Several changes affecting Australian businesses will come into effect from Wednesday 1 July 2026.
Small business owners are encouraged to check what applies to their business and take steps to prepare, including reviewing payroll, updating policies, checking supplier information and speaking with a trusted adviser where needed.
- National Minimum Wage increase
From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage will increase by 4.75 per cent.
The new National Minimum Wage will be $26.44 per hour, or $1,005 per week. The increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
Employers should check the new rates and update payroll systems before the first full pay period in July.
From 1 July 2026, employers will need to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly.
Small business employers should check their payroll and super payment processes now, including how more frequent payments may affect cash flow.
The ATO has released Payday Super resources, including an employer webinar, factsheets, checklists and short videos. Businesses using the ATO’s Small Business Super Clearing House should also move to another service before it closes on 1 July 2026.
- Business name and company fees
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) will increase business name and company fees from 1 July 2026.
Business name registration or renewal will increase to $47 for one year and $108 for three years.
Company registration will increase to $636, while the annual review fee for a proprietary company will increase to $342.
If you serve seafood in a restaurant, cafe or other hospitality business, you need to tell customers where it comes from.
From 1 July 2026, you will need to follow country or origin labelling rules and clearly show whether seafood is Australian, imported or mixed origin.
If this applies to your business, check where your seafood is sourced and update menus, signs and online listings.
Businesses that send branded text messages will need to register their sender ID through their telco or messaging provider to stay compliant.
A sender ID is the business or brand name that appears at the top of a text message instead of a phone number. The register is designed to help protect customers from SMS scams.
Paid Parental Leave will increase to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026.
The payments are government-funded, but employers may need to plan for longer employee absences. Businesses should review parental leave policies, plan how work will be covered and consider how they can support employees returning to work.
- Anti-money laundering rules
Updated anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will apply to more businesses from 1 July 2026.
Some businesses may need to enrol with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and take on new responsibilities, including verifying customers, keeping records and reporting certain transactions.
Check whether the changes apply to your business and what steps you need to take.
