The Australian Federal Budget for 2026-27 will be handed down in May 2026, the first budget since Labor's re-election in 2025.
Today’s business leaders navigating Australia’s M&A landscape need to look beyond short‑term performance and financial metrics alone. What matters most to investors is a strong, scalable and defensible business, particularly in an environment shaped by geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Increasingly, ESG and sustainability considerations are not add‑ons, but core to business strategy and long‑term value creation.
The Full Federal Court confirms that owner and beneficiary benefits in family businesses are not automatically subject to FBT, reinforcing the meaning of “in respect of employment” and providing guidance ahead of the 2026 FBT season.
The AML Reforms introduce the concept of a 'reporting group'—a flexible model that allows both related and unrelated entities to manage and mitigate ML/TF risks under a single, comprehensive AML/CTF Program.
The introduction of Value Transfer Service obligations under Australia’s AML/CTF reforms significantly broadens the scope of compliance requirements, affecting a wide range of businesses and requiring new processes, technology, and training.
Australia’s AML/CTF reforms represent a fundamental shift from a prescriptive, compliance-based regime to a flexible, outcomes-focused framework – prioritising the effective prevention of money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing, rather than merely following prescriptive rules.
Australia has commenced reforming its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) regime including the ‘Tranche 2’ reforms, which expand AML/CTF compliance to apply to additional professions including lawyers.
Australia has commenced reforming its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) regime including the ‘Tranche 2’ reforms, which expand AML/CTF compliance to apply to additional professions including real estate agents and conveyancers.
The final amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) Rules, published on 30 August 2025, introduce a series of structural and operational changes following extensive consultation by AUSTRAC and industry feedback.
The Federal Court’s 2025 decision in Charles Apartments Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation underscores the importance of substance over form, proper documentation, and income nexus in group financing arrangements under Australian tax law.
Embed ESG risks into strategy and culture to drive sustainability beyond compliance.
Last week’s Economic Reform Roundtable featured a mix of leaders from business, unions, civil society, government and other experts, who spent three days with Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher in the Cabinet room in Canberra.
In this episode, Principal and National Head of Private Business & Tax Advisory Technical Tax, David Montani, Specialist Tax Partner and National Head of Real Estate & Construction Anika Reside and Corporate Tax Partner Mark D’Angelica discuss the outcomes of the Economic Reform Roundtable, why tax reform has historically been challenging in Australia, and their ideal tax mix for a more productive and prosperous nation.
The AML/CTF Reforms require reporting entities to develop and maintain AML/CTF policies that achieve both ML/TF/PF risk mitigation and management as well as AML/CTF compliance.
For family businesses, this demographic milestone signifies an important moment. As many founders and senior leaders approach retirement age, the need for thoughtful succession planning and effective intergenerational collaboration has never been greater. Navigating this transition isn’t just about handing over the reins – it’s about evolving the business while preserving its legacy.