Business news
Changes to rules, tax, programs and the economy that affect Australian small businesses, and what to do about them.
Australia now has more than 2.8 million actively trading businesses
ABS figures show 2,814,778 actively trading businesses at 30 June 2026, up 3.1% in a year, with 460,461 new businesses and 375,331 closures. Companies, sole traders and health care businesses grew fastest.
Cybercrime is costing businesses more: what ASD's 2025-26 threat report means for you
The Australian Signals Directorate's Annual Cyber Threat Report 2025-26 puts the average self-reported cybercrime cost at $93,500 per business report, up 16%, and $141,300 for medium businesses, up 45%. Here's what small businesses should do.
Paid a ransom? Businesses with $3 million turnover must report it within 72 hours
Since 30 May 2025, Australian businesses with annual turnover of $3 million or more must report any ransomware or cyber extortion payment to the Government within 72 hours. The education-first period ended on 31 December 2025.