Energy Costs Pressure: Consumer and small business groups are urging the Australian Energy Regulator to cut the Rate of Return Instrument, arguing network charges are overpricing poles-and-wires and siphoning “a billion dollars” from households and SMEs. Local Government Funding Fight: Melbourne’s City of Casey says it spent $780,000 on graffiti removal and wants the state to refund council for cleaning state-owned assets. Small Business Survival Worry: New analysis of ABS data finds nearly 1 million Australian businesses have stopped trading in four years, with survival rates slipping further as inflation bites. Power Market Mystery: WA saw a midnight battery-driven spike in spot prices, raising questions about how batteries are dispatched as the grid transitions. SME Tech Spotlight: Xero’s valuation debate continues as investors weigh strong cash flow and product expansion against premium pricing. Regional Safety & CCTV: Cook Shire Council has expanded CCTV along Cooktown’s waterfront to curb antisocial behaviour and protect local assets. Local Growth Stories: A Sydney tradie turned a $2,000 jewellery side hustle into a $3,000-a-week micro business—and a Canberra café is expanding with a second location at Kingston Foreshore.