Five conversations worth having in FY2027 A new financial year brings fresh opportunities, new challenges and important decisions for business owners and individuals alike. Rather than telling you what we think is important, we asked each of our Partners to share the one conversation they believe is worth having as we begin FY2027. Adam O’Sullivan | How has your business adapted to Payday Super? This financial year brings several important changes that businesses should plan for now rather than react to later. One of the biggest is the move towards Payday Super. Paying superannuation closer to each payroll cycle will change how many businesses manage their cash flow, so now is the time to review your processes and consider whether you may need additional working capital or funding solutions. I'd also remind business owners that interest charged by the ATO is no longer tax deductible. If you're carrying ATO debt or reviewing your finance arrangements, it's worth taking the opportunity to ensure your lending structure is as tax effective as possible. Planning ahead today can help avoid unnecessary costs tomorrow and give you greater confidence throughout the year. Brad Bulow | Is Your Business Structure Still Right for You? One question I encourage clients to ask at the start of every financial year is whether they're still operating under the right business structure. As your business grows, the entity that suited you when you first started may no longer be the best option. A review could uncover opportunities around tax planning, asset protection or succession planning, but it's important to understand the potential tax and stamp duty implications before making any changes. I'm also seeing business owners under more pressure than ever before. With changes like Payday Super, increasing compliance obligations and the rapid growth of AI and automation, it's becoming almost impossible to do everything yourself. Build the right team around you. Bring in specialist skills where you need them, outsource where it makes sense and keep your focus on the areas where you add the most value. You'll be in a much stronger position to grow while staying compliant in an increasingly complex business environment. Martin Sammut | Stay Informed on the Federal Budget Every Federal Budget introduces changes that have the potential to affect individuals, families and businesses. While some measures take effect immediately, others roll out throughout the financial year, so it's important to stay informed. Whether it's changes to tax legislation, superannuation, business incentives or cost of living measures, understanding how these announcements apply to your circumstances can make a significant difference to the decisions you make. Rather than waiting until the changes impact you, take the opportunity to have a conversation with your adviser. Together we can review what the Budget means for you, identify any opportunities available and ensure you're well prepared for the months ahead. Being proactive, not reactive, is one of the best investments you can make in your financial future. Andrew Manners | Lean on Your Trusted Advisers If there's one thing I'm expecting this financial year, it's change. Whether it's interest rates, Government policy, economic conditions or new legislation, businesses will need to be ready to adapt. During periods of uncertainty, it's more important than ever to lean on your trusted advisers. Your accountant, banker, financial adviser and legal team all play an important role in helping you make informed decisions. When your advisers work together, you're in a much stronger position to build the right processes, strengthen your business structure and identify opportunities as they arise. Don't wait until a challenge presents itself. Schedule the conversations early, review your plans regularly and make sure your business is prepared for whatever the year ahead may bring. A proactive approach will always put you in a stronger position than a reactive one. Danny Riggs | Set Financial Goals That Drive Success The start of a new financial year is the perfect time to set yourself some meaningful financial goals. Whether it's reducing your mortgage below a certain balance, achieving a target turnover, improving profitability or building stronger cash reserves, having a clear target gives you something to work towards. I've always believed that what gets measured gets done. When you create a financial goal, it naturally changes your behaviour. You make better decisions, stay accountable and keep moving in the right direction. Even if you don't quite reach the target, you'll almost certainly be better off than if you hadn't set one at all. My advice is simple: don't let another financial year pass without deciding what success looks like for you. Write your goals down, review them regularly and make them part of your decision-making throughout the year.

From 1 July 2026 , new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) requirements will apply to accounting firms across Australia. These changes are being introduced by AUSTRAC (the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) to help protect Australia's financial system, improve transparency, and reduce the risk of criminal activity. While the legislation is new for accounting firms, the process may already be familiar to many clients. Similar identity and verification checks have long been required by banks and other financial institutions. As a result, we may need to request additional information from some clients, including: Identification documents Updated business or entity information Details about beneficial ownership and control We understand these requests may feel like extra administration. Our goal is to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible while meeting our obligations under the new regulations. Our team is already preparing for these changes through training, process reviews, and system updates to ensure a smooth experience for our clients. Protecting your privacy remains a priority. Any personal information or identification documents provided to us will be handled securely and only through providers that meet strict data protection standards. What does this mean for you? If we ask for additional information from 1 July 2026 onwards, it will likely be because we are required to do so under these new AML/CTF obligations. If you have any questions about the upcoming changes, please don't hesitate to contact our team. 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.

Better Conversations. Better Business. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming business owners and leaders from across the Ipswich region to our Business Growth Workshop featuring Ryan Tuckwood. The room was filled with people from a wide range of industries, all investing time away from their businesses to learn and connect with others who share a commitment to growth. While Ryan is widely recognised as one of Australia's leading sales strategists and the founder of SWISH (Selling With Integrity & Selling Honestly), the day quickly became about something much bigger than sales. It became a conversation about people. Because whether you're leading a team, growing a business, managing clients or developing partnerships, the quality of your conversations often determines the quality of your outcomes. One of Ryan's core philosophies is simply "Study people, not sales. When you do, success follows.

At Sammut Bulow, we’ve recently seen an increase in clients receiving unofficial registry notices via the post and email relating to ASIC annual company statements and annual review fees. At first glance, these communications can look legitimate. They often use formal language, reference ASIC requirements, and may suggest they are acting on behalf of your business or can assist with lodging your annual review. In some cases, they also request payment directly. However, many of these notices are not issued by ASIC and are not associated with Sammut Bulow. Why this matters Making a payment to the wrong provider doesn’t satisfy your company’s ASIC obligations and can create unnecessary complications. We’ve seen this lead to: Duplicate payments or payments made to these providers but no work being completed Uncertainty around whether the annual review has actually been completed Missed ASIC deadlines Late fees or compliance issues where the genuine fee remains unpaid The client being removed from our registered agent portal and therefore SB being unable to complete important work For busy business owners, these emails can be easy to mistake for a genuine reminder - particularly when they arrive around the same time as your ASIC annual review. What to look out for To protect your business, it’s worth taking a moment to review any correspondence carefully. As a general rule: Only rely on communications sent directly from ASIC or Sammut Bulow If you receive an invoice or request for payment from another provider, don’t act on it straight away Be cautious of wording that suggests the sender is “acting for” your business when you didn’t actually engage them If something feels unfamiliar, unclear, or overly urgent, it’s worth pausing before taking action When in doubt, ask SB If you receive an email, letter or invoice relating to your ASIC annual review and you’re unsure whether it’s genuine, send it through to our team before making any payment. A quick check with us could save you time, money and unnecessary frustration. Our recommendation These notices are designed to look official and they can easily catch people off guard but taking a moment to verify the source before making payment is one of the simplest ways to protect your business. If you’ve received something recently and would like us to review it, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 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.

 You may have recently noticed a message from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) about a “Fuel Response” when logging into your ATO portal. We’ve had a number of clients ask what this means and importantly, how it may support their business. The ATO has introduced this initiative to support eligible businesses experiencing increased cost pressures, particularly around fuel, freight, and general operating expenses. While this is not a cash payment or rebate, it is designed to provide greater flexibility and support where it’s needed most. This may include More flexible payment plans for ATO debts Remission of interest and penalties where appropriate A more practical and supportive approach where businesses are genuinely impacted This approach is all about giving businesses breathing room and time, while still keeping things on track. What this means for you If your business has been impacted by rising fuel or operating costs, the ATO may be more flexible in how and when you meet your tax obligations. However, it’s important to understand: Tax obligations still need to be met Lodgements still need to be completed on time Why you’re seeing this message? The ATO is proactively communicating this initiative to individuals and businesses through their online portals to raise awareness of available support options. This does not mean any action is required — it’s simply letting you know support may be available if needed. Our advice to clients If your business is being impacted by rising costs, we’re here to help you navigate your options; Reviewing your current position Communicating with the ATO on your behalf Setting up payment arrangements where appropriate Making sure you stay compliant while managing cash flow The ATO Fuel Response is a support tool - it’s there to assist businesses who need flexibility, but it doesn’t replace the need for strong financial management and ongoing compliance. If you have any questions about the ATO Fuel Response or your ATO obligations contact us today - we are here to help. 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.

 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.