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:

Finance News

Record Electric Vehicle Sales in Australia Amid Fuel Price Surge
Record Electric Vehicle Sales in Australia Amid Fuel Price Surge
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia has witnessed a significant surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales during March 2026, with more than 15,800 new electric cars sold, marking the highest monthly total recorded in the country. This remarkable growth is largely attributed to escalating fuel prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have prompted consumers to seek more cost-effective and sustainable transportation options. - read more
Australian EV Sales Surge to 17.9% Market Share in March 2026
Australian EV Sales Surge to 17.9% Market Share in March 2026
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In March 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia achieved a record market share of 17.9%, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition to sustainable transportation. This surge is largely attributed to escalating fuel prices, prompting consumers to seek more economical and environmentally friendly alternatives. - read more
Rising Fuel Prices Spark Increased Interest in Electric Vehicles Across Australia
Rising Fuel Prices Spark Increased Interest in Electric Vehicles Across Australia
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
As fuel prices continue to climb across Australia, there has been a notable surge in consumer interest and sales of electric vehicles (EVs). Data from early 2026 indicates that Australians are increasingly considering EVs as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional petrol-powered cars. - read more
Surge in Investor Mortgage Refinancing Across Australia
Surge in Investor Mortgage Refinancing Across Australia
29 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a significant increase in mortgage refinancing among Australian investors, reaching record levels. This trend is largely attributed to competitive interest rates and attractive lender incentives. - read more
AFIA and Government Unite to Support SMEs During Fuel Market Challenges
AFIA and Government Unite to Support SMEs During Fuel Market Challenges
28 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has announced its collaboration with the Australian government to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by global fuel market disruptions. This partnership aims to provide relief to businesses experiencing financial stress due to rising fuel costs and supply chain challenges. - read more


Truck Loans Articles

The Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Truck Loan in Australia
The Top Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Truck Loan in Australia
Commercial vehicle loans in Australia are a vital component in the Continuum of the transportation and logistics industry. They provide businesses and individuals with the necessary funds to acquire trucks and other heavy vehicles critical for their operations. Understanding the nuances of these loans is imperative for anyone in the market for a commercial vehicle. - 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
How to Get a Truck Loan with Less-Than-Perfect Credit
How to Get a Truck Loan with Less-Than-Perfect Credit
Securing finance for any significant purchase can be a challenge, especially when it comes to acquiring a truck for business purposes. Coupled with a less-than-perfect credit score, this task can seem daunting for many Australians. The ripple effects of financial constraints can impede business operations, affecting the lifeline of commercial ventures that rely on transportation. - read more
5 Tips on Securing Low-Interest Rates for Your Vehicle Purchase
5 Tips on Securing Low-Interest Rates for Your Vehicle Purchase
Embarking on the journey of acquiring a commercial vehicle is a significant decision for any business. Securing a loan with a low-interest rate is not just a matter of luck; it involves meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of the lending landscape. This opening section sets the scene for our deep dive into navigating the commercial vehicle loan process with an eye toward minimizing costs and maximizing value. - read more
Interest Rates, Terms, and Fees: What to Look for in Commercial Vehicle Loans
Interest Rates, Terms, and Fees: What to Look for in Commercial Vehicle Loans
Choosing the right commercial vehicle loan is a pivotal decision for any business aspiring to expand its transportation capabilities. For many, commercial vehicles are integral to daily operations, and securing the best financial arrangement to acquire these assets can significantly impact the bottom line. - 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
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI):
A type of insurance that a borrower might be required to purchase as a condition of a conventional mortgage loan, if the down payment is less than 20% of the property value.