NSW Data Centre push: NSW has released a Data Centre Policy Framework to speed approvals (assessment targeted within 75 days) while pushing developers to fund extra energy and water infrastructure, with data-centre connections potentially reaching 28GW and 20 projects worth $51.4b in the pipeline. Cybersecurity for SMEs: A new federal House inquiry is asking SME owners about cyber incidents, security costs and access to advice, with submissions due late August. Tax time clarity for contractors: The ATO says it already has contractor payment data via TPAR and will be matching it to tax returns, warning that undeclared income isn’t “invisible.” Lending competition: The Australian Banking Association reports stronger competition is easing small-business loan margins and speeding approvals for some borrowers. AI in business tools: MYOB is bringing financial insights (balances, overdue invoices, profit and loss) into Claude and ChatGPT, aiming to make AI answers grounded in trusted business data. Energy costs for businesses: NSW is also rolling out grants/subsidies for commercial battery installs, alongside rapid growth in household batteries. Founder time squeeze: Airtasker estimates a “founder tax” of $92b a year as founders spend nearly half their working week on tasks they could outsource. Datacentre community rules tested: NSW also says the fast-track pathway won’t be an automatic knockback if standards aren’t met, shifting the focus to justification and compliance. Scam warning: NASC data shows generative AI investment scams are increasingly impersonating well-known Australians.