There are three key changes which members must be on top of, and take action to address, prior to 1 July. Your accountant, and your telco, will be able to assist you with these.
The Fair Work Commission announced at the end of May that the National Minimum Wage is increasing by 4.75%, bringing the new rate to $26.44 per hour, or $1,005 per week.
This also applies to minimum award wages for employees covered by an award.
If you have an enterprise agreement in place, the minimum wage increase may still apply because the base pay rate in an enterprise agreement can’t be less than the base pay rate in the relevant award.
Members are encouraged to check their employees’ wage entitlements and ensure you’re ready to apply the updated pay rates from your first full pay period in July.
Read more from Fairwork here: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/annual-wage-review/annual-wage-review-2026
As members are well aware from SPASA’s updates this quarter, from 1 July 2026, employers must pay their employees’ superannuation at the same time as wages, instead of quarterly.
This includes the closing of the Small Business Super Clearing House, which means you’ll need to transition to a new super payment solution now, wrap up payments, and save your records.
See all the updates from SPASA here: https://www.spasa.com.au/news/how-to-get-ready-for-payday-super
A new SMS Sender ID Register is coming from 1 July 2026. If your business uses branded SMS, make sure you’re set up through your telco or messaging provider to stay compliant.
More information is available from ACMA here: https://www.acma.gov.au/sms-sender-id-register
The $20,000 Instant asset write-off will be permanent from 1 July 2026. Small businesses with turnover up to $10 million will be able to immediately deduct eligible assets costing less than $20,000.
Read more about the scheme on the ATO website: https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/new-legislation/in-detail/businesses/20000-dollars-instant-asset-write-off
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) will increase business name and company fees in line with an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the March quarter,
Find out more here on the ASIC website: https://www.asic.gov.au/for-business-and-companies/forms-and-fees/all-fees/fee-indexation
Loss carry back is returning from 1 July 2026. Eligible companies can offset losses against earlier profits and claim a tax refund, giving a much-needed cash flow boost during challenging periods.
The ATO website has all the info here: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/losses/loss-carry-back-tax-offset
From 1 July 2026, Paid Parental Leave will increase to 26 weeks (130 business days). Those leave payments are government-funded, but members may need to plan for longer staff absences.
Services Australia has more on their website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/parental-leave-pay
Head business.gov.au to read the full article on changes from 1 July 2026 that affect Aussie businesses: https://business.gov.au/news/changes-for-businesses-from-1-july-2026