Each week, we deliver a clear, credible wrap of Australian small business news — policy changes, tax and compliance updates, economic trends, technology shifts, grants, and standout industry stories. Expect plain-English context, key takeaways, and what it means for your operations. Stay informed in minutes, stay ahead of change, and start the week organised. We highlight major headlines from government, regulators, and trusted business outlets, summarised with practical context you can use.
This Week:
Paige Estritori wraps the week for Australian SMEs: card surcharges end on 1 October as RBA reforms take effect, so update pricing and payments now; Commonwealth Bank trims in‑store merchant fees for eligible plans, making it a good time to compare providers; Deloitte flags a retail slowdown this financial year, suggesting tighter inventory and flexible cash‑flow buffers; and major capital gains tax changes start 1 July 2027, so begin preparing records and valuations for future sales or restructures. Visit small-business-finance.com.au for guides and finance comparisons.
EPISODE 2861 | Small Business Finance SME Newscast | Sat, 5th Sep 2026
7 Sep 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Small Business Finance SME Newscast, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 5 September 2026.
First up, card surcharges end on 1 October. The Reserve Bank of Australias payments reforms will ban surcharges on Visa, Mastercard and eftpos, and lower interchange caps, with clearer fee disclosure across providers. The consumer watchdog, the ACCC, will police misleading pricing. For your business, that means removing surcharge notices, updating point‑of‑sale and online checkouts, and deciding whether to fold card costs into shelf prices or offer cash discounts; run the numbers now so margins and cash flow stay predictable.
Meanwhile, one big bank has blinked. Commonwealth Bank says its flat in‑store merchant service fee will drop to about one per cent from 1 October for eligible plans. Its in‑store only and plan‑dependent, so check your agreement and whether you qualify. Use this as leverage to compare total costs across providers, including online rates and chargebacks, and lock in the mix that best supports your cash flow.
On the demand side, a fresh retail outlook points to softer spending ahead. Deloittes latest forecasts tip real retail turnover growth to slow this financial year, with discretionary categories taking the hit as households juggle higher rates and weaker real wages. If you rely on walk‑in or online discretionary sales, tighten inventory and shorten reorder cycles. Consider lining up flexible working‑capital options so you can manage slower weeks without squeezing operations.
And looking slightly further ahead, capital gains tax, or CGT, is set for its biggest shake‑up in decades from 1 July 2027. The 50 per cent discount is preserved for gains accrued up to 30 June 2027, but a minimum 30 per cent tax will apply to gains that build after that date, and most assets will have their cost base reset under deemed sale rules. If a business sale, restructure, or asset disposal is on your horizon, start tidying asset registers and valuations now and speak with your adviser so tax timing and financing plans align.
Thats the wrap. For plain‑English guides and to compare business finance options with quick eligibility checks, head to small-business-finance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and have a productive week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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