auDA has backed, in principle, removing the rule that lets a .com.au match what you sell. Nothing is final. What's proposed, what the petition claims, and what to check.
Deadlines, price changes and new rules for Australian businesses, soonest first.
All key dates
Samsung's Tab S12+ starts at A$1,999 and Ultra at A$2,299. Check keyboard costs, work apps and trial renewals before buying for your business.
Microsoft reports attacks on unpatched Zimbra email servers. Ask your provider about version 10.1.20, SNMP settings and checks for an existing compromise.
ASD warns that stolen AI credentials can drain credits and expose connected systems. Check access owners, API-key permissions and enforced spending limits.
New Microsoft 365 Copilot Business CSP purchases get usage-based billing from 2 November 2026. What Australian buyers should check on costs and limits.
New OAIC guidance explains when software-assisted decisions belong in a privacy policy. Covered businesses should check their systems before 10 December.
What a passkey is, how it differs from passwords and 2FA, what Google, Microsoft and Apple support, where passkeys help, their limits, and what to do first.
Who should own your Google listing, how to lock it down, the rules that trigger suspensions, Google's new rule on contact details in posts, and how to appeal.
Read the guide
What the government's AI policy guide says a policy should cover, how to write a one-page version for your team in an afternoon, and a template to adapt.
Read the guide
Australian prices and inclusions for Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard and Premium, compared from Microsoft's own pages, and how to choose the right plan.
Read the guideNews and guides on planning, building, fixing and running a small business website.
News and guides on Google Ads, Meta, search and measurement for Australian small businesses.
News and guides on payroll, accounting, CRM, booking and the software a small business runs on.
News and guides on using AI tools at work: choosing tasks, briefing tools and checking the output.
Scam alerts and cyber security news for Australian small businesses, sourced from official warnings.
The regulatory and cost changes that affect Australian small businesses, explained with sources and dates.
The weekly quiz
Question 1 of 5
From 1 October, which cards will businesses no longer be able to surcharge?
Answer: A. eftpos, Mastercard and Visa debit, credit and prepaid cards
Card network rules stop surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa debit, credit and prepaid cards, online and in person. American Express and UnionPay are removing surcharging from the same date.
Read the story: Card surcharges end on 1 October. Here's what businesses need to do this week
Question 2 of 5
How many reports of ATO impersonation scams did the ATO receive in August 2026?
Answer: C. 3,265
The ATO received 3,265 reports in August, up 36% on July, and almost all arrived by email. The latest emails link to a download that installs remote desktop software.
Read the story: ATO warns of fake emails that install remote-access software
Question 3 of 5
What happens to a branded text sent from a sender ID that isn't on the ACMA register?
Answer: B. It's relabelled 'Unverified'
Unregistered sender IDs are relabelled 'Unverified'. Texts sent from an ordinary phone number aren't affected, and there's no cut-off date to register.
Question 4 of 5
From 29 September, Google Meet's AI note-taking is switched on by default for which Google Workspace plans?
Answer: D. Business Standard and Business Plus
It applies to Business Standard and Business Plus, in scheduled meetings the organiser hosts with three or more people, including the organiser. Business Starter doesn't include Gemini note-taking in Meet.
Question 5 of 5
What's the starting price of the new Mac mini in Australia?
Answer: B. A$1,449
It starts at A$1,449 with the M6 chip. For most office desks, our pick is the M6 with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, at A$1,749.
Read the story: Should your business buy the new Mac mini? The M6 and M5 Pro compared
A new quiz comes out every Friday with the briefing. Get the Friday briefing by email
Reader poll of the week
Reader polls aren't scientific: they show how readers who chose to vote answered. One vote per reader. Background: Card surcharges end on 1 October. Here's what businesses need to do this week
