Blog

Extending subsidies for apprentices and fee-free TAFE (March 2025 Federal Budget Update)

The Government will provide $722.8 million over four years from 2025–2026 to deliver increased support for apprentices. Funding includes: $626.9 million over four years from 2025–2026 to reframe the New Energy Apprenticeships Program as the Key Apprenticeship Program and expand it to capture critical residential construction occupations; $77.8 million over four years from 2025–2026 to extend the current […]

Support for small business franchisees (March 2025 Federal Budget Update)

The Government will provide $7.1 million over two years from 2025–2026 for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to strengthen regulatory oversight of the Franchising Code of Conduct and ensure a more transparent and effective regulatory framework for the franchising sector. The Government will also provide $0.8 million in 2025–2026 for Treasury, working with states and […]

Employment contract non-compete clauses to be abolished (March 2025 Federal Budget Update)

The Government will ban non-compete clauses for more than three million Australian workers in industries including childcare, construction and hairdressing. This has been spurred by the Treasury’s Competition Review which heard troubling accounts regarding the misuse of non-compete clauses, including minimum wage workers being sued by former employers. The ban on non-compete clauses will apply […]

Reduction of HELP debts (March 2025 Federal Budget Update)

As announced in its mid-year economic and fiscal outlook (MYEFO), the Budget confirms that the Government intends to make changes that will reduce Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and other student debts for more than three million Australians by around $19 billion. The measure will reduce outstanding student debts by 20% before indexation is applied on […]

No major new super measures announced (March 2025 Federal Budget Update)

The Government did not announce any new major superannuation measures in the Budget. The only super item of note was some additional funding to extend an ATO Tax Integrity Program which is expected to raise an extra $31 million in unpaid superannuation from medium and large businesses and wealthy groups over five years from 2024–2025. Since […]

ATO enforcement of taxpayer compliance: increased funding (March 2025 Federal Budget Update)

In now what is a standard feature of Budgets in recent years, the ATO is to receive yet another significant increase in funding to enforce taxpayer compliance. Specifically, the Government will provide $999.0 million over 4 years for the ATO “to extend and expand tax compliance activities”. The additional funding includes the following. $717.8 million […]

March 2025 Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients

This month for you we have the following Insights & Updates: Business Improvement Insights Thriving in 2025: AI Strategy & Leadership in a Changing World (Please refer to your Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients email) Business Leader Performance Diagnostic Mastering Time Management Tax Updates ATO Loses Landmark Division 7A Battle “Next 5,000” Tax Programme […]

February 2025 Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients

This month for you we have the following Insights & Updates: Business Improvement Insights Key Considerations When Buying a Business For Expansion 7 Key Considerations for Business Growth Buying a Business Diagnostic Tax Updates Proposed Small Business Meal & Entertainment Deduction ATO’s 2025 Priorities for Private Groups Common Division 7A Misconceptions — A Key ATO […]

Common Division 7A Misconceptions — A Key ATO Focus In 2025 (Feb 25 Tax Update)

Relevant For: Private company owners, directors, financial controllers and bookkeepers needing clarity on Division 7A compliance. Key Points: Division 7A applies to loans, payments and benefits from private companies, not just shareholders. Journal entries alone may not offset minimum yearly repayment obligations. Personal use of company funds triggers Division 7A considerations. Regular monitoring ensures compliance […]

ATO’s 2025 Priorities for Private Groups (Feb 25 Tax Update)

Relevant For: Private business owners and high net worth individuals, especially those navigating succession or trust arrangements. Key Points: ATO is prioritising reducing tax debt across private groups. Succession plans involving reorganisations may face extra scrutiny. Tailored tax governance expected for different group sizes. Family trust elections often misused, risking extra tax. On-time lodgement is […]

January 2025 Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients

This month for you we have the following Insights & Updates: Business Improvement Insights Strategic Planning for a Confident New Year Four Essentials for Your Business Financial Toolkit Evaluating a Franchise Opportunity Starting a Business Diagnostic Tax Updates 2024 Year-End Tax Wrap: What Happened and a Look Ahead Protection Updates ASIC Upholds Director Accountability Criminal […]

Strategic Planning for a Confident New Year

Relevant For: Business owners aiming to refine budgets, operations and achieve meaningful goals this New Year. Key Points: Review financials and allocate budgets flexibly. Streamline daily processes to boost efficiency. Set S.M.A.R.T. goals that align with business objectives. Involve and upskill teams for stronger engagement. Monitor progress and adjust strategies promptly. Full Article: At Munro’s, […]

December 2024 Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients

This month for you we have the following Insights & Updates: Business Improvement Insights Choosing the Right Business Structure for Your Startup Raising Capital (Investor Readiness) Diagnostic Tax Updates FBT and Tax Planning for End-of-Year Parties and Gifts Key Dates for the ATO Super Clearing House: End-of-Year Reminders ATO Targeted Review of Medium and Emerging […]

November 2024 Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients

This month for you we have the following Insights & Updates: Business Improvement Insights Five Phases of a High Performing Leader Enhancing Employee Engagement Leadership Diagnostic Tax Updates New Limits on ATO Interest Deductions The Commonwealth Penalty Unit has Increased Contractor or Employee? Recent Case Offers Insight for Businesses Federal Court Ruling on Unexplained Bank […]

October 2024 Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients

This month for you we have the following Insights & Updates: Business Improvement Insights A Detailed Guide to Creating and Managing Workplace Policies Utilising Small Business Restructuring When In Financial Distress A Detailed Guide to Effective Family Business Succession Planning Selling a Business Diagnostic Tax Updates New ATO Guidelines on Personal Services Income Handling Employee […]

September 2024 Insights & Updates for Munro’s Clients

This month for you we have the following Insights & Updates: Business Improvement Insights Effective Risk Management for Business Success Implementing a Family Governance Framework Wealth Protection Diagnostic Tax Updates Super Guarantee Compliance: A Key Focus for ATO Debt Collection Maximise Your Super Contributions in 2024–2025: Key Changes to Bring-Forward Arrangements Navigating ATO’s Online Selling […]