On 28 May 2026, the Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel announced that National Minimum Wage and award wages will increase from 1 July 2026. This increase in basic pay is great news for Australian workers, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with costs of fuel and basic provisions still on the rise. What’s the new minimum wage? From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage will be: $1004.90 per week, or $26.44 per hour For employees covered by an award, the Fai

“Q: What’s happening with junior wage rates? Have they been amended?” Back in February 2026, we mentioned that junior wage rates may be changing, due to an ongoing legal case brought by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA or ‘Shoppies’) against the Fair Work Commission. The basic premise of the case was that younger workers – those aged 18, 19 and 20 years old – should earn the same pay rate as their older 20+ colleagues, and that it was unfair that

From 1 July 2026, a new tax (Division 296) will be introduced to reduce concessional tax rates on superannuation earnings above $3 million. But how does Division 296 work, and are you affected? What is Division 296? Currently, income earned on superannuation balances is generally taxed at a headline rate of up to 15%. However, from 1 July 2026, individuals who have a total superannuation balance above $3 million will be subject to a higher tax rate on earnings in their supera

On 1 July 2026, the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will close permanently as part of the Payday Super reforms. With only a few months left, employers still using the SBSCH need to find an alternative option, and soon. Don’t wait until the last minute If you currently pay your superannuation quarterly, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recommends that the super payment for the January-March 2026 quarter (due 28 April 2026) be the last payment you make

From 1 July 2026, the way you pay your employees’ super is changing. Instead of making quarterly super payments to your employees’ funds, contributions will essentially need to be paid at the same time as salary and wages. From 1 July 2026, the way you pay your employees’ super is changing. Instead of making quarterly super payments to your employees’ funds, contributions will essentially need to be paid at the same time as salary and wages. ‘Payday Super’ marks a significant

Use of generative AI in HR is growing. But is AI the best tool for delivering HR advice? We share 4 key reasons to be cautious of AI, and why a human HR professional can offer better advice. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to help you run a streamlined and efficient small business. AI can answer your customer phone calls, automate a number of basic operational processes and provide detailed analysis of your business data. Generative AI (GenAI) is even becoming

On 3 June 2025, the Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel announced the National Minimum Wage and award wages will [increase by 3.5%] (...

Back in 2023, the Australian Government announced that from 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees’ super at the...

Wanting to acknowledge the hard work of your employees this year? Make sure you report Christmas bonuses and other one-off payments...

As we head into the summer holiday period, is your business up to speed with your rights and obligations? It can be confusing to...

Being the boss means you get to make all the big decisions about your business – including how much to pay yourself in wages, salary or...

Company Christmas parties are things of legend. Everyone knows the stories about employees that took the opportunity to let their hair...

From 1 July 2023, the ATO commenced an activity statement lodgment reminder program wherein 3,000 employers will be randomly selected for...

Withdrawing a job offer comes with serious legal fishhooks, so employers need to understand how to do it safely. This article looks at...

Not paying enough can be surprisingly expensive – the cost of replacing an employee can be much higher than providing a reasonable salary...

It’s nearly time to make a finalisation declaration for Single Touch Payroll. There is no need to issue payment summaries to employees...

The Employer Toolkit can help employers prepare for their role in the Paid Parental Leave scheme. Source: https://www.servicesaustralia.g...

In an effort to close the gender pay gap, increase women’s workforce participation, and provide families with more flexibility during...

If you combine MATS and STP – what do you get? You get better matching of Super Guarantee (SG) payments by the ATO. Member Account...

In July 2023, the superannuation guarantee statutory rate will rise to 11%. Annually, the rate is increasing by 0.5% until July 2025 when...