Updates from ABS, Business Council, AFIA and more

New COVID-19 variant leads to increase in cases

A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, on the increase in COVID-19 cases due to a new Omicron variant.

Household spending rises again in September

Household spending continued to rise in September 2022, increasing by 28.0 per cent compared to the same time last year, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Media Release: Amendment to Pension Work Bonus welcomed

National Seniors Australia congratulates the government on extending the $4,000 increase in the Work.

Positive steps on workplace reform but more to do

We welcome the government’s willingness to make amendments that help minimise some of the worst unintended consequences of proposed workplace relations changes, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

Detailed labour market data on pandemic impacts

The total number of jobs held in 2019-20 fell by 0.7 per cent compared to the previous financial year, according to Jobs in Australia data, based on annual personal income tax data, released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Consultation Paper for Review of BNPL Code Released and Submissions Invited

The Australian Finance Industry Association announced a review of the Buy Now Pay Later Code of Practice on 14 October 2022. The Review is being led by Promontory Australia who have today issued a consultation paper to guide the Review.

Consumer confidence plunges below GFC lows and Christmas cut-backs planned

Consumer confidence has plunged below the levels seen during the global financial crisis, causing a record number of households to slash their Christmas spending plans.

SMEs continue to struggle filling job vacancies

A new survey from Localsearch reveals that small- to medium-sized businesses are still struggling to fill jobs in the midst of a continuing skills shortage.

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