ATO Fuel Response - What it Actually Means for Your Business

 Like most people, I’ve seen my fair share over the years. Friends I’ve grown up with struggling. People close to me dealing with anxiety. Losing mates far too early. And going through periods myself where things haven’t always been as steady as they might have looked from the outside. You start to realise pretty quickly that no one is immune to it. On the surface, people can look like they’ve got it all together - running businesses, leading teams, showing up every day - but underneath, they can be doing it tough. And too often, they’re doing it quietly. That’s what has always stuck with me. Too many people don’t know where to go, or don’t feel comfortable putting their hand up. And sometimes, by the time they do, things have already spiralled further than they needed to. Why It Matters in Business In business, we’re very good at looking after our physical assets. We service our equipment. We maintain our vehicles. We invest in systems and technology. But the reality is, your people are your number one asset. If your people aren’t supported, engaged or in a good place mentally, it shows up everywhere - decision-making suffers, culture slips, performance drops and over time, the business starts to feel it. The same goes for business owners and leaders. If you’re not in a good headspace, if you’re running on empty it impacts how you lead, how you think and how your business evolves. We’ve seen it play out time and time again. Wellbeing isn’t separate from business performance - it actually drives it. Over time, that belief has shaped how we run Sammut Bulow. It shows up in how we support our team, in the initiatives we’ve introduced and it shows up in the way our team engages with the community. Because this isn’t something we just talk about - it’s something we try to live every day. The Bigger Picture Outside of SB, I’ve spent a lot of time involved in this space - sitting on boards, working alongside people who are doing incredible things to support others, and more recently helping bring a new charity - Wellbeing Nation - to life. The goal is simple: To give people better access to the tools, support and conversations they need to stay on top of their wellbeing before things reach a crisis point. Because the reality is, life’s not getting any easier. There’s more pressure, more expectation, more noise than ever before. Without the right support, it’s easy for people to feel like they’re constantly trying to keep up. Why It Matters to Our Clients When we talk about “real advice”, it’s not just about numbers on a page. It’s about understanding what’s going on behind the scenes - the pressures, the challenges, the goals that matter. Because better decisions come from a clearer headspace. Stronger businesses come from more supported people. And long-term success only works if it’s sustainable. A Final Thought At the end of the day, business is just people working with people. If we can create environments - in our workplaces and in our communities - where people feel supported, balanced and able to be at their best, everything else tends to follow. It’s not always easy, and there’s no perfect formula. But it’s something I care deeply about, and something we’ll continue to invest in, both personally and through Sammut Bulow. Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, the advice and information provided on this site should not be construed as a substitute for consulting with a qualified accounting or tax professional. The authors and contributors to this blog do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content, or for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided.

From 1 July 2026, the way employers pay superannuation will change. Under the new rules, Super must be paid at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly as it currently is. While the concept sounds simple, we’re finding many business owners have practical questions about how it will work day-to-day - particularly around payroll systems, timing and what happens if you’re already behind. Here's some of the most common questions we’re being asked: If I only have a small number of staff, am I exempt? No. There is no minimum threshold. The Payday Super rules apply to all employers , regardless of how many employees you have. Can I pay staff super directly from my bank account into their nominated fund? No. Super must be lodged through an approved Super clearing account . You cannot simply transfer the funds directly to each employee’s super fund from your bank account. The clearing house processes the payment and distributes it correctly to the nominated funds. Will my payroll software be updated in time? In most cases, yes. The majority of modern payroll software providers already have functionality in place to support Payday Super. If you’re unsure whether your software is ready, it’s worth checking early. Can I lodge the super within 7 days of payday? No. Super must be lodged at the same time as you pay your staff . The approved clearing account will then: Direct debit your bank account (typically within 24 hours), and Deposit the funds into your employee’s nominated Super fund within 7 days. The key point is that you must initiate the super payment at the same time wages are paid, not several days later. What if I’m already behind in paying Super? If you have unpaid or overdue super contributions, you’ll need to lodge a Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) statement with the ATO. It’s important to address this sooner rather than later, as penalties and interest may apply. If you’re unsure of your position, we strongly recommend seeking advice to bring your obligations up to date before Payday Super commences. Final Thoughts Payday Super isn’t just an administrative tweak, it’s a shift in timing and process that may impact payroll routines and cash flow management. With July 2026 approaching, now is a good time to review your systems, understand your obligations and prepare early.

Recently, Sammut Bulow and GeoBuyers hosted an in-depth property investment information session focused on one of the biggest questions we’re hearing right now: Why is SEQ still one of the most compelling markets in Australia and where are the best opportunities heading into 2026 and beyond? If you couldn’t make it on the night, here’s a quick wrap-up of the key themes discussed. Brisbane’s “Golden Decade” is well underway, though still with plenty of runway Brisbane has now overtaken Melbourne as Australia’s second most expensive capital city by median house value - a major milestone that signals strong confidence in the region’s long-term fundamentals. With the 2032 Olympics acting as a catalyst, the next decade is expected to be defined by large-scale infrastructure delivery, population growth, and significant urban renewal. Infrastructure + population growth = long-term momentum One of the standout themes was that Brisbane and SEQ are experiencing a rare combination of demand including population growth and infrastructure investment, with the latter essential to cope with the growth across the region. Projects such as Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, and Olympic Stadium development are a snapshot of projects reshaping the region. Residential hotspots are changing fast Brisbane house values have surged, and buyer competition has intensified, particularly for family-friendly homes. Many suburbs that were once considered affordable, including Coomera, North Lakes and Springfield are now pushing beyond the $1M mark for quality four-bedroom stock. A major point raised was the growing strength of “satellite cities” emerging hubs that offer CBD-level infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, shopping centres and employment nodes, functioning as future “mini-CBDs”. Units and townhouses are also gaining momentum The inner and middle ring unit market is showing tremendous growth, particularly in suburbs benefiting from major infrastructure upgrades and lifestyle appeal. Locations such as Kangaroo Point, Newmarket and Windsor were highlighted as examples of suburbs positioned to benefit from improving connectivity and surrounding development. Commercial property opportunities are also building Beyond residential, the session also touched on the SEQ commercial landscape. The industrial sector continues to outperform due to e-commerce growth, low vacancy rates and strong demand, while the office market is showing renewed owner-occupier activity in fringe locations such as Spring Hill and Milton. The long-term message: time in the market wins One of the most important reminders from the SB team on the night was that wealth creation is rarely about one perfect purchase, it’s about making a strong decision and allowing time to do the heavy lifting. The GeoBuyers case studies presented highlighted the power of capital growth, compounding and rental performance over time. If you are on the hunt for commercial or residential property to invest in, reach out to the GeoBuyers team - Tom and Nathan can help you identify opportunities in market to help you achieve your goals. Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, the advice and information provided on this site should not be construed as a substitute for consulting with a qualified accounting or tax professional. The authors and contributors to this blog do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content, or for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided.

Article by Danny Riggs Look, I’ll be honest with you - I’m an accountant, but I’m also a simple bloke. I like a quiet beer, a cheeky punt on the weekend with mates, and plenty of time with the family. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, in business (and in horse racing), you don’t get ahead by hoping for the best. You get ahead by knowing your numbers. As we head toward 2026, the businesses that will come out on top will be the ones that put a bit of structure around how they monitor performance. So, here’s my two cents: 1. Set a Regular Rhythm for Reviewing Your Numbers Whether it’s monthly or quarterly, make time to sit down and look at your profit and loss and balance sheet properly. Set aside time in your calendar, to understand what’s actually going on. 2. Speak to Your Accountant or Advisor if You Need Support If something doesn’t make sense - call us. That’s what we’re here for. You don’t get extra points for trying to decode the finance reports alone. We’d much prefer you pick up the phone early, before something small becomes something ugly. 3. Compare Your Numbers to Your History and Your Budget Looking at a single set of numbers in isolation won’t tell you the whole story. Check how you’re tracking versus last year and compare it against your budget or forecast. 4. Make the Necessary Changes (Even the Annoying Ones) Once you’ve invested the time to understand your numbers, you need to actually do something with what you’ve found. If an area is underperforming, dig into it. If margins are slipping, find out why. This is where real growth happens - not from looking at reports but by responding to them. 5. Use These Insights to Reward Your Key People When you understand where the wins are coming from, you can reward the people who helped get you there. A good team is worth more than a good race tip any day (and a lot more reliable). 6. And Lastly… Invest Excess Cash Wisely Your business comes first - reinvest in what’s working, set aside buffers, and keep strengthening the foundations. But , if after all that, you’ve got a little bit of surplus invest this on yourself. Ultimately, the better your mental and physical health, the better you will be as a business owner and a leader, and the better your business will perform. Heading Into 2026 With Confidence Regular reviews aren’t meant to bog you down, they’re meant to give you clarity. With the right rhythm, the right support, and a willingness to adjust course, you can set yourself up not just for success in 2026, but every year after. Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, the advice and information provided on this site should not be construed as a substitute for consulting with a qualified accounting or tax professional. The authors and contributors to this blog do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content, or for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided.