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: surveys show fuel-driven cost pressure and softer confidence, so plan for higher‑for‑longer rates and protect cashflow. Draft trust tax rules offer an election for fixed distributions to avoid the 30% minimum tax from 1 July 2028; consultation closes 18 September, so review structures and lending impacts. From 1 October, card surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa end and interchange caps fall; update POS, pricing and margins. The $20,000 instant asset write‑off is permanent, but uptake looks weak; pair any equipment purchase with funding that matches cash generation. Visit business-loans.com.au for options.
EPISODE 2926 | Business Loans Australia Weekly News Briefing | Fri, 11th Sep 2026
18 Sep 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 Friday, 11 September 2026.
First, cost pressures are rising again. New business surveys out this week show fuel prices jumping and confidence slipping, with business conditions in August edging into negative territory and consumer sentiment falling in September. The Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, is still wrestling with sticky costs, so funding plans should assume higher-for-longer borrowing costs. Tighten cashflow forecasts, and consider facilities with flexible repayments to buffer any rate bumps.
Next up, the Governments draft rules for discretionary trusts. The proposal would let existing trusts elect fixed distributions to avoid a 30 per cent minimum tax from 1 July 2028, with consultation open until 18 September. That could reduce the need to restructure, but stamp duty and flexibility limits may still bite. If you trade through a trust, model how profit distributions could change taxable income and borrowing capacity before you commit to a structure.
Meanwhile, the card surcharge ban lands on 1 October. Surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa will disappear, and interchange caps will fall — credit to about 0.3 per cent, debit to about 0.16 per cent or eight cents — which should lower payment costs. American Express and Diners arent covered. Update your point‑of‑sale settings, review pricing, and keep an eye on settlement fees so margins — and your loan covenants — arent surprised.
Finally, the $20,000 instant asset write‑off is now permanent, but early signs suggest many businesses arent using it. Recent data show loan demand rising for working capital while asset finance is softening. Remember, the write‑off is a tax deduction, not a funding plan. If the right equipment would lift productivity, explore equipment finance alongside the deduction so repayments match the cash the asset generates.
Thats the wrap. For tailored loan options — secured or unsecured — with flexible terms and a streamlined online application, head to business-loans.com.au. Im Paige, thanks for listening, and Ill see you next Friday.
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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