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:
This week: From 1 October, card surcharging is banned, banks cut merchant fees, and the RBA lowers interchange caps on consumer credit cards. SMEs should review terminals, pricing, and cash flow, and consider finance options if needed. The ATO is sending more Superannuation Guarantee Charge letters as Payday Super beds in; reconcile quarters and tighten payroll. Draft trust tax rules could impose a 30% minimum tax unless fixed distributions are elected in 2028–29; plan scenarios and paperwork. ASIC sues an operator behind multiple comparison sites it alleges misled consumers on insurance and credit; verify providers before sharing data. Visit small-business-finance.com.au for lender comparisons and quick eligibility checks.
EPISODE 3062 | Small Business Finance SME Newscast | Sat, 26th Sep 2026
28 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, 26 September 2026.
First, payments are changing next week. From Tuesday 1 October, card surcharging is banned, so you wont be able to pass card acceptance costs directly to customers. Banks are cutting merchant fees ahead of the switch — one major lender has trimmed its flat in‑store rate to about 0.79 per cent and reduced rates for mobile and online payments — and the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, is lowering interchange caps on most consumer credit cards from about 0.8 per cent to 0.3 per cent, while business card caps stay at 0.8 per cent. Review your terminal plan, enable least‑cost routing if available, and refresh your menu or shelf prices so margins dont suffer. If higher processing costs squeeze cash flow, compare short‑term business finance options and get a quick online eligibility check.
Next up, super. Accountants report a wave of Superannuation Guarantee Charge, or SGC, letters from the Australian Taxation Office, the ATO, as Payday Super enters its fourth month. Data from Single Touch Payroll and super funds is flagging potential shortfalls, sometimes reaching back years. If a letter lands, reconcile the quarters listed, check clearing times, and correct any errors fast — SGC is costly and interest adds up. Tighten payroll workflows now so super is received by funds on payday, and keep records tidy; it helps with lender assessments and ATO payment plan requests.
Meanwhile, proposed trust tax changes are drawing fire for complexity and cost. Draft rules would apply a 30 per cent minimum tax to discretionary trusts unless trustees elect fixed distributions in 2028–29. One major body estimates professional advice just to decide could run into the billions across affected trusts. If you operate through a trust, schedule time with your adviser to model distributions, stamp duty implications, and cash flow under different scenarios. Lenders may also ask for updated trust documents when you apply, so get your paperwork in order.
Finally, a consumer warning with a business twist. The corporate regulator, ASIC — thats the Australian Securities and Investments Commission — has sued a lead‑generation operator it alleges misled people via up to 70 comparison websites for insurance and credit. For owners hunting policies or loans online, verify whos behind a site before sharing details. Stick with reputable providers, and if you want a safe way to compare business lending, use a trusted service with transparent rates and support.
Thats the wrap. For tools to compare business loans, check eligibility in minutes, and talk with independent experts, head to small-business-finance.com.au. Im Paige — thanks for listening, and have a productive week ahead.
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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