04 March 2026
GOVT TO REVIEW CAFE RED TAPE
THE NSW Government will review red tape affecting cafés and restaurants to simplify approvals, reduce paperwork and make compliance clearer for more than 50,000 food businesses. Led by the Productivity and Equality Commissioner, the review will examine licences, permits, reporting and inspections, aiming to cut duplication without lowering safety standards. Building on existing small business reforms, recommendations will be delivered in August 2026 to help operators focus on customers and growth.
04 March 2026
FOSTER CARE REFORMS OVERDUE
THE PSA says NSW foster care reforms are a long-overdue reset after outsourcing failures under the Permanency Support Program. The union argues fragmented responsibility harmed outcomes despite rising costs. Reforms will strengthen government oversight, reduce outsourcing, improve accountability, boost foster carer recruitment, and support Aboriginal organisations. The PSA says the changes respond to frontline concerns, restore decision-making to government, and aim to improve child protection outcomes and public confidence.
04 March 2026
CPA SUPPORT FOR A FAIRER ATO
CPA Australia supports the Tax Ombudsman’s call for fairer General Interest Charges (GIC) remission and welcomes the ATO accepting all recommendations to improve transparency, consistency and fairness. The group says reforms must include empathy and proportionality, especially for taxpayers facing genuine financial hardship. It stresses clearer guidance, better communication and more balanced decision-making, particularly since GIC became non-deductible in 2025, increasing financial pressure on individuals and small businesses