Stay Informed & Focused! Focus Accounting And Financial Group News

The 4 new rules for fixed-term employment contracts

Amendments made to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) regarding the use of fixed-term employment contracts will come into effect on 6 December 2023. These amendments will restrict the use of fixed-term employment contracts entered into on or after 6 December 2023 and may also impact 'consecutive contracts' entered into prior to this date. read more

Payroll tax alert: Do you have interstate employees?

Does your business have employees working interstate, whether on a permanent basis or on a temporary remote working arrangement? It is important to understand that the level of your total wages across Australia can affect when you start to have a payroll tax liability in a particular state/territory. read more

ATO to further punish non-compliance with PAYG obligations from 1 July 2019

Now, the ATO has added another incentive for PAYG compliance. From 1 July, businesses that fail to comply lose the ability to claim the corresponding payments as a tax deduction. read more

Do you need a permit to employ children in the family business?

Some employers may be unaware that there is legislation that governs the employment of children, which should be considered before they are brought into the workplace. This is relevant even when the children to be employed are relatives of you or your employees. read more

What does Victoria’s new Labour Hire Licensing Scheme mean for businesses in Australia?

The legislation affects individuals and/or entities that make arrangements to hire or host labour hire from Victoria. Labour hire providers are now required to obtain a license and must lodge annual reports on their labour hire activities. read more

Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting now updated and for all employers

Now legislation has been passed so that businesses with up to 19 employees are legally required to complete STP reporting from 1 July 2019. The new legislation also extends the scope of STP reporting to include some salary sacrificed amounts. read more

December 2018 update to the National Employment Standards (NES)

The Fair Work Amendment (Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2018 provides an update to the National Employment Standards. This change is effective from 12 December 2018. So what are the National Employment Standards now? The National Employment Standards (NES) define the ten minimum employee entitlements in Australia. They cannot be excluded or reduced under any contract, award or agreement. read more

Payroll Updates for Employers: November 2018

Below are three key payroll updates for employers to be aware of and action where relevant: 1- Long Service Leave Act 2018 (Vic), 2 - Casual Conversion Clause in Modern Awards, 3 - Instant Payments. read more

Payroll Updates for Employers: September 2018

Below are four key payroll updates for employers to be aware of and action where relevant: read more

7 Key Points on the new Family and Domestic Violence Leave Entitlements in Modern Awards

The Fair Work Commission has added a new clause to all Industry and Occupation Awards to bring in an entitlement to unpaid family and domestic violence leave. What this means is that employees experiencing family or domestic violence will be able to take 5 days unpaid leave each year, for the purpose of dealing with the impact of such violence. read more