Businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million will be allowed from July 1 next year to provide employee share options at a small discount and not pay upfront tax, but they must be held for at least three years. This overturns changes made in 2009. Tax is payable when the options are exercised.

"Vishing" a problem

Bank customers are at risk from fraudsters posing as banks. According to  The Independent,  The British Bankers' Association tested what the response would be to typical fraudster activities. The survey found that 8 million customers are vulnerable to "vishing" or voice phishing – when crooks claim to be calling from a bank – while 4 million might transfer money into another supposed "safe" account if instructed and  3 million could be willing to carry out "test transactions" online.

Face value

A survey by State Super Financial Services shows that face-to-face financial advice remains the preferred option for people seeking that kind of  advice, despite the rise of new technology. Fewer than  two in 10 people surveyed said they preferred having a relationship with a planner via phone or online.

Free calls

Telstra says it will make calls from mobiles to 1800 numbers free from January 1 on all its plans. Traditionally 1800 calls have only been   free from landlines.