Ayu Bookkeeping & Accounting

01/09/2026

Small Businesses Are Under Pressure — But Still Showing Resilience

The COSBOA Small Business Perspectives Report 2026 provides an important snapshot of the challenges facing regional, rural and remote small businesses across Australia and many of these challenges are familiar to small businesses everywhere.

Some key findings from the report:
💰 Almost 9 in 10 regional small businesses experienced higher operating costs over the past year.
📉 Nearly 3 in 4 reported declining profitability.
📊 Only 18% expect their profits to improve over the next 12 months.
👥 Workforce shortages, housing availability, rising insurance and fuel costs, compliance requirements and access to essential services are adding further pressure.
And the impact isn’t just financial.
😟 More than three-quarters of respondents experienced business-related stress or anxiety during the past year, with many also reporting burnout and disrupted sleep.
💪 But small businesses continue to adapt.
Businesses are responding by reviewing costs, improving efficiency, offering flexible work arrangements, diversifying services, investing in energy efficiency and selectively adopting AI and technology.
However, as COSBOA CEO Skye Cappuccio reminds us:
“Resilience is not a policy setting.”

Small business owners shouldn’t have to face increasing costs and complexity alone.
💡 What can you do?
Now is a good time to review your:
✔️ Pricing and profitability
✔️ Cash flow
✔️ Operating costs
✔️ Supplier and insurance arrangements
✔️ Staffing requirements
✔️ Compliance obligations
✔️ Opportunities to improve efficiency

Accurate bookkeeping and regular financial reviews can help you understand what is really happening in your business and make better decisions before problems become bigger.

At Ayu Bookkeeping & Accounting, we support small businesses with bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, compliance and practical business advice helping business owners stay financially organised and focus on growth. 📈

📖 Have a look at the COSBOA Small Business Perspectives Report 2026 and consider what its findings mean for your business. https://cosboa.org.au/post/regional-small-businesses-under-pressure-as-costs-workforce-shortages-and-service-gaps-deepen/

Is rising costs, cash flow or compliance putting pressure on your business? Let’s talk.

New COSBOA report, sponsored by CommBank, reveals the pressures shaping regional Australia

16/07/2026

Important Payroll Changes from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage and minimum award rates will increase. These changes may affect payroll processing, budgeting, and workplace compliance for many businesses.

Preparing your payroll systems before the new financial year can help ensure a smooth transition.

Key Changes
The National Minimum Wage will increase by 4.75%.
For employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement, the new minimum rates will be:
💰 $26.44 per hour
💰 $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38-hour week)
💰 $52,254.80 per year

The new rates apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. For example, if your weekly pay period begins on a Monday, the new rates would generally apply from Monday, 6 July 2026.

Payroll Checklist
✔️ Review employee award classifications to ensure they are accurate.

✔️ Check for any manually entered pay rates or custom payroll items that may not update automatically.

✔️ Update any recurring payroll-related direct debit or payment arrangements where required to reflect the new wage rates.

Need the Updated Pay Rates?
The Fair Work Ombudsman has made the new rates available through:
• The Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) (set the calculation date to 1 July 2026 or later).
• Updated Pay Guides for applicable awards.

Staying up to date with these changes can help reduce the risk of payroll errors and support ongoing compliance with workplace obligations.

This post provides general information only and should not be relied upon as legal, employment, taxation, or financial advice. Businesses should seek professional advice based on their individual circumstances.

Source: Fair Work Ombudsman – Minimum Wages from 1 July 2026.

15/07/2026

ATO Outlines First Year Compliance Approach for Payday Super (From 1 July 2026)

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released draft guidance outlining its proposed compliance approach for the first year of Payday Super, commencing 1 July 2026.

The ATO recognises that many employers will need time to update payroll systems and business processes to meet the new requirements. During the first year, the ATO has indicated it will generally take a practical, risk based approach for employers who are making a genuine effort to comply.

Under the draft guidance:
Employers paying super with each payday and correcting any errors as soon as reasonably practicable will generally be considered low risk and are not expected to be the focus of ATO compliance activity.

Employers who continue making quarterly super payments after 1 July 2026 may be considered medium risk.

Employers with unpaid super beyond the applicable due dates may be considered high risk, with ATO compliance efforts expected to focus on these cases first.

The ATO has also indicated that employers making a genuine effort to comply would not generally be expected to lodge a Voluntary Disclosure Statement (VDS) solely because of implementation issues, although every situation should be assessed on its own circumstances.

What this means for employers

Businesses should be preparing to pay superannuation in line with each payroll from 1 July 2026, rather than continuing quarterly payment arrangements. If implementation issues occur, employers should continue working towards compliance and rectify any identified errors promptly.

This update reflects the ATO’s draft compliance approach and is intended to support employers who are actively transitioning to the new Payday Super requirements. It is not intended as a transition period for employers who choose not to implement Payday Super.

This post provides general information only and should not be relied upon as legal, taxation, or financial advice. Businesses should seek professional advice based on their individual circumstances.

Source: ATO Draft Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2026/1.

01/07/2026

Federal Budget 2026 – Key Updates for Small Businesses
The 2026 Federal Budget includes a range of proposed measures that may impact small businesses over the coming years. Many of these changes are not yet law and remain subject to the passage of legislation and further ATO guidance.

Key proposals include:
• Permanent $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off (from 1 July 2026 for eligible businesses)
• Changes to CGT, negative gearing and discretionary trusts (from 2027–2028)
• Expansion of Dynamic PAYG Instalments
• Continued investment in Digital ID and business systems
• Ongoing support for small business owners through wellbeing and debt assistance programs

For now, the priority remains:
✔️ Keeping accurate financial records
✔️ Maintaining up to date payroll and STP reporting
✔️ Reviewing business systems and Digital ID access
✔️ Waiting for legislation before making major business or structural decisions

If you have any questions about how these proposed measures may affect your business, please contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.

25/05/2026

Payday Super Starts 1 July 2026 – Is Your Business Ready?

With Payday Super approaching, small businesses should start preparing now to avoid cash flow pressure, missed payments, and compliance issues.
What is changing?
Superannuation will need to be paid at the same time as wages for every pay run, rather than quarterly.

Who does it apply to?
Payday Super applies wherever super is payable, including:
• Employees
• Directors & closely held employees receiving wages
• Certain contractors treated as employees for super purposes

Key things businesses should prepare for:
• New approval process for every super payment
• Increased cash flow management requirements
• Payroll software & system updates
• Consistent payment tracking and record keeping

Important July 2026 Transition Reminder
Businesses may face overlapping super obligations, including:
• Super payments for July pay runs
• Final June 2026 quarterly super due by 28 July 2026

Planning ahead now can help avoid financial pressure and late payment issues.

Practical Tips:
• Review your payroll & super process early
• Speak with your Bookkeeper or Advisor
• Check your payroll software is Payday Super ready
• Test systems and payment workflows before July 2026

The ATO has indicated its first-year focus will be on businesses making genuine efforts to comply, but timely and consistent payments will still be essential.

Don’t leave preparation until the last minute. Getting your systems and processes ready now will make the transition much smoother.

If you need assistance preparing your business for Payday Super, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate the changes and ensure your systems and processes are ready before 1 July 2026.

Helpful Resources:
• ATO Payday Super Communication Toolkit -https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/payday-super/payday-super-resources/payday-super-communication-toolkit/employees
• June–July Payday Super Changeover Guide- https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/payday-super/payday-super-how-to-manage-super-during-the-changeover -HowtopaysuperduringtheJuneJulychangeover

26/04/2026

Employees: Payday Super Starts 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, your super will be paid at the same time as your wages, instead of every quarter.

This means you’ll start seeing smaller super contributions paid more regularly, usually with each pay cycle.

What you need to know:
Super will be paid with your wages
Contributions must reach your super fund within 7 days of payday
Payments may take a few days to show in your super account
No action is required from employees

It’s a good idea to check your super account regularly, especially during the changeover, to make sure contributions are being received and your super details are correct.

If a payment doesn’t appear, speak with your employer first. If needed, you can also contact your super fund or the ATO for help.

This change will make super payments more regular and easier to track, helping you stay on top of your super.

26/04/2026

Payday Super is Coming.Is Your Business Ready?

From 1 July 2026, employers will need to pay superannuation at the same time as wages. Known as Payday Super, this means super will no longer be paid quarterly,it must be processed with every pay run.

Key changes:
✔ Super paid with each pay cycle
✔ Contributions must reach the fund within 7 days of payday
✔ SBSCH closes on 30 June 2026
✔ Employers remain responsible for paying super on time and correctly

Important dates:
28 April 2026 – Jan to Mar quarterly super due
30 June 2026 – SBSCH closes
1 July 2026 – Payday Super starts
28 July 2026 – Final quarterly super payment due

Now is the time to review your payroll systems, payment methods, and cash flow processes to make sure your business is ready.

Need help preparing for Payday Super?
Contact us today. We can help you review your payroll setup and make the transition smooth and stress-free.