Changes for businesses from 1 July 2026

In line with an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the March quarter, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) will increase business name fees from 1 July 2026:

• Registration or renewal for one year will increase from $45 to $47.
• Registration or renewal for three years will increase from $104 to $108.​

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage will increase by 4.75%. This means the new National Minimum Wage will be $26.44 per hour, or $1,005 per week.

This increase will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. This means if your weekly pay period starts on Thursday, the new rates will apply from Thursday, 2 July 2026.

From 1 July 2026, employers must pay their employees’ superannuation at the same time as wages, instead of quarterly. This change is known as Payday Super and applies to all employers.

The change is designed to reduce unpaid and late super and help employees build their retirement savings sooner.

Under Payday Super:

• super contributions must be paid on each pay run
• contributions generally need to reach an employee’s super fund within 7 days of payday
• the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will use payroll and reporting data to monitor compliance more closely.

If you employ staff, you may need to:

• review and update your payroll systems
• check your super payment processes and clearing house arrangements
• plan for the cash‑flow impact of more frequent super payments.

The Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH) will close permanently on 1 July 2026. It is important you transition to an alternative service now.

You can: 

• check with your payroll providers as many already include a super payment functionality in their software 
• talk to your tax professional for suitable options 
• use the SuperStream product register to find approved alternatives.  

You need to allow enough time to finalise payments and download reports before the SBSCH closes permanently. Remember you will have no access to your records after this date.

From 1 July 2026, the Government is reintroducing loss carry back to support business resilience.

Eligible companies that make a loss can use it to claim a refund on tax paid in the previous two income years. Around 85,000 companies, mostly small businesses, are expected to benefit.

If your business has a loss, you may be able to offset it against earlier profits and get a tax refund. This can:

• boost cash flow when you need it most
• help manage ups and downs
• support recovery and reinvestment.

If you operate as a company, you may want to:

• check your eligibility
• review prior tax paid
• speak with your accountant or tax adviser
• keep your records and lodgements up to date.

This change aims to give businesses faster access to cash during tougher periods.

The new country of origin labelling standard for seafood will apply to hospitality businesses from 1 July 2026. This includes all businesses that serve seafood for immediate consumption, including restaurants, cafés, pubs, clubs, takeaways and food trucks.

Businesses must clearly tell customers whether the seafood in a dish is:

• Australian (A)
• Imported (I), or
• Mixed origin (M).

The rules are part of a new information standard under Australian Consumer Law and aim to help customers make informed choices about the food they buy.

If your business serves seafood, you need to:

• review where your seafood is sourced
• update menus and online listings
• make sure labels are clear, accurate and easy to see.

From 1 July 2026, businesses that send branded text messages must register their sender ID with the new SMS Sender ID Register. This change is designed to help protect customers from text message scams.

A sender ID is the name that appears at the top of a text message instead of a phone number (for example, a business or brand name).

If your business uses branded sender IDs you’ll need to apply to register your sender ID through your telco or message provider.

From 1 July 2026, updated anti‑money laundering laws will apply to more businesses and strengthen existing rules.

Depending on your industry, you may need to enrol with AUSTRAC and meet new requirements. This can include checking your customers’ identity, keeping records and reporting certain transactions.

These changes are designed to help prevent crime and protect Australia’s financial system.

If your business is affected, you may need to:

• check if your services are covered
• enrol or update your details with AUSTRAC
• set up processes to identify customers
• review your record‑keeping and reporting.

Paid Parental Leave will increase to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026, giving families more time and financial support. While the payments are government-funded, employers will need to manage longer periods of employee leave.

If you employ staff:

• check and update your parental leave policies 
• plan how you’ll cover work while employees are on leave
• offer flexible options to support staff returning to work. 

This change gives you more certainty about timing, so you can make any updates earlier, manage costs, and help avoid delays in your application.

If your business is applying for a patent, you may need to:

• review your patent claims as soon as you request examination
• use the 3‑month window to make any needed changes
• check if you’re within claim limits to avoid extra fees
• get your application ready before examination starts.

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.

It’s important to keep up to date with legal and regulatory changes that could affect your business. Staying informed can help you avoid penalties and plan ahead.

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