Australian economy stories
Digital onboarding could help manufacturers cut churn, speed up training and keep new hires productive sooner amid persistent labour shortages.
SMSF trustees hunting income are being offered higher target returns as TermPlus taps stronger demand for fixed-term private credit accounts.
Most Australian SMEs are still using AI for emails and drafting, leaving manual workflows intact despite growing board pressure for change.
Australia's financial regulator sees artificial intelligence and easier rules helping startups turn a strong funding base into faster growth.
Employees are using AI to draft complaints, pushing Australian bosses to spend more time and money on workplace disputes.
The approval lets eligible Australians borrow against crypto holdings under direct oversight, as the sector seeks clearer rules and mainstream acceptance.
Rising margins pressure and a Middle East supply shock are testing lenders, even as provisions and capital buffers are lifted.
Small firms could save hours on admin as the free assistant turns sales data into plain-language answers inside Square's platform.
Cash-flow strain is deepening as overdue invoices and tax debts rise, with smaller firms hardest hit by higher rates and costs.
Settlement could become faster and cheaper for wholesale markets, but regulators say tokenised finance still needs new rules and infrastructure.
Fuel now tops cost pressures for Australian SMEs, but most are still swallowing the rise rather than passing it on to customers.
Australian firms are shifting from lean efficiency to resilience, using AI, diversified suppliers and shorter planning cycles to absorb shocks and grow.
Many smaller firms may delay hiring and investment unless the budget measures ease costs and restore confidence, MYOB says.
Uncertainty over planned capital gains tax changes could deter startup funding and prompt founders, investors and talent to leave Australia.
Innovation support may lift deep tech, but investors warn the Budget's CGT overhaul could curb startup risk-taking and talent hiring.
Critics warned the tax changes could deter long-term investment, while fresh funding for AI and digital ID was welcomed as a boost to productivity.
Business groups welcomed the Budget's productivity push, but warned small firms and agencies still lack the skills to deliver it.
Despite welcome AI funding, tech leaders say small firms still lack the cyber defences needed to adopt new tools safely.
Relief for the Reserve Bank comes as the federal budget avoids fresh cost-of-living handouts, while tightening tax breaks for higher earners.
Australian small firms are reporting higher revenue and hiring from AI, with regular use almost doubling in 18 months to 69%.
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