Payday Super + wage theft compliance: From 1 July 2026, Payday Super requires super contributions to reach employee funds within seven business days, and the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House closes—adding pressure as a federal criminal wage theft law has been in force since 1 Jan 2025. Cyber readiness: South Australian small businesses are being urged to lift cyber defences after research found 73% lack a cyber response plan and many spend little time on prevention. ATO tax-agent portal slammed: The Tax Ombudsman criticised the ATO’s Online Services for Agents as creating unnecessary administrative burden and inefficiencies for tax agents. Lending competition: New Australian Banking Association research says stronger competition is pushing small-business loan margins to a five-year low, with potential interest savings for borrowers. NSW tobacco crackdown debate: Convenience stores and retailers are backing calls to cut tobacco excise (up to 80% reported) to squeeze the illicit market. Local services at risk: COSBOA and LPO Group say Australia Post’s retail network must evolve to protect local face-to-face services for small businesses. Queensland precinct safety: Yeppoon gets $50,000 for extra CCTV in business streets under a secure communities program. Fremantle “purple” push: City of Fremantle is backing the Dockers with a finals live-site plan and fee waivers for local watch-party activations. Business growth mindset: MYOB CEO commentary says millennials are increasingly choosing “boring” service businesses with recurring revenue over disruption.