in structure can protect cash flow.
Meanwhile, fraud risks keep evolving. New analysis points to a sharp rise in so‑called first‑party fraud—people misrepresenting identity or disputes to obtain refunds—alongside AI‑driven deepfakes and account takeovers. For finance teams, tighten controls around payouts: verify any change to bank details using a number on file, require two approvals on larger payments, and slow down anything “urgent” that touches money. Strong processes protect your cash and your borrowing capacity.
And finally, New Year rule changes have arrived. A national cash‑acceptance mandate now applies to major fuel and grocery retailers for essential purchases, with exemptions for many small businesses. The competition regulator, the ACCC, has kicked off a new merger‑notification regime with thresholds to watch if youre acquiring or being acquired. And the privacy regulator is running compliance sweeps, so make sure your privacy policy and practices match what you actually do. If meeting these changes requires system upgrades or a working‑capital cushion, plan funding early to avoid a scramble.
Thats the wrap. For tailored finance options—secured or unsecured, with flexible terms—visit business-loans.com.au and connect with our nationwide broker network. Im Paige; thanks for listening, and Ill see you next week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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Mortgage Document: The physical contract agreement that a Mortgagee (lender) enters into with a Mortgagor (borrower) outlining the precice terms of a mortgage loan.
