Navigating Legal Challenges: Essential Laws Every SMB Owner Should Know

Every entrepreneur knows how challenging it is to start a business from scratch. It takes early mornings, long nights, and endless hours of working in between.

While talent helps, it’s hard work that will ultimately take you far. Research, product development, and innovation are crucial, but so is being aware of key legislation that affects you.

In this article, we will look at legal challenges small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Australia may encounter, the laws they should be aware of, and how they can thrive despite these challenges.

The Importance of Legal Compliance for SMBs

Laws are crucial in business, helping entrepreneurs form companies, pay taxes, and apply for government subsidies.

Moreover, legal compliance doesn’t just help you avoid disputes. It also demonstrates your commitment to ethical practices and fair treatment.

Done right, you can grow your business without worrying about potential legal issues.

Potential Risks of Ignoring Key Business Laws

Ignorance of the law can cost you, literally and figuratively. In addition to hefty fines, it may lead to liabilities like civil lawsuits or, in extreme cases, criminal charges.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the serious risks associated with ignoring business laws:

• Fines and Lawsuits – Non-compliance can result in penalties from the Australian Taxation Office. It may also lead to lawsuits from employees, customers, or competitors, leading to financial burdens from legal fees.

• Loss of Licenses and Permits – In some industries, non-compliance can even result in the revocation or suspension of business permits.

• Negative Publicity – Legal troubles, particularly for well-known or emerging brands, often attract media attention. 

  This negative publicity can be hard to recover from, especially when it spreads on social media, making it more difficult to attract or retain investors or partners.

• Loss of Customer Trust – Customer trust is the backbone of any business. Therefore, news of legal violations can severely harm your reputation, erode trust, and result in decreased sales or increased difficulties in attracting new customers.

• Operational Inefficiencies – Legal issues can disrupt daily operations, especially when dealing with reporting requirements, attending conferences, or going to court. Over time, this can lead to decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and lost opportunities.

• Criminal Charges – Non-compliance often leads to civil lawsuits. However, serious violations of safety regulations or financial laws can result in criminal charges, which may lead to imprisonment and hefty fines.

Key Business Laws That Impact SMBs

Laws shape how Australian businesses operate, so every business owner needs to be familiar with the relevant laws in their industry.

To get started, here are some essential laws to keep in mind:

Formation and Business Structure Laws

The Corporations Act 2001 is the key legislation governing business structure formation in Australia. Administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), it outlines the different types of companies a business owner can establish:

Sole Trader

The sole trader is the simplest and most common business structure. In this setup, the individual is the business.

This means that the income you earn from the business is considered part of your personal income. As a result, your personal assets are at risk for business debts, as there is no legal distinction between you and your business.

This business structure is easy and inexpensive to set up, which is why many Australian entrepreneurs start as sole traders. It also requires minimal paperwork and has fewer regulatory compliance requirements.

It’s an ideal setup for beginners, as it gives you complete control over business decisions. This is particularly beneficial for start-ups, where you need flexibility for experimentation and learning through trial and error.

Partnership

As its name suggests, a partnership involves two or more individuals running a business. In this structure, each partner is taxed on their share of the business income.

A partnership is relatively easy to set up compared to a corporation. However, it still requires a fair bit of legal compliance, as you must submit a document outlining each partner’s roles, liabilities, and how profits will be distributed.

In addition, unlike sole traders that bear all the responsibilities, partnerships offer shared resources and expertise. This provides management flexibility, letting you share the workload and costs while having a reliable partner for important business decisions.

Corporation

A corporation is considered a separate legal entity, distinct from its owner. It can own property, pay taxes, and sue or be sued, just like a person.

Many business owners choose to establish a corporation because it offers limited liability for shareholders. This means that if the company accrues bad debt or goes bankrupt, creditors cannot pursue the shareholders personally. Instead, the company’s assets, such as land, buildings, and other properties, will be used to settle the debts.

Furthermore, unlike individuals who are taxed on their income, a corporation’s revenues are only taxed after deducting business expenses. This means they can subtract expenses from their earnings to lower the taxable amount further.

Tax Compliance and Financial Regulations

To encourage more people to put up businesses, the Australian government offers various tax incentives and tax relief for companies. These include:

• Research and development (R&D) tax incentive;
• Small business income tax offset; and
• Small business capital gains tax (CGT) concessions, among others.

Moreover, SMBs also have to comply with the following requirements:

• Australian Business Number (ABN) – All businesses operating Down Under must have an ABN. This is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business, allowing you to register for taxes.

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) – If your business earns AUD 75,000 or more, you need to collect GST on your sales and pay it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

• Pay As You Go (PAYG) Withholding – If you have employees, you must also withhold taxes from their wages and pay these to the ATO for them.

• Income Tax – Your business must pay income tax on its profits, with the amount depending on your business structure and profit levels.

• Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) – If you provide fringe benefits (e.g., company cars) to your employees, you may need to pay a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).

• Superannuation – Employers must also make superannuation payments, which are contributions to their employees’ retirement funds.

Contract Law and Business Agreements

Running a business involves entering into different contracts.

Done right, it can grow your business and expand your operations. Conversely, if you enter into bad deals, your name and reputation can suffer. Thus, it’s important to know your rights under Australian law.

Types of Contracts

Contracts come in various forms, but for businesses, the most common ones are:

• Sales Contracts – For buying and selling goods or services;
• Employment Contracts – These define the terms and conditions of employment;
• Lease Agreements – For renting business premises such as office spaces, stalls, or physical branches;
• Shareholder Agreements – These govern the relationship between shareholders in a company, including profit sharing, major decision-making, and other important matters.

Key Considerations in Contracts Law

Contracts are entered into when both parties agree to the same terms and conditions. However, conflicts can still arise due to the following reasons:

• Verbal Agreements – Legally, verbal agreements are valid but hard to enforce. 

  Therefore, written contracts are strongly recommended for business matters as they provide clear evidence of the terms and conditions, which help reduce the risk of disputes or misunderstandings.

• Templated Contracts – Some business owners use standard form contracts for regular transactions to save time. However, this can lead to unfavorable terms, especially if new conditions aren’t addressed in the standard format. 

  Thus, it’s important to carefully review these contracts each time before signing.

• Unfair Terms – Businesses should be cautious when entering partnership or investment deals, as there’s a risk of one party having an unfair advantage. It’s important to carefully review each contract and negotiate terms that benefit both parties.
  
  Ideally, you should have at least 2-3 rounds of negotiations or meetings before signing anything.

To protect your interests, it’s wise to seek legal advice, especially before entering contracts that could cost you thousands or millions.

A lawyer can review the contract, identify potential risks, suggest countermeasures to benefit you, and ensure your interests are fully protected.

Employment and Labour Laws Every SMB Must Follow

Aside from business, finance, and tax laws, entrepreneurs must also be familiar with labour laws if they plan to hire Australian employees or resort to remote team outsourcing.

Let’s take a look.

Hiring, Outsourcing, and Worker Classification

Australia has different laws when it comes to employment. For reference, here are some important legal considerations.

Hiring Aussie Employees

If you’re planning to build an in-house staff, you should consider the following AU regulations and minimum requirements:

• Fair Work Act 2009 – This law governs workplace relations in Australia, covering areas such as minimum wages, working hours, leave entitlements, unfair dismissal, and workplace safety.

• National Employment Standards (NES) – The AU government also sets forth minimum employment rights such as maximum weekly hours, parental leaves, annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, compassionate leave, and notice of termination.

• Employment Contracts – Australian businesses must provide written employment contracts that outline clear terms and conditions. These contracts should include job responsibilities, remuneration, and leave entitlements, ensuring they meet or exceed the minimum requirements set by the National Employment Standards (NES).

Outsourcing to Remote Workers

A growing number of Aussie business owners are delegating non-core functions to global outsourcing firms like Remote Staff. Instead of maintaining a full in-house workforce, they hire skilled talents from different countries.

Here are some important considerations:

• Independent Contractors v. Employees – Business process outsourcing typically involves hiring independent contractors, allowing businesses to save resources since they don’t need to provide employment benefits required for full-time, in-house employees. 

  As such, businesses often hire project-based employees during peak seasons and maintain a smaller, core team of full-time employees for the rest of the year.

• Contractual Agreements – Outsourcing contracts should include clear and comprehensive terms, such as the scope of work, performance standards, payment terms, and intellectual property rights.

To protect their interests, businesses also require outsourcing companies and independent contractors to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

Wage, Hour, and Workplace Regulations

Australia has comprehensive laws when it comes to wage, working hours, and workplace regulations. Let’s take a look:

• Wages
  • As of July 2024, the national minimum wage is $24.10 per hour before tax.
  • Employers are required to provide employees with pay slips detailing their earnings, deductions, and entitlements.
  • It’s illegal to discriminate against employees based on gender when it comes to compensation, especially for the same kind of work.

• Working Hours

• • The standard workweek for full-time employees is 38 hours. Anything beyond that is considered overtime.
  • Employees have the right to refuse unreasonable requests for overtime.
  • Overtime pay is usually at a higher rate, often 150% for the first few hours and 200% for any additional hours.

• Workplace Regulations

• • Aussie employers have to provide a safe work environment, safe equipment, and adequate training to in-house staff.
  • The AU government also require employers to comply with privacy laws when collecting and handling employee information.
  • Employers must also prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace.

Anti-Discrimination and Workplace Policies

Australia has a comprehensive anti-discrimination framework which includes federal and state laws. Here are some examples:

• Age Discrimination Act of 2004 – This law bans age-based employment discrimination. As such, employers cannot reject a candidate for being too old or too young for a job.

• Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 – The DDA makes it illegal for companies to discriminate against individuals based on physical, intellectual, sensory, or learning disabilities, as well as pre-existing illnesses, medical conditions, and work-related injuries.

• Racial Discrimination Act of 1975 – This AU legislation makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his or her race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, or immigrant status.

• Sex Discrimination Act of 1984 – Meanwhile, the SDA makes it illegal to discriminate against a worker because of their sex, gender identity, intersex status, sexual orientation, marital status, relationship status, or pregnancy.

Protecting your SMB from Legal Risks

A business needs more than just growth; entrepreneurs must also protect their companies from legal risks. Failing to do so can result in reputational damage, expensive lawsuits, or even business failure.

But how is this done?

Intellectual Property Protection

Every business owner must be familiar with their intellectual property (IP) rights since it forms a key part of their competitive advantage. These include:

• Patent – A patent gives exclusive rights to an invention for a set time, protecting the trade secrets behind how it works, what it does, and how it’s made. 

  For example, if you invent a new vacuum cleaner, you can apply for a patent to stop other businesses from copying its unique features.

• Trademark – On the other hand, a trademark protects your brand, logo, and other identifiers that set your business apart. This can include words, colours, logos, or symbols. Registering them gives you exclusive rights to use those marks.

All logos of brands like Apple, Nike, and Adidas are registered. This prevents other companies from using or creating similar logos with the same fonts, colors, or symbols.

• Copyright – Meanwhile, a copyright doesn’t need registration, as the law automatically protects original creative works like literature, art, music, and drama as soon as they are created. 

  This usually applies to businesses in arts, entertainment, and other creative fields.

• Confidential Information or Trade Secrets – AU laws also protect valuable business information like manufacturing processes, customer lists, pricing strategies, software algorithms, research data, and marketing plans. 

  As a result, these matters are safeguarded by confidentiality agreements when the company works with employees, investors, or other stakeholders who may access confidential information and trade secrets.

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Laws

As the world becomes more interconnected, the Australian government has introduced several laws to address data privacy and cybersecurity, including:

• Privacy Act 1988 – This law governs how personal information is handled in Australia. It includes the Privacy Principles (APPs), which outline the obligations of organisations in collecting, using, storing, or sharing personal information.

• Cyber Security Act 2024 – This new law sets minimum cybersecurity standards for smart devices and requires businesses to report payments made to cybercriminals to regain access to important data or systems.

Legal Considerations for Business Growth

A business owner needs to learn about all areas of business, including legal matters, such as:

• Mergers and Acquisitions – Buying into or merging with another company requires legal checks, contract talks, and following strict laws on competition.

• Franchising – To expand via franchise in Australia, you must follow the Franchising Code of Conduct, which includes giving franchisees a disclosure document and ensures fair agreements.

• Financial Reporting – It’s important to follow Australian Accounting Standards and meet financial reporting requirements set by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Additional Legal Considerations for SMBs

Entrepreneurs should also understand industry-specific laws and consumer-related legislations, including:

Consumer Protection Laws

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) requires businesses to ensure that products are:

• Of acceptable quality;
• Match their description;
• Are fit for purpose; and
• Services are provided with due care and skill.

It also prohibits unfair terms in contracts, especially those between businesses and consumers. For example, a service provider can’t include a clause that lets them change subscription fees without notifying consumers first.

Business Licensing and Permits

Every entrepreneur is familiar with the stress of complying with licenses and permits.

However, this is a necessary part of running a business. These laws regulate business practices and protect consumers from unfair practices or misleading products and services.

Here are some key considerations:

• Identifying Requirements – Start by identifying the licenses and permits your business needs. The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) can help you find the required licenses. 
  • Food – Permits for food premises, food handling licenses
  • Construction – Builder licenses, trade licenses (e.g., electrical, plumbing)
  • Liquor – Liquor license for selling alcohol
  • Financial services – Australian Financial Services (AFS) license 
• Location-Based Permits – In addition to industry licenses, local councils may require extra permits, like for home-based businesses, signage, or mobile businesses.

Environmental and Health Regulations

More and more consumers are demanding responsible business practices.

As a result, businesses are adopting sustainable practices, while governments are creating laws to encourage green business practices.

For example, Australia has key regulations in the following areas:

• Waste Management – Businesses have to comply with regulations regarding waste disposal, especially hazardous waste.

• Emissions – There are also regulations covering air and water emissions, particularly for manufacturing and industrial sectors.

• Water Use – Businesses that use a lot of water, like agriculture, mining, paper mills, and oil and gas extraction, face regulations on water usage and waste discharge.

• Hazardous Materials – Companies that handle and store hazardous materials are also strictly regulated.

Hence, if you’re an AU entrepreneur operating within these sectors, you have to stay-up-to date with environmental and health regulations to avoid penalties.

Many business owners use business process outsourcing for administrative matters, including legal compliance and monitoring.

Through offshore talent acquisition, they get access to skilled and talented admin assistants who can process, file, and compile the documents on their behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions on legal matters that small business owners have.

#1. What Are The Most Common Legal Challenges Small Business Owners Face?

Aussie business owners often struggle with tax laws like GST, income tax, and payroll tax, as well as keeping accurate financial records and filing taxes on time.

Some also need assistance in:

• Choosing the correct business structure;
• Complying with industry-specific regulations;
• Protecting trademarks, copyrights, and patents;
• Managing contract disputes; and
• Drafting and reviewing contracts.

Thus, AU entrepreneurs often outsource accounting or hire a virtual assistant to manage requirements and avoid expensive legal penalties.

#2. How Can Legal Issues Impact Small Business Operations?

If left unresolved, legal issues can result in disputes, fines, and penalties.

Legal fees can also be a major expense, especially for entrepreneurs or small businesses with limited resources.

Moreover, legal proceedings can divert valuable time and resources away from core business activities. Worse, negative publicity from legal disputes can damage a business’s reputation and erode customer trust.

#3. How Can I Protect My Business From Contract Disputes?

Business owners should get legal advice before signing contracts, especially complex ones like mergers, acquisitions, or franchising.

It’s also crucial to keep detailed records of communications, agreements, and transactions as evidence in case of misunderstandings or legal disputes.

Lastly, approach contract negotiations with an open mind. Be willing to compromise and find solutions that benefit both parties. Building strong relationships can help prevent disputes.

Conclusion

Running a business requires knowledge in areas like marketing, sales, advertising, contract negotiations, tax payments, and legal compliance. Hence, a good business owner is familiar with all these areas and can also decide which tasks to delegate and which to focus on.

Many entrepreneurs in Australia outsource administrative tasks, including legal compliance, to skilled professionals. This allows them to focus on core business functions while avoiding issues like missed tax payments or compliance problems with licenses and permits.

Fortunately, if you need help with legal compliance or administrative tasks, you can call us today or request a call back, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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