2022 Skills Priority List almost doubles occupations with skills shortages
The number of occupations suffering skills shortages has nearly doubled in the past year according to the National Skills Commission’s (NSC) 2022 Skills Priority list, released today. The release of the Skills Priority list comes ahead of skills ministers from all Australian jurisdictions meeting in person in Melbourne this Friday. The Ministerial Skills Council will consider how best to address acute skill shortages across many sectors of the economy.
Joint media release: Govt kicks off work to develop a National Energy Performance Strategy
The Albanese Government is looking to make every watt count, with consultations set to begin on the development of a Commonwealth-led National Energy Performance Strategy. Announcing development of the strategy today at the 2022 Energy Efficiency Summit in Sydney, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister stressed the need to reform current policy settings.
New rules to boost agritourism
More farmers across NSW will soon be swinging their gates open to visitors, thanks to a new policy that makes it easier to set up agritourism opportunities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole today released the Government’s final agritourism policy aimed at helping diversified farm businesses thrive.
Jim’s Group pays penalties for alleged breach of Franchising Code and the Australian Consumer Law
Jim’s Group Pty Ltd has paid $24,420 in penalties in its capacity as franchisor of the Jim’s Dog Wash franchise after the ACCC issued it with two infringement notices for an alleged contravention of the Franchising Code of Conduct, and an alleged contravention of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
Changes to protect consumers following Optus data breach
The Albanese Government has prepared amendments to the Telecommunications Regulations 2021 to better protect Australians following the Optus data breach.
The Government will recommend to the Governor-General that the regulations be amended to allow Optus and other telcos to better coordinate with financial institutions, the Commonwealth, and states and territories, to detect and mitigate the risks of cyber security incidents, frauds, scams and other malicious cyber activities.
$430 million spending boost for retail this Halloween
One in four Australians say they will celebrate Halloween this year, with spending forecast to reach $430 million according to research from Australian Retailers Association (ARA) in collaboration with Roy Morgan.
In the first annual survey of Halloween intentions, Australians say they will celebrate in a variety of ways, including attending or hosting a Halloween themed party, decorating their homes, getting dressed up or going out and welcoming trick or treaters.
Residents in 30 council areas are eligible for emergency government funding following disastrous floods.
The federal government on Wednesday extended the disaster assistance to the local government areas, 27 of which are in New South Wales and three in Queensland.
Building industry crying out for workers
South Australia’s building industry needs another 10,000 construction workers in the next five years despite already struggling to fill jobs, an industry roundtable has heard. Concerns raised around rising costs in building standard guidelines also triggered plans for discussions with the federal small business ombudsman.
Cashflow issues affecting the mental health of small-business owners
New insights from American Express’s Working Capital Research reveal that 49 per cent of small-business owners say that managing cashflow is the most stressful part of running their business, with 31 per cent losing sleep over the issue. As a result, 21 per cent stated that their physical wellbeing has been affected by cashflow tension and 22 per cent say it has put a strain on or broken down personal relationships.
Support for businesses impacted by September-October flooding
Support is available for small businesses impacted by recent flooding, including disaster recovery assistance in certain LGAs.
