Key facts
- Property investment startup Dashdot has entered voluntary liquidation.
- Dashdot has cut over 40 jobs.
- Dashdot's CEO cited tax changes as the reason for the collapse.
- The founder of Dashdot, Glenn McGrath, denied impropriety regarding a 2024 share transfer to a British Virgin Islands entity.
- The James Boag's beer brand's future is questioned after its Launceston brewery shutdown.
- 45 Cheap as Chips stores have been rebranded to Choice after an acquisition.
- The acquisition of Cheap as Chips stores occurred in March for over $10 million.
- Cheap as Chips entered voluntary administration in December 2025.
- Scalare Partners acquired the startup co-working space Fishburners from administration.
- The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) identified tax risks for small businesses from cash, PayID, and contractor income.
- Rachel Power is preparing for Payday Super reforms by shifting to weekly super payments.
- Pet cleaning brand PawLab has grown into a multi-million dollar business.
Australian businesses are facing a period of significant disruption and change, with several prominent entities experiencing collapse, acquisition, or facing new regulatory pressures. Property investment startup Dashdot has entered voluntary liquidation, resulting in the termination of over 40 jobs. The company's CEO attributed the collapse to tax changes that reportedly deterred property investors. The founder of Dashdot, Glenn McGrath, has addressed concerns regarding a 2024 share transfer to an offshore entity in the British Virgin Islands, stating there was "nothing at all untoward" about the transaction.
In the food and beverage sector, the future of the James Boag's beer brand is in question following the closure of its Launceston brewery. Marketing experts suggest this shutdown poses a significant threat to the brand's market viability by diminishing its authentic Tasmanian identity. In retail, 45 stores previously operating under the Cheap as Chips banner have been rebranded as Choice. This follows an acquisition in March for over $10 million, after Cheap as Chips entered voluntary administration in December 2025. Separately, the startup co-working space Fishburners has been acquired from administration by Scalare Partners through a cash-only deal, the terms of which were not disclosed.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued warnings to small businesses regarding tax risks stemming from common payment methods. These include cash transactions, PayID transfers, and payments to contractors, which are frequently associated with inaccurate record-keeping. The ATO emphasizes that the evolution of payment methods has not lessened the importance of meticulous record-keeping. In preparation for upcoming reforms, Tasmanian business owner Rachel Power is shifting to weekly superannuation payments, a move she believes could enhance cash flow management for other businesses.
Amidst these challenges, some businesses are demonstrating significant growth. Pet cleaning brand PawLab has evolved from a startup concept, initially funded by a credit card, into a multi-million dollar enterprise by addressing prevalent issues faced by pet owners. Additionally, sports swag design platform Nardo's has successfully closed a $1 million funding round, with notable participation from Socceroos legend Tim Cahill. Cahill will also assume a strategic partner role as Nardo's plans its expansion into the United States, United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Click Frenzy is also preparing for its EOFY sale, offering free registration to the first 500 retailers who sign up.