New report finds link between data breaches and other forms of cybercrime victimisation
Today the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) has released a report which examines the prevalence of data breaches among Australian computer users and the relationship between data breaches and other forms of cybercrime victimisation. This study draws on data collected in a national survey conducted in mid-2021. The report found that almost one in 10 respondents said they were notified their information was exposed in a data breach in the 12 months prior to the survey. AIC Deputy Director Dr Rick Brown said survey respondents who had been notified of a data breach were 34% more likely than other respondents to have been a victim of identity crime in the 12 months prior to the survey.
Emergency Response Fund Amendment (Disaster Ready Fund) Bill 2022
Bill passed Senate with amendments.
Speech to CEDA Annual Dinner Address, Melbourne
Reserve Bank of Australia Governor, Philip Lowe, delivers speech titled “Price Stability, the Supply Side and Prosperity”. The Governor discusses: The importance of ensuring this episode of high inflation is only temporary. Longer term changes in the global economy that are likely to affect the dynamics of inflation, central bank policy and the way business operates in Australia. The Reserve Bank Board’s recent policy decision.
State of the Climate 2022 – Australia continues to warm; Heavy rainfall becomes more intense
The State of the Climate 2022 report, released today by CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology, has found changes to weather and climate extremes are happening at an increased pace across Australia. The report, released every two years, shows an increase in extreme heat events, intense heavy rainfall, longer fire seasons and sea level rise. The report draws on the latest climate monitoring, science and projection information to detail Australia’s changing climate now and into the future. The Director of CSIRO’s Climate Science Centre, Dr Jaci Brown, said concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, are at the highest levels seen on Earth in at least two million years. “The concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are continuing to rise, and this is causing Australia’s climate to warm,” Dr Brown said.
Giving older Australians the choice and flexibility to work
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to giving older Australians more choice and flexibility to participate in the workforce through legislation passed in the Parliament. The Government has successfully passed the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Workforce Incentive) Act 2022 in the Senate. Its passage means from 1 December this year until 31 December 2023, pensioners over Age Pension age will benefit from an immediate $4000 increase in the maximum Work Bonus income bank balance – from $7800 to $11,800. The original boost was due to be in place until July 2023, but following consultation with Members, Senators and the community – importantly, seniors – the Albanese Labor Government extended it for a further six months to 31 December 2023.
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 – Report
Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee report Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 [Provisions], tabled 22 November 2022.
Trade deals with India and the UK have passed parliament
Australian exporters, businesses, workers and consumers will soon be able to reap the opportunities and benefits of more open trade with India and the United Kingdom with today’s passage of implementing legislation through the Parliament. The Albanese Government has worked hard to expeditiously advance all processes necessary, to ensure Australia is in a position to implement both free trade agreements before the end of 2022. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) is a great opportunity for Australian businesses as it will open up new markets to reach around 1.4 billion consumers in the world’s fastest growing major economy.
Buyers beware when bagging an online bargain this sales season
Consumers are prepping for major upcoming Christmas and new year sales events – but Queenslanders should stay informed about their rights and know who they are dealing with when shopping online. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman, said many shoppers are looking forward to the big sales events coming up during the peak shopping season but that it’s crucial that consumers do their research when shopping online. “With the increasing pressure from rising cost of living, it’s never been more important to make smart shopping choices”, the Attorney said.
Canberra Business Update – 22 November 2022
Featuring topics including changes to Canberra city roads, ACT COVID-19 update, a review of the ACT Seniors Card program, JobTrainer and more.
Buy Now, Pay Later consultation welcome
The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia welcomes the release by the Australian Government of a consultation paper setting out regulatory options for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products. National President Claire Victory said the lack of regulation is causing serious harm to vulnerable Australians struggling to cope with crippling inflation. ‘Buy Now Pay Later products must be fully regulated as conventional credit, with the same lending rules as other credit products,’ Ms Victory said. ‘This is the only option that will adequately protect consumers from Buy Now Pay Later products, which are having a devastating impact on a growing number of financially vulnerable Australians.’
More workers able to access long service leave in the ACT
Hairdressers, beauticians and accommodation and food service workers could soon be taking their long service entitlements with them when they move jobs within the same industry as the ACT Government moves to expand portable long service leave. Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety Mick Gentleman said secure jobs are good jobs. “Casual and short-term jobs remain common in many sectors. This puts workers in those industries at a serious disadvantage in terms of accruing the entitlements that support long term work-life balance, job satisfaction and health,” Minister Gentleman said.
Flood-impacted small businesses in New South Wales get targeted disaster assistance
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said small businesses and not-for-profit organisations affected by ongoing flooding in New South Wales can now apply for recovery grants of up to $50,000, as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The NSW Government has identified a significant number of businesses impacted by multiple flooding events since August, who are likely to face extensive clean-up and repair work. In addition, Local Government Recovery Grants of $1 million will be extended to a further 46 councils in the local government areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event to ensure streamlined, flexible and immediate funding to support local economic and social recovery.
PM announces extra support for flooded communities
Small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in Eugowra and across Cabonne smashed by the horrific flooding last week could be eligible for up to $50,000 in grants. Part of a jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the NSW Government has identified a significant number of businesses impacted by multiple flooding events likely to face extensive clean-up and repair work
Employer appetite for full-time workers is so strong that non-permanent Christmas job listings have failed to meaningfully boost hiring numbers, SEEK says, suggesting the highly unusual economic conditions of 2022 have overpowered seasonal hiring norms.
John Durie: It’s time for a small business-specific IR award
It is nonsense to set the same industrial relations regime for Coles as for the corner store, so why doesn’t the federal government revive the old plan to establish a small business industrial relations award?
Pro bono legal support on offer for flood-affected NSW businesses
Ten New South Wales law firms will provide pro bono support to victims of the region’s floods, with more help on the horizon for flood-affected small businesses.
Inquiry hears of ‘unfair’ charges for container use
Beneath the surface of the transfer of goods is a corrosive source of tension – pressure on companies in logistics from random and allegedly unfair costs that pre-date the pandemic and present inflation.
