Our audit team undertakes the complete range of audits required of Australian accounting laws to help you to help you meet obligations or fulfil best practice procedures.
Over time, governments have shifted away from the direct provision of certain community services, instead commissioning them through a competitive market largely serviced by not-for-profit (NFP) organisations.
We help clients understand and address their employment tax obligations to ensure compliance and optimal tax positioning for their business and employees.
In July 2025, we wrote about the Federal Court’s decision in S.N.A Group Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2025] FCA 240, which was widely seen as a ‘commercial reality’ endorsement for inter entity service fee arrangements in closely held groups – where documentation is known to be imperfect.
We provide independent oversight and review of your organisation's control environments to manage key risks, inform good decision-making and improve performance.
We enable our clients to achieve their strategic objectives, fulfil their purpose and live their values supported by effective and appropriate risk management.
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
Our forensics team identifies and obtains relevant information, investigates the financial issue at hand and provides a clear, concise, sustainable opinion as...
Our team advises at all stages of a litigation dispute, taking an independent view while gathering and reviewing evidence and contributing to expert reports.
Our M&A team works with clients to achieve a full or partial sale of their business, to ensure achievement of strategic ambitions and optimal outcomes for stakeholders.
Our operational deal services team helps to ensure the greatest possible outcome and value is gained through post merger integration or post acquisition integration.
Our ESG due diligence process evaluates a company's environmental, social, and governance factors during the pre-investment phase to determine the overall maturity of the entity, manage potential risks, and identify opportunities.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
Our finance and funding team works to access sources of finance, present your case to potential funders and negotiate a long-term sustainable relationship.
We provide effective and strategic corporate finance services across all stages of investments and transactions so clients can better manage costs and maximise returns.
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.
Our proven methodology identifies opportunities to improve your processes and optimise working capital, and we work with to implement changes and monitor their effectiveness.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
Our insolvency teams takes a proactive approach so our clients have access to more business turnaround options and retain the most value for all stakeholders.
It is important for business owners facing financial distress to understand all the options available to them. Small Business Restructuring (SBR) offers a pathway for small and medium sized Australian companies experiencing financial pressure to deal with unmanageable debt, reset operations, and continue trading through and beyond difficult times. SBRs are also a cost-effective solution to save a business compared to a liquidation shut down.
We help clients improve commercial performance, profitability and address challenges after internal or external triggers require a major business model shift.
We provide strategic director advisory services in times of business distress to help directors navigate issues and protect their company and themselves from liability.
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.
It is important for business owners facing financial distress to understand all the options available to them. Small Business Restructuring (SBR) offers a pathway for small and medium sized Australian companies experiencing financial pressure to deal with unmanageable debt, reset operations, and continue trading through and beyond difficult times. SBRs are also a cost-effective solution to save a business compared to a liquidation shut down.
We work with private businesses across Australia – and internationals looking to Australia for their investments and operations – on all accounting and...
Our outsourced CFO services provide a full suite of CFO, tax and finance services and advice to help clients manage risk, optimise operations and grow.
Having a considered and informed ESG response has never been more important for all organisations as we are seeing awareness of the elements of ESG continue to...
Following the introduction of mandatory sustainability reporting requirements in Australia, organisations will need to understand if they are required to report, the disclosure requirements, and if they have the skill set and available data to comply. We can guide organisations through the reporting process end-to-end, from climate-related risks and opportunities identification through to reporting support.
With the ESG and sustainability landscape continuing to evolve, we are focused on helping your business to understand how to shape your sustainability strategy. When designing a sustainability strategy, it’s important to take into consideration your sustainability-related risks and opportunities, relevant standards and frameworks such as the SBTi, and your broader business needs.
The sustainability reporting regulations which have come into force in Australia include assurance requirements which are being phased in over several years. Australia is also the first jurisdiction internationally to adopt the new assurance standard. Whether you are seeking voluntary assurance or meeting your compliance obligations, our sustainability assurance team combines technical expertise and industry insights to provide quality and efficiency in the assurance process.
As ESG and Sustainability-related considerations are becoming pivotal for Australian dealmakers, it is important for investors to feel confident in assessing transactions through an ESG lens. The due diligence process evaluates a company's material environmental, social, and governance topics during the pre-investment phase, flagging risks and identifying opportunities for added value.
The AUSTRAC AML/CTF Starter Programs provide a structured pathway to achieving AML/CTF compliance that will significantly reduce the effort and cost of AML/CTF compliance for entities required to meet AML/CTF obligations under Tranche 2.
Investment and business opportunities in Vietnam are expanding rapidly, driven by new markets, diverse industries, and Vietnam's growing role in export manufacturing, foreign investment, and strong domestic demand.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, Management Consulting Partner, Richard Bycroft, and Director, Primo Danieletto, discuss automation in supply chains, triggers for reviewing an organisation’s current model and the ROI businesses can see from implementation.
The Federal Court decision in Morton v Commissioner of Taxation [2025] FCA 336 (“the Morton case”) provides key guidance on the tax treatment of proceeds derived from land development arrangements. This is particularly relevant to landowners considering development partnerships with third-party developers.
The ATO’s GSTD 2025/1 clarifies the GST treatment of prepared meals following the Simplot case. Learn how the new four-step test and transitional compliance approach affect food suppliers.
From an active natural resources M&A market, a growing energy and renewable energy market, to new technologies and export and trade agreements – we have the...
Mining contractors are operating in an increasingly complex and competitive Australian mining sector. With shifting commodity markets, cost pressures, and evolving contract models, understanding contractor performance, financial strength, and growth opportunities is more important than ever.
As of April 9, 2025, a minimum universal tariff of 10 per cent has been applied to all imported goods into the United States, while certain countries face higher reciprocal tariffs based on their US trade deficit.
The Australian Parliament recently passed legislation to introduce two significant tax incentives aimed at bolstering Australia’s critical minerals and hydrogen production sectors.
The incentives form a significant part of the Government’s ’Future Made in Australia‘ policy.
In July 2025, we wrote about the Federal Court’s decision in S.N.A Group Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2025] FCA 240, which was widely seen as a ‘commercial reality’ endorsement for inter entity service fee arrangements in closely held groups – where documentation is known to be imperfect.
The AUSTRAC AML/CTF Starter Programs provide a structured pathway to achieving AML/CTF compliance that will significantly reduce the effort and cost of AML/CTF compliance for entities required to meet AML/CTF obligations under Tranche 2.
From the introduction of Pillar Two to increased debt deduction limitations and public reporting obligations, the international tax landscape is shifting rapidly.
The Aged Care Act 2024 has been in place for a month. Touted as a ‘once in a generation change’ to improve protections for consumers, it also seeks to stimulate investment in residential care services and improve care in the home with the new Support at Home Program.
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
The health and aged care industry in Australia is complex and there are a range of challenges and opportunities for the banking sector which can be explored in relation to its various sub-sectors.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, Management Consulting Partner, Richard Bycroft, and Director, Primo Danieletto, discuss automation in supply chains, triggers for reviewing an organisation’s current model and the ROI businesses can see from implementation.
Over time, governments have shifted away from the direct provision of certain community services, instead commissioning them through a competitive market largely serviced by not-for-profit (NFP) organisations.
Against a backdrop of rising cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty, Not for Profits (NFPs) are facing increasingly complex challenges to maintain financial sustainability. With public expectations rising, funding pathways under strain, and operational costs climbing, many organisations are being forced to reassess how they operate. While the pressures are real, this also creates an opportunity to rethink collaboration, strengthen governance and build long-term resilience.
Australian charities are feeling the pinch of rising costs and increased demand as over 3.3m people live in poverty. From streamlining operations to diversifying funding streams and using technology like AI, leaders are finding ways to meet rising demand and stay resilient in today’s cost-of-living crisis.
Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation offering secondary education scholarships to Australian schools for First Nations students. The organisation champions the value of education and nurtures an encouraging community for students to thrive in their studies.
The ATO has made it clear that the professional services industry is in the spotlight as we head into 2026. With PCG 2021/4 now fully in effect as of 1 July 2024, the question is no longer if the ATO will review your arrangements, it is now a question of when. Is your firm ready?
The Full Federal Court has handed down its decision in AusNet Services Limited v Commissioner of Taxation. AusNet argued that its 2015 restructure did not qualify for rollover relief under Division 615, despite that it earlier said it did. This case serves as a reminder that once a tax election is made, it is very difficult to unwind. Careful planning and forecasting are critical.
Australia’s new thin capitalisation rules significantly impact businesses with foreign ownership or offshore operations. If your business has debt deductions (such as interest deductions and borrowing costs) of more than A$2m, tax deductions could be denied under the primary ‘earnings tests’ (particularly if your EBITDA is low or negative due to early-stage losses, especially common in sectors like infrastructure and technology).
To manage the above risk, the legislation offers an alternative test: the Third Party Debt Test (TPDT).
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.
Recent findings from the Family Business Report 2025 reveal that cash-flow management and economic uncertainty are the most pressing concerns for businesses in the construction and real estate sectors.
A global perspective on evolving real estate and construction markets, focusing on housing affordability, emerging asset classes, and sustainability. Gain insights from Grant Thornton’s experts across Australia and the UK help leaders navigate uncertainty and adapt investment strategies.
From 2026, Victoria’s VRLT will apply to long-term undeveloped land in metro Melbourne, targeting land banking and encouraging residential development. The expansion follows 2025 reforms aimed at improving housing affordability and supply.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, Management Consulting Partner, Richard Bycroft, and Director, Primo Danieletto, discuss automation in supply chains, triggers for reviewing an organisation’s current model and the ROI businesses can see from implementation.
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
In this episode, National Head of Corporate Finance & M&A Partner Holly Stiles and National Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Private Business Tax & Advisory Partner Jace Gawne-Buckland discuss the current technology landscape in Australia, evolving expectations of investors, and tangible steps tech leaders can take to strengthen their position for future raises or exits.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
At Grant Thornton we do things differently because we understand that when you strive for better and care about what you do remarkable things are possible.
The compelling client experience we’re passionate about creating at Grant Thornton can only be achieved through our people. We’ll encourage you to influence how, when and where you work, and take control of your time.
At Grant Thornton, we strive to create a culture of continuous learning and growth. Throughout every stage of your career, you’ll to be encouraged and supported to seize opportunities and reach your full potential.
To be able to reach your remarkable, we understand that you need to feel connected and respected as your authentic self – so we listen and strive for deeper understanding of what belonging means.
We’re passionate about making a difference in our communities. Through our sustainability and community engagement initiatives, we aim to contribute to society by creating lasting benefits that empower others to thrive.
As a new graduate, we aim to provide you more than just your ‘traditional’ graduate program; instead we kick start your career as an Associate and support you to turn theory into practice.
A central feature of the regulations is the redesigned superannuation guarantee charge (SGC), including the introduction of a scalable administrative uplift. This marks a significant shift from the current flat administration fee and increases the need for payroll accuracy, strong controls and timely remediation.
Background
The Payday Super regulations support the legislative framework enacted in 2025 and provide additional technical detail ahead of commencement on 1 July 2026. They are intended to reduce administrative friction, incentivise employer compliance and streamline the processing of superannuation contributions.
While the regulations address a range of technical matters, the administrative uplift is one of the most consequential changes for employers given its direct impact on cost and compliance behaviour.
Administrative uplift – what has changed
From 1 July 2026, the current $20 per employee per quarter administration component of the SGC will be replaced by an administrative uplift calculated as a percentage of the SG shortfall.
The regulations confirm that:
The default administrative uplift is 60 per cent of the employer’s SG shortfall, including notional earnings.
The uplift may be reduced based on the employer’s recent compliance history.
Further reductions apply where an employer makes a timely voluntary disclosure.
This significantly increases the financial consequences of late SG payments where issues are not identified and addressed early.
Administrative uplift – summary
The table below shows how the administrative uplift is applied, starting from the default position and then reducing based on an employer’s compliance history and the timing of any voluntary disclosure.
Scenario
Administrative uplift outcome
Base position – SG shortfall identified
60% uplift applies
No SGC assessment initiated in the previous 24 months
Eligible for reduction to 40%
SGC assessment initiated in the previous 24 months
No reduction for compliance history
Voluntary disclosure lodged within 30 days of
Reduction of 40 percentage points
Voluntary disclosure lodged 31–60 days after the QE day
Reduction of 35 percentage points
Voluntary disclosure lodged 61–120 days after the QE day
Reduction of 30 percentage points
Voluntary disclosure lodged after 120 days
Reduction of 15 percentage points
No voluntary disclosure
No reduction – uplift remains at 60%
Further guidance expected – concessional contributions cap
As highlighted in our earlier alert, concerns were raised during consultation that the transition from quarterly SG payments to Payday Super could result in unintended concessional contributions cap breaches, particularly in the first year where contribution timing is brought forward.
In announcing the regulations, the Government confirmed its intention to introduce technical amendments to ensure individuals do not exceed their concessional contributions cap in 2026–27 solely as a result of the transition to Payday Super. While this provides welcome comfort, further detail on the scope and mechanics of these amendments is still expected.
Other key matters addressed by the regulations
While the administrative uplift is a significant feature of the regulations, they also address a number of other practical and technical matters relevant to employers, superannuation funds and administrators.
The regulations confirm that, from 1 July 2026, the categories of employees and payments that are excluded from superannuation guarantee remain unchanged in outcome. There is no change to the scope of SG exclusions as a result of the Payday Super reforms.
However, the underlying legislative framework has been restructured and consolidated, with amendments to the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) and associated regulations to streamline existing provisions. While these changes are largely technical in nature, they re‑organise how exclusions are expressed within the law.
The regulations prescribe circumstances in which the Commissioner may extend SG contribution deadlines for affected employers. These exceptional circumstances include:
Natural disasters, and
Widespread outages of information and communication technology services or platforms used to facilitate employer contributions.
Where such circumstances arise, affected employers may receive an extended due date of the later of:
20 business days after the relevant qualifying earnings day, or
20 business days after the Commissioner makes a determination.
The extension mechanism is designed to operate only where disruption is systemic rather than employer‑specific.
The regulations introduce a streamlined framework for superannuation fund contribution processing. Trustees are required to either allocate contributions to a member’s account or refund contributions that cannot be allocated within three business days of receipt.
This replaces the previous framework, which distinguished between complete and incomplete contribution information and allowed longer processing periods. Where a contribution cannot be allocated due to insufficient or incorrect member identification information, the trustee must refund the contribution within the same three business day timeframe.
Self‑managed superannuation funds continue to be subject to a 28‑day allocation period, consistent with existing requirements.
Moving Forward
Employers should review whether their systems and processes are capable of supporting the Payday Super framework, including:
Superannuation guarantee contributions being received by superannuation funds within seven business days of payday.
Accurate calculation of qualifying earnings for each pay cycle, including irregular and out‑of‑cycle payments.
Robust controls to identify timing errors, overpayments and contribution bounce backs.
Appropriate STP and SuperStream alignment to support increased ATO data‑matching and visibility.
Given the redesigned superannuation guarantee charge framework and enhanced ATO oversight, early preparation remains critical.
How can we help?
Grant Thornton can support employers as they prepare for Payday Super and the operation of the administrative uplift under the new regulations. Our assistance can include:
Reviewing payroll configurations and SG settings to confirm accurate application of qualifying earnings across all pay elements.
Identifying areas of exposure within existing payroll processes, including timing risks, overpayments and contribution bounce backs.
Assisting with SG recalculations, sample testing and readiness assessments ahead of 1 July 2026.
Advising on voluntary disclosure and remediation approaches where SG issues are identified.
If you require assistance, please reach out to Elizabeth Lucas or your usual Grant Thornton advisor. You can also watch our recent FBT and Payday Super update webinar on demand.
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Payday Superannuation) Bill 2025 has now been introduced into the House of Representatives, with very little change to the original draft released for consultation
Explore the recent announcements on Payday Superannuation reforms and the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) changes set to take effect from July 2026. This page outlines the new requirements for employers regarding Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE), details on late payment penalties, and key compliance strategies to prepare for these changes.
Subscribe now to be kept up-to-date with timely and relevant insights, unique to the nature of your business, your areas of interest and the industry in which you operate.
