Recent updates to superannuation, wages, leave entitlements and business operations may affect your business.

Here’s a quick overview of what’s changed and the practical steps you can take to keep your business running smoothly.

Increase to national minimum wages

The national minimum wage has increased to $26.44 per hour and award wages by 4.75%. This change will affect base pay rates across awards and agreements, increasing labour costs for many small businesses.

What to do

• Review updated award wage rates for your industry.
• Update payroll systems to reflect new pay rates.
• Check employee classifications are correct.
• Plan for increased wage costs in your budget.

Find out more about minimum wage changes with Fair Work.

Paying super with wages

Payday super will require employers to pay their staff superannuation at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly. This means more frequent payments and tighter timeframes for small businesses.

What to do

• Check your payroll system can process super each pay run.
• Review cash flow for more frequent payments.
• Speak with your accountant about system changes.
• Prepare now to avoid errors and penalties.

Find out more with About Payday Super.

Superannuation Guarantee

The Superannuation Guarantee rate is now set at 12%, providing certainty for long-term budgeting and workforce planning. While the rate is stable, compliance obligations remain strict.

What to do

• Ensure payroll reflects the 12% rate.
• Review super contributions regularly.
• Keep accurate payment records.

Stay up to date with ATO requirements using Super guarantee.

Small Business Super Clearing House has closed

The ATO’s Small Business Super Clearing House has closed. Employers will need to transition to an alternative superannuation payment solution to continue making compliant contributions on behalf of employees.

What to do

• Choose a new super payment solution or clearing house.
• Update payroll systems with new payment details.
• Notify your accountant or bookkeeper of the change.
• Allow time to test the new system before deadlines.

Find out more about your options with the ATO.

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Parental Leave has increased to 26 weeks, giving families more support and time away from work. While the payments are government-funded, employers will need to manage longer employee absences.

What to do

• Update parental leave policies.
• Plan workforce coverage during leave periods.
• Support employees returning to work with flexibility.
• Proactive planning will help you retain staff and maintain productivity.

Find out more with Parental Leave Pay.

Instant asset write-off extended permanently

The instant asset write-off is now permanent for small businesses. This ongoing measure will allow small businesses to immediately deduct the cost of certain assets. This can improve cash flow and support investment. Used strategically, this measure can help grow your business and boost efficiency.

What to do

• Confirm your eligibility and threshold limits.
• Time your purchases to maximise tax benefits.
• Keep clear financial records.

Find out more on the Instant asset write-off.

New SMS sender ID register

New rules mean texts sent with an organisation’s name at the top of a message (known as a branded sender ID) will need to have the sender ID registered.

This will reduce scams and improve trust in business messaging. Businesses using SMS must register their sender IDs to ensure messages are delivered.

What to do

• Identify all SMS sender IDs your business uses.
• Register them as soon as possible.
• Review messaging practices for compliance.

Find out about the changes and how they apply to you with the SMS Sender ID Register.

Retail landlords in Victoria to update leasing packs

Retail landlords in Victoria must now update their leasing disclosure information. These updates aim to improve transparency for tenants and ensure leasing documents reflect current legal requirements.

What to do

• Download and review the new brochure.
• Review and update lease disclosure statements.
• Ensure all leasing documentation meets current requirements.
• Seek legal advice if unsure about compliance changes.
• Communicate updates clearly with tenants.

Find out more about retail leasing requirements in Victoria.

Mandatory seafood country of origin labelling

Seafood labelling laws have changed. You now need to tell customers if the seafood you serve is Australian, imported or both. Clear labelling builds trust and helps you stay compliant.

What to do

• Update menus to show seafood origin.
• Confirm sourcing details with suppliers.

Find out more about Seafood labelling laws.