Our latest insights

With South East Queensland still feeling the effects of its recent spate of COVID-19 lockdowns – and Cairns entering one this week – the Queensland hospitality and tourism sectors have borne the brunt of the shutdowns.

It was clear from the Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum last week that post-COVID recovery, and driving more sustainable practices and supply chains, including producing carbon reduced or neutral energy, were front of mind.

The vaccine roll-out has picked up significant pace over the last week, however it was made clear today that there will be no special laws implemented to allow employers to mandate vaccinations or to bar unvaccinated people from premises. Employers may make a “reasonable directive” for staff to get vaccinated, however, the Solicitor-General cautioned employers to consider how these decisions relate to discrimination laws and unreasonableness of any direction made to an employee.

As the short-sharp lockdown in South East Queensland threatens to be extended, the Queensland Government is providing grants of up $5,000 to affected small and medium businesses across Queensland.

In this podcast, Ian Renwood, partner and National Head of Technology & Media, and Jace Gawne-Buckland, partner in Private Business Tax & Advisory, talk all things cryptocurrency – including banking the unbanked, machines trading services and just when we might see crypto as a standard payments option.

Earlier this evening Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed that the National Cabinet has agreed in principle the four phase plan to reopen Australia.

In response to the persistent occurrence of outbreaks and lockdowns in our major cities, the Federal Government has come to the table with additional support for businesses impacted by extended lockdowns.

The post-pandemic retail recovery has officially stalled. This week the Australian Bureau of Statistics published the preliminary headline retail sales data for the month of June.

Today the Victorian Government has announced a suite of top-ups to existing grants and support measures to support Victorian businesses through this latest lockdown.

Today the South Australian Government has provided an emergency cash grant of $3,000 to small and medium-sized businesses that were forced to close as part of the State’s seven day lock down.

Clothing rental is taking off in Australia, with designers and retailers alike getting into the action with new apps catering for borrowing and renting clothing rather than buying.

NSW and Federal Government co-fund COVID support package