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: a cash flow alert as Payday Super moves to payday from 1 July 2026; COSBOA pushes a five‑point productivity plan, including a permanent $150k instant asset write‑off; advertised salaries rise about 4% year‑on‑year with pressure uneven across industries; and hospitality risk stays high as café and restaurant closures climb. Each item includes why it matters for funding decisions and suggests practical steps such as mapping payroll cycles, preparing finance for equipment upgrades, re‑forecasting wage budgets, and considering secured or unsecured options to keep working capital steady. Visit business-loans.com.au for tailored support.
EPISODE 1328 | Business Loans Australia Weekly News Briefing | Sun, 22nd Feb 2026
23 Feb 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, 22 February 2026.
First, a heads‑up on Payday Super. New research this week shows about a third of small and medium‑sized enterprise owners still arent across the change starting 1 July 2026. Super must be paid with each pay run, not quarterly, which pulls cash forward. If that timing squeeze worries you, map your payroll cycles now and consider funding that matches your rhythms — think flexible terms on a working‑capital facility, secured or unsecured, so cash flow isnt caught short.
Next up, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, or COSBOA, set out a five‑point productivity plan. The big ask is a permanent one‑hundred‑and‑fifty‑thousand‑dollar instant asset write‑off, plus support for AI adoption, cyber resilience, skills and simpler compliance. Its not policy yet, but the signal is clear: investment needs certainty. If youre planning equipment upgrades, line up quotes and compare finance options now so you can move quickly if settings firm up.
Meanwhile, advertised salaries rose by about four per cent over the year to January, the fastest pace since mid‑2024, but gains are patchy by industry. For owners, that means wage budgets and hiring plans may need a refresh. Pressure building on payroll is a classic reason to rebalance buffers — for example, pairing tailored loan amounts with flexible repayment schedules to keep working capital steady while you grow.
Finally, hospitality risk remains elevated. New data shows café and restaurant closures over the past year were around one in ten, with overdue invoices also running high, while pubs and clubs held up better. Lenders will look closely at margin resilience and cash conversion in this sector. Tighten invoicing discipline, document forward bookings and consider asset‑backed options if that strengthens your case.
Thats the wrap. For tailored loan solutions, flexible terms and expert support from our nationwide broker network, head to business-loans.com.au. Im Paige Estritori — thanks for listening, and have a productive 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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