Small Biz Survival: Alarming Cost of Doing Business Down Under

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.

Addressing the hearing, chaired by Liberal senator Jane Hume, Ms. Sutton noted that 49 per cent of 2.5 million small businesses are either barely breaking even or running at a loss. She emphasized that when a business fails to break even, the burden primarily shifts onto the owner, often compelling them to dip into personal savings to keep operations afloat. The hearing included notable participants like Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association CEO Wes Lambert and Restaurant and Catering Australia CEO Suresh Manickam.

Sutton attributed this worrisome trend to an unpredictable mix of rising energy costs, burdensome regulatory frameworks, and intricate changes in industrial relations. Remarkably, she highlighted that wage growth has not proportionality matched productivity, fanning the flames of economic strain.

Offering further insights into the cost-of-living turmoil, Suresh Manickam pointed out that the crisis is predominantly driven by four elements: escalating energy prices, heightened interest rates, surging labor costs, and sluggish productivity. Manickam lamented that cafe and restaurant owners are particularly besieged by the government’s convoluted changes in industrial relations laws, resulting in what he described as "IR fatigue."

"These modifications are causing a fundamental and progressively adverse impact," Manickam conveyed, stressing the critical need for energy stability and government intervention to ensure an enduring, sustainable energy infrastructure. While business owners appreciated the government’s recent energy rebate, Manickam insisted that it provided minimal relief. "It’s not even a sugar hit," he remarked, suggesting that more substantial measures are necessary to alleviate the financial pressure on small businesses.

This transformative discussion was originally reported by NewsWire, where the pressing challenges confronting Australia's small business sector were brought to fore, demanding urgent attention and solutions.

Published:Saturday, 17th Aug 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

RBA Pause Gives Borrowers Breathing Space, Not Relief

23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate on hold at 4.35% at its June meeting, giving households a pause after three increases earlier in 2026. For mortgage holders, the decision is welcome, but it is not the same as relief. The RBA remains concerned that inflation is still too high, while global pressures, including oil supply disruption, are complicating the outlook. - read more

Buyer Demand Is Cooling: A Window for First-Home Buyers?

23 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s housing market has shifted from urgency to caution, creating a new decision point for first-home buyers. The latest market reporting points to weaker buyer demand after three interest rate rises in 2026, uncertainty around federal property tax changes and broader economic concerns. For aspiring buyers who spent much of the past year competing at crowded inspections, the slowdown may feel like welcome relief. But it also calls for sharper planning. - read more

New 2026 Light Truck Line-Up Gives Australian Buyers More to Weigh Up

22 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s light-duty truck market has entered a new buying cycle, with major brands refreshing their ranges for 2026 and giving operators more choice across diesel, hybrid and electric platforms. For sole traders, delivery businesses, tradies and fleet managers, the timing matters: new emissions rules, softer broader truck sales and rising operating costs are all reshaping how businesses think about their next vehicle purchase. - read more

Xpeng X9 Signals a New Electric Family Mover for Australia

21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s electric vehicle market is broadening beyond compact SUVs and sedans, with Xpeng preparing to bring its X9 electric people mover closer to local showrooms. The brand, which entered Australia with the G6 electric SUV in 2024, now has a local web presence for the X9 and the model has already appeared in Australian approval records, suggesting a launch is moving from speculation to serious preparation. - read more

Leapmotor C10 Long Range Sharpens Australia’s EV Value Equation

21 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Leapmotor has given Australian electric SUV shoppers a timely value update, confirming a revised MY26 C10 battery-electric range that focuses on longer range, quicker charging and a simpler line-up. For buyers weighing up an electric car loan, the headline is straightforward: the updated C10 Design Long Range keeps its $49,888 price before on-road costs while adding meaningful hardware improvements. - read more

Click for more Finance News