The Cradle Coast Authority has attracted Australia’s leading regional economic development conference to Devonport and secured a diverse range of local and interstate practitioners and thought leaders to discuss solutions to some of regional Australia’s biggest challenges.

Delivering upon our net zero target; planning, preparing and rebuilding after crisis and attracting and retaining skilled people will be some of the topics explored at the two and a half day conference held between August 31 and 2 September at the paranaple Convention Centre.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is supporting Tasmania’s 39,000 small businesses to create jobs and stimulate the economy to deliver growth.

Local businesses can now apply to receive financial and business advice through round two of the Small Business Advice and Financial Guidance program.

The program provides grants of between $750 and $1,500 to eligible small businesses.

Australian retail sales remained at record levels in June with $34.2 billion spent in stores and online – an increase of 12% on a year ago and up 0.2% compared to May 2022, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra cautioned that while sales volumes remain elevated, they are also linked to the higher consumer prices we’re seeing across the economy and not necessarily a full reflection of business performance.

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

Extraordinary disaster assistance grants have been extended to flood-affected primary producers, small businesses and communities affected by the Southern Queensland flooding event in May.

The assistance is made available through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).  

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) today announced the appointment of outgoing ACCC Deputy Chair Ms Delia Rickard to its board. Her appointment, for three years, is effective from 1 August 2022.

“Ms Rickard brings to the board a wide range of skills from a distinguished public service career in consumer policy. She has a deep understanding of the current and emerging challenges facing consumers and financial firms,” AFCA Independent Chair Professor John Pollaers OAM said when announcing the appointment today.

Primary producers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on a NSW Government plan to safeguard the State’s $21 billion food and fibre industry, as part of an upgraded biosecurity strategy.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the purpose of the strategy is to:

Key statistics

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.8% this quarter.

• Over the twelve months to the June 2022 quarter, the CPI rose 6.1%.

• The most significant price rises were New dwelling purchases by owner-occupiers (+5.6%), Automotive fuel (+4.2%) and Furniture (+7.0%).

New numbers show inflation has increased 6.1 per cent over the past year and highlight the difficult circumstances facing Australian workers and families.

This high and rising inflation is not surprising but it is still confronting.

Australians know the pressure that inflation imposes on household budgets – they see it and feel it every time they visit the supermarket and pay the bills.

Higher inflation has come with higher interest rates and the independent Reserve Bank has told us they are set to rise even further.

Federal Labor Government to introduce new legislation to strengthen protections for small business against unfair contract terms Changes complement WA Government small business safeguards including new Security of Payment Act for construction subcontractors and the Investigations and Inquiry authority of the Small Business Commissioner.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Di Farmer

More than 1000 Queensland small businesses will receive grants of $5000 to get their ‘business basics’ on track by investing in areas such as website development, marketing plans or business coaching.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the $5000 injection to each business adds up to a $5 million investment into small businesses and the communities they serve right across Queensland.