Why this matters

Running a small business involves managing compliance, cash flow, and growth. In 2026, new regulations will impact how you pay employees, manage customer data, and process payments. The positive? There are opportunities too – grants, tax breaks, and development programs to support your growth. Here’s what you need to stay informed and keep your business progressing.

What’s changing nationally in 2026

Payday super

From 1 July, super contributions must be paid at or near payday. No more quarterly catch-ups. This means tighter cash-flow planning and payroll configuration.

What does this mean? Think of it like this: if you pay staff every Thursday, your super obligations now fall in the same week – which means you need to forecast your cash flow a little earlier.

AML/CTF obligations

Professional services must implement KYC, suspicious matter reporting, staff training and register with AUSTRAC by 31 March. Obligations start 1 July. These include:

  • Accountants
  • Lawyers
  • Conveyancers
  • Real estate agents
  • Trust service providers

What does this mean? If you run a small accounting or legal practice, this could mean creating ID check processes, training staff, and documenting how you manage risk – even if you’ve never had to before.

Cash acceptance rules

Fuel and grocery retailers must accept cash for essential purchases.

What does this mean? Small businesses with turnover under $10m are generally exempt, but check your POS policies if you sell essentials.

Privacy compliance

The OAIC is actively auditing privacy policies and practices. Make sure your published policy matches what you do in practice.

What does this mean? If your privacy policy hasn’t been updated since you built your website, now’s the moment to check it aligns with what your business actually does day-to-day.

New South Wales Changes in 2026

Portable Long Service Leave (Community Services)

As a part of scheme launched in July 2025, employers must lodge quarterly returns and pay levies, with the first three quarters due together in April 2026.

What does this mean? Especially affecting small providers in aged care, NDIS, early learning, youth work and community support, get ahead by preparing and adjusting budgets accordingly.

Childcare safety standards

Stronger requirements under the National Quality Standard apply from January – update policies, training and incident management.

What does this mean? For small operators, this may mean updating your incident reporting system or refreshing training for casual educators.

AML/CTF obligations

Professional services in NSW must enrol by 31 March and comply from 1 July.

What does this mean? Check the link to the NSW Anti-Money Laundering sub site here.

Growth programs

Funding for Tech Central, MVP Ventures and manufacturing tech adoption continues, plus an Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track approvals. Service NSW offers free one-on-one support to help businesses start or scale.

What does this mean? If you’re building or scaling a product, Service NSW’s one-on-one support can save you time on applications and approvals.

Victoria Changes in 2026

Payroll tax threshold lifted to $1m

Effective from 1 July 2025, reducing payroll tax for many SMEs.

WorkCover premium held at 1.8%

What does this mean? Budget certainty for employers.

Victorian Investment Fund ($150m)

Targeted at advanced manufacturing, healthtech, digital, circular economy and agribusiness. Includes regional streams and export advisory support.

What does this mean? If you are in one of these industries, explore more on the initiative here, as it might help you find how the fund might help you and your business.

Economic backdrop

Operating surplus returned, but debt pressures remain – expect moderated infrastructure spend and procurement opportunities.

What this means: For business owners, this means opportunities in grants and procurement – but it’s worth keeping an eye on interest rates, operating costs, and how any debt-related state decisions might flow through later.

Western Australia Changes in 2026

Energy bill credits and grants: Rebates of $75 per quarter until December 2025 (applications close 31st March 2026) and grants up to $25,000 for energy efficiency upgrades.

Cyber resilience programs: Cyber Wardens and Small Business Cyber Resilience Service remain funded – ideal for SMEs that need to lift security basics.

Tax relief proposed: First marginal tax rate slated to fall from 16% to 14% across two years starting 1 July 2026 (subject to legislation).

Key dates for your calendar

  • Jan 1: Cash acceptance mandate; childcare safety uplift; merger control regime starts.
  • Mar 31: AML/CTF enrolments open.
  • April 1: NSW portable LSL quarterly returns due.
  • July 1: Payday super begins; AML obligations commence.

How to prepare

  • Configure payroll for payday super and 12% SG.
  • Build your AML program early and train staff.
  • Refresh privacy policy and tighten cyber basics (MFA, backups).
  • Apply for energy efficiency grants and check instant asset write-off eligibility.
  • Explore your options for cashflow management and finance solutions.

Prospa’s perspective

The businesses that move early – configure payroll, lock down privacy, lean into grants – will feel the least pain and gain the most ground. Staying ahead of compliance means you can focus on what matters: growing your business.

Does your business need support handling these changes? Chat to a Prospa specialist about a Business Loan today.