Stephen Easton
Tax
Review into ATO highlights ‘inherent limitations’ of compensation scheme for public service mistakes
The ATO will make it easier and simpler for small business owners to access compensation, after a review found the current scheme was ineffective.
Finance
Government agencies must now pay small invoices within 20 days as new rules come into effect
Starting this week Commonwealth agencies are expected to pay invoices worth less than $1 million within 20 days rather than 30 as the previo…
Fraud
Phishing emails and human error: Almost 1,000 data breaches reported in 12 months
There were 964 data breaches reported to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner in the first year of mandatory reporting.
Tax
ATO under microscope: Public sector veteran appointed to review small-business compensation
The Australian Taxation Office’s decisions on compensation for small business victims of “defective administration” are under review.
Startup News
Government considers new tax treatment and regulation for the ‘wild west’ of blockchain startups
Treasury has released a discussion paper questioning whether blockchain tokens and startups have a place in a well-regulated economy.
Politics
Government claims procurement support for ‘Indigenous business sector’ has been a success
A big increase in Australian Public Service spending with suppliers that have some Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ownership remains on…
People
One NT public servant has racked up nearly four years worth of annual leave
One public servant from the Northern Territory has racked up almost $400,000 worth of annual leave and there’s well over 2000 others with …
Finance
Small businesses are winning a third of federal government contracts, but the numbers are dropping
Small businesses won a third of all federal government contracts in 2015-16, worth a total of $5.5 billion or 10% of total procurement spend…
