The Australian tax landscape has been significantly altered by the recent Full Federal Court decision in Commissioner of Taxation v Bendel [2025] FCAFC 15, a case that challenges the Australian Taxation Office’s long-held position on unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) in family trusts.… read more
From www.financialstandard.com.au: A review by ASIC revealed that no superannuation trustees monitored or reported on the full process of death benefit claims handling, leading to poor service and excessive delays.… read more
From mcw.com.au: The new Franchising Code of Conduct 2025 introduces 11 significant changes that franchisors should be aware of, ranging from defining when a franchise arises to the importance of compliance with the new code.… read more
From asic.gov.au: ASIC advises small businesses to prepare for Australia’s new mandatory sustainability reporting requirements, effective 1 January 2025, which apply to large businesses and financial institutions.… read more
From asic.gov.au: ASIC has published Regulatory Guide 280 on sustainability reporting, which provides guidance for entities required to prepare sustainability reports under the Corporations Act 2001.… read more
From www.klgates.com: On March 28, 2025, the Australian Government released a draft Determination outlining the mandatory merger clearance regime, detailing notification requirements based on the turnover of both acquirers and targets, with specific thresholds for acquisitions.… read more
From www.khq.com.au: The KHQ Lawyers’ Workplace Watch update highlights recent developments in workplace relations, including the Federal Government’s proposed ban on non-compete clauses for low and middle-income workers as part of its 2025-26 Budget, a new NSW Bill establishing rights for gig workers in the transport sector, and ongoing investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman into sexual harassment in the building industry.… read more
From www.afr.com: Former EY partner Peter White allegedly received secret commissions from clients by failing to disclose his relationships with companies involved in facilitating illegal tax schemes, according to claims made by the ATO.… read more
From www.kiplinger.com: (US context) President Trump signed an executive order requiring the federal government to phase out paper cheques in favour of electronic payments by September 30, impacting tax refunds and Social Security payments.… read more
From www.bwslawyers.com.au: ASIC has issued updated guidance on conducting virtual and hybrid shareholder meetings, emphasizing that virtual attendees must have equal participation rights to in-person attendees.… read more
From atlaswealth.com: Australian citizens living overseas can vote in federal elections by registering as overseas electors under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, allowing them to maintain their electoral rights for up to six years.… read more
From www.investmentlawwatch.com: (US context) On March 27, 2025, the SEC hosted a roundtable on artificial intelligence in the financial sector to discuss its risks, benefits, and governance, aiming to reshape its regulatory approach.… read more
From www.ifa.com.au: Advisers should treat any client expression of dissatisfaction as a complaint in the AFCA dispute resolution process and be cautious about record-keeping due to the six-year limitation period for complaints.… read more
From www.heffron.com.au: As the May 3 election approaches, the ALP is likely to continue pursuing Division 296 tax on superannuation for those with over $3 million, alongside new policies like payday super and parental leave super, while seeking broader superannuation tax reforms.… read more
From futurefirm.co: Accounting firms need marketing to enhance visibility, attract clients, and establish credibility, with 29 effective strategies outlined for implementation.
Key tactics include blogging, podcasting, networking, and leveraging social media, among others, to build client relationships and drive growth.… read more