The QLD government is offering grants of up to $250,000 to be spent on projects which provide economic benefit to regional Queensland. The grants will be awarded to projects which add value to agricultural products, help to develop new markets and partner with other businesses to expand job opportunities. Round one of expressions of interest is now open. Expressions of interest (detailing the plan) need to be submitted by the 26th of October. Projects need to be ‘Shovel read

The ATO is cracking down on any income earned from short term rentals on platforms like AirBNB and Stayz. The income reported on the tax return will be checked against the income recorded with AirBNB or Stayz. Over claiming on deductions will also be examined. For example, if only one room is rented out deductions cannot be claimed for the whole house. The ATO can also check bank accounts so it is important to report all income earned. Tax pointers for short term rentals Kee