Sole traders slammed by rising inflation, higher interest rates, surging petrol costs survey finds

A survey finds that the lower profile "sole traders" are doing it extremely tough, especially with record high petrol prices and the higher cost of taking on new debt. 

Online digital accountancy firm Hnry has taken the pulse of the 1.5 million person sector and finds the economic headwinds are chilling sole traders with 68 percent looking to cut costs, 28 percent reluctant to take on more debt and high petrol prices are putting dent in businesses. 

Hnry managing director Karan Anand speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.

Also, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) says more consumers are going on to hardship plans with energy retailers - while Origin Energy cops a $17 million fine for failing to protect consumers on more than 100,000 occasions over nearly four years.