As previously reported, the Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme (EIP) was announced by the Federal Government, with funding of $484.2 million over 5 years. The EIP has an objective to improve the business capabilities of Australian small to medium enterprises, to make them more competitive on the global stage.

As part of the reforms to the Privacy Act 1988 Update on the Australian Privacy Principle Guidelines and Changes to the Privacy Act - Ensuring the fine print is not forgotten, credit reporting in Australia will be regulated by a new Part IIIA of the Privacy Act. This will be accompanied by a new Credit Reporting Code which will replace the existing Credit Reporting Code of Conduct.

This new regime comes into effect on 12 March 2014 with the aim to simplify, clarify and update the current credit reporting provisions.  The new regime will affect most industries.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (Commissioner) is in the process of developing Australian Privacy Principle Guidelines (Guidelines) to accompany the new Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) due to commence on 12 March 2014.  

Most businesses will have standard form policies and procedures relating to privacy.  While these policies can be found on business websites and on documents handed out to customers and clients, they are too often left on the shelf collecting dust.  Invariably, business owners tick the regulatory box with the implementation of a privacy policy, and then continue to focus on the most important part of their business - doing business.

On 27 June 2013 the first major Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) judgment was handed down in Australia in the New South Wales Supreme Court. The decision in the case of Maiden Civil (P&E) Pty Ltd; Richard Albarran and Blair Alexander Pleash as receivers and managers of Maiden Civil (P&E) Pty Ltd & Ors v Queensland Excavation Services Pty Ltd & Ors [2013] NSWSC 852 provides guidance on the operation of the PPSA and how to resolve priority disputes. 

Further to the Government’s release of Advancing Australia as a Digital Economy: Update to the National Economy Strategy on 12 June 2013 (refer to Employee share scheme announcement - 21 June 2013 for an overview), Treasury and the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education issued the discussion paper Employee Share Schemes and Start-up Companies: Administrative and Taxation Arrangements.

On 12 June 2013, the Government released Advancing Australia as a Digital Economy: Update to the National Digital Economy Strategy and announced a review of the regulatory environment for innovative information, communication and technology start-up companies (ICT companies).