Recent updates to superannuation, wages, leave entitlements and business operations may affect your business. Here’s a quick overview of what’s changing and the practical steps you can take now to help you prepare for the new financial year.

Paying super with wages

Payday super will require employers to pay 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 early 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.

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Parental Leave is expanding to 26 weeks by Wednesday 1 July 2026, 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 purchases to maximise tax benefits.
• Keep clear financial records.

Find out more on the Instant asset write-off.

Mandatory seafood country of origin labelling

Seafood labelling laws will be changing. From Wednesday 1 July 2026, you'll 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.
• Train staff to answer customer questions.

Find out more about Seafood labelling laws.

New SMS sender ID register

From Wednesday 1 July 2026, 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.