This report provides background about the Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme (including the changes that came into effect on 1 July 2023) and its administration. It also explores participant views on the experiences and impacts of the Commonwealth PPL scheme.

This report aims to better understand the importance of microbusinesses — namely, businesses that are characterised by a small number of employees, turnover and assets. It uses a combination of desktop research and real-world case studies to articulate their value, composition and contribution to the Australian economy, while also identifying challenges facing microbusiness owners.

For this project, BETA collaborated with Safe Work Australia to adapt existing return to work materials for use by supervisors in small and medium enterprises and undertook a literature review, stakeholder consultation, and data analysis.

This report is based on the findings of a survey conducted nationally over 6 weeks in early 2022 with 1,007 small business owner participants. The findings indicate that there are high levels of mental ill‑health within the small business sector, suggesting a continued need for tailored small business mental health initiatives.

This evaluation reviewed the Australian Government's Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment Initiative. It found the initiative was positively perceived, addressing a gap and providing useful support to young clients seeking to start a business, but there was low awareness of some components and opportunities for improvement. Participants continued to face multiple barriers to starting a business.