新的行业数据显示，随着一波监管变革与顽固的通胀及更高利率发生碰撞，澳大利亚小企业在付款方面落后的情况日益加剧。
Australian small businesses are falling further behind on payments as inflation, high interest rates and new regulations collide.
零售、酒店和建筑业的经营者表示，在疫情时代的多项支持措施早已结束后，他们正努力同时消化合规成本和借贷成本。
Australian small businesses are increasingly falling behind on payments as a wave of regulatory change collides with stubborn inflation and higher interest rates, new industry data shows. Operators across retail, hospitality and construction say they are struggling to absorb compliance costs and borrowing costs at the same time, after several years of pandemic-era support measures have long since wound down.
征信机构称，近几个月来，向供应商和税务局的逾期付款大幅上升，规模较小的企业受冲击最重，因为它们持有的现金储备比大型竞争对手更薄，且几乎没有谈判延长账期的余地。今年新引入的报告和工作场所义务增加了行政成本，而这正值大多数非必需消费品类的家庭支出放缓之际。
Credit reporting agencies say late payments to suppliers and the tax office have risen sharply in recent months, with smaller firms hit hardest because they carry thinner cash reserves than larger rivals and far less room to negotiate extended terms. Fresh reporting and workplace obligations introduced this year have added administrative costs just as household spending has slowed across most discretionary categories.
行业团体警告称，如果不采取救助措施，在至关重要的圣诞交易期前倒闭潮可能进一步攀升，这呼应了以往经济低迷时期出现的模式。他们敦促联邦政府对即将出台的监管变革实施分阶段推进，并在明年更多规则生效前，给陷入困境的经营者更多调整时间。
Industry groups warn insolvencies could climb further heading into the crucial Christmas trading period without relief, echoing patterns seen in previous downturns. They are urging the federal government to stagger upcoming regulatory changes and give struggling operators more time to adjust before further rules take effect next year.