‘Carry back’ of losses

The government has announced a new, permanent carry back tax loss mechanism for companies with an aggregated annual global turnover of less than $1 billion. The measure will apply for tax years commencing on or after 1 July 2026.  

Non-concessional managed investment trust income

For entities that own facilities that are not economic infrastructure facilities, the seven-year transitional relief period for managed investment trust (MIT) cross-staple arrangement income is due to expire on 30 June 2026. This means that the effective tax rate for foreign investors will increase from 15% to 30%. 

Spam Act

From 1 July 2026, text messages with an organisation’s name at the top of a message will need to have the sender ID registered on the SMS Sender ID Register as part of the Australian government’s ‘Fighting Scams’ initiative. 

Modern slavery procurement requirements

From 1 July 2026, New South Wales government agencies will need to include heightened modern slavery clauses in tenders for high-risk procurement categories, which includes certain construction materials, facilities and buildings management services, ICT equipment and fleet vehicles.

Climate-related financial disclosures

Group 2 companies, registered schemes, registered superannuation entities, and disclosing entities commence their reporting period. 

AML/CTF Act

When the Tranche 2 entities’ provisions commence on 1 July 2026, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) will apply to new gatekeeper professions, including accounting firms, law firms, real estate and precious metal and stone dealers. 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act reforms

The National Environmental Protection Agency Act 2025 and Environment Information Australia Act 2025 will commence on 1 July 2026, together with parts of the Reform Act that relate to the NEPA. 1 July will see the establishment of the National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA) and the statutory head of Environment Information Australia (EIA). 

Payday super

From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay employees' super at the same time they pay their wages. 

Balancing innovation and oversight: cryptocurrency regulation in Australia

New corporate licensing and anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing laws mean cryptocurrency exchanges are facing increasing regulation in Australia.

Security of Critical Infrastructure: proposed changes to Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program and enhanced Ministerial Powers

Following an independent review into the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018, the Department of Home Affairs recently released the first in a series of proposed changes aimed at implementing a comprehensive legislative restructure.

Capital gains tax and negative gearing amendments: key changes and implications

The federal government introduced a Bill to Parliament to give effect to wide-ranging capital gains tax (CGT) and negative gearing amendments.

Developing the Scams Prevention Framework: Treasury consults on draft rules and codes

With the Federal Government now designating the banking, digital platforms, and telecommunications sectors under Australia’s new Scams Prevention Framework, Treasury has opened consultations on a suite of draft codes and rules for these sectors.

Australian privacy compliance: four key developments in 2026

Businesses face a wave of new compliance obligations. Privacy Awareness Week is the moment for organisations to cut through the noise, assess their exposure, and take decisive action.

OAIC's Children's Online Privacy exposure draft: from consultation to code

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner released an exposure draft of the proposed Privacy (Children's Online Privacy) Code 2026 for public consultation.

Managing downstream class action risk during a regulatory investigation

Regulatory investigations can mark the start of a civil exposure lifecycle with downstream class action risk. Decisions made in the investigation and enforcement phase can shape future class action outcomes.

Commissioner of Taxation v SNA Group: The Full Court clarifies evidence requirements for related party arrangements

The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia found that two taxpayer companies could not deduct intra-group payments purportedly paid as service fees for use of related-party trust assets.

Information, oversight and modern duty of care: governance lessons from ASIC v Star directors and officers

A detailed analysis of the Federal Court’s 500-page judgement in ASIC v Star directors and officers and the lessons it provides about the evolution of modern duty of care and the obligations of company directors and officers.

Businesses face new compliance hurdles under proposed unfair trading laws

The Australian Government has released an exposure draft detailing proposed unfair trading practices prohibitions under the Australian Consumer Law. This article provides an overview of the reforms, key compliance risks and how the changes may affect businesses operating in Australia.

Cybersecurity enforcement intensifies: lessons from FIIG Securities’ $2.5m compliance penalty

ASIC’s new enforcement action serves as ‘a warning to businesses with inappropriate underinvestment in cybersecurity’.