Truck Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Small Biz Survival: Alarming Cost of Doing Business Down Under

Small Biz Survival: Alarming Cost of Doing Business Down Under

Small Biz Survival: Alarming Cost of Doing Business Down Under?w=400

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.

In a striking revelation, nearly 1.25 million small businesses in Australia teeter on the brink of collapse as increasing living costs gnaw away their profit margins.
During a recent senate hearing on Australia's cost-of-living crisis, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) director, Adele Sutton, spotlighted the precarious state of the nation’s small enterprises.

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:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Finance News

WA's 2026 Budget: A Game-Changer for First-Home Buyers
WA's 2026 Budget: A Game-Changer for First-Home Buyers
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Western Australia's 2026 state budget has unveiled a series of initiatives designed to support first-home buyers and address housing affordability challenges. Central to these reforms is a substantial overhaul of stamp duty thresholds, alongside increased funding for affordable housing projects. - read more
Gen Z Home Buyers Embrace 5% Deposit Scheme
Gen Z Home Buyers Embrace 5% Deposit Scheme
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The expansion of Australia's 5% Deposit Scheme in October 2025 has significantly influenced the property market, particularly among Generation Z buyers. Recent analysis indicates a 22.8% increase in first-home buyers aged 18 to 25 during the six months following the scheme's expansion, compared to the same period in the previous year. - read more
Surge in First-Home Buyer Loans Amid Scheme Expansion
Surge in First-Home Buyer Loans Amid Scheme Expansion
26 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports a 6.8% increase in first-home buyer owner-occupied loans during the December 2025 quarter, totaling 31,783 loans. This growth is largely attributed to the expansion of the federal Home Guarantee Scheme, which has made homeownership more accessible to first-time buyers. - read more
Understanding APRA's New Debt-to-Income Limits on Mortgage Lending
Understanding APRA's New Debt-to-Income Limits on Mortgage Lending
25 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has implemented new debt-to-income (DTI) limits for residential mortgage lending, effective from 1 February 2026. This regulatory measure aims to mitigate financial risks associated with high-DTI mortgages in the Australian housing market. - read more
Australia's Response to AI-Driven Loan Fraud: AML/CTF Reforms
Australia's Response to AI-Driven Loan Fraud: AML/CTF Reforms
25 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In response to the rising threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled loan fraud, Australia is implementing significant reforms to its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Act, effective from 1 July 2026. These changes aim to bolster the nation's financial security by addressing vulnerabilities exploited through advanced technological means. - read more


Truck Loans Articles

Essential Financial Safety Nets for Aussie Truck Drivers
Essential Financial Safety Nets for Aussie Truck Drivers
Welcome to the road less traveled, where the rubber meets financial prudence. Truck driving in Australia is not just about long miles but also about ensuring financial stability amidst life's crossroads. As a truck driver, taking the wheel of your financial future is crucial, and that's what we'll navigate in this article. - read more
Essential Document Checklist for Truck Loan Approval: What You Need to Know
Essential Document Checklist for Truck Loan Approval: What You Need to Know
Getting the right truck loan can be essential for business owners who rely on commercial vehicles. These loans cover a variety of commercial vehicle types and are crucial for ensuring your business operations run smoothly. Truck loans, specifically, provide the necessary finances to purchase trucks, which are indispensable in industries like logistics and delivery services across Australia. - read more
How to Choose the Right Lender for Your Commercial Truck Loan
How to Choose the Right Lender for Your Commercial Truck Loan
For many Australian businesses, purchasing a commercial vehicle is a significant investment that often requires financial assistance. Understanding the intricacies of truck financing is crucial, as the right loan can affect your company's bottom line and operational efficiency. With a plethora of lenders offering myriad loan products, choosing the most advantageous deal can be daunting. - read more
Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Your Commercial Vehicle Loan Terms
Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Your Commercial Vehicle Loan Terms
Finding the right financing for a commercial vehicle in Australia can be a critical step for businesses and individuals alike. Whether it's for a single van or an entire fleet of trucks, understanding the intricacies of commercial vehicle loans is key to securing a deal that aligns with your financial goals. One factor that stands out in determining your loan terms is the credit score—a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. - read more
From Small to Big: Financing Your Truck Expansion in Australia
From Small to Big: Financing Your Truck Expansion in Australia
Expanding your truck fleet is a critical step in driving business growth. For many small businesses, increasing the number of commercial vehicles means accessing new markets, delivering goods more efficiently, and ultimately, boosting profitability. In the competitive Australian market, staying ahead requires not just maintaining but expanding your transport capabilities. - read more


Start Here

Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options without accessing your credit file!!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Interest Rate:
A rate which is charged or paid for the use of money. An interest rate is often expressed as an annual percentage of the principal. It is calculated by dividing the amount of interest by the amount of principal. Interest rates often change as a resul