The start of a new financial year often brings more than a fresh budget and new financial goals – it also marks the introduction of important legal and regulatory changes that can affect your workplace, business, property decisions and everyday life.
From changes to employee entitlements and superannuation rules to new obligations for businesses, several reforms will come into effect from July 1, 2026.
Whether you are an employer, employee, business owner or property buyer, understanding these updates can help you stay compliant and avoid unexpected surprises.
Here are some of the key legal changes Australians should know about.
Employers and employees: changes to wages, super and parental leave
One of the biggest workplace law changes from July 1 is the increase to Australia’s National Minimum Wage.
The National Minimum Wage will rise by 4.75%, increasing the minimum hourly rate to $26.44 per hour for employees not covered by an award or enterprise agreement. Minimum award wages will also increase by the same amount.
For employers, this means reviewing payroll systems, employment contracts and wage obligations to ensure employees are being paid correctly.
Employees may also notice changes to their superannuation payments. From July 1, employers will be required to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, rather than making quarterly payments.
This reform aims to reduce unpaid or delayed superannuation and ensure employees receive their retirement contributions sooner.
Paid parental leave is also expanding, increasing from 120 days to 130 days under the government-funded scheme. The number of reserved days available for partners will also increase.
For businesses, these changes highlight the importance of keeping workplace policies and payroll processes up to date.
New rules affecting Australian businesses
Business owners will also need to be aware of several new compliance obligations coming into effect.
From July 1, registration and renewal fees through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will increase. This includes increases to company registration fees and annual review fees.
For small businesses, there is some positive news. The $20,000 instant asset write-off will become permanent, allowing eligible small businesses with an annual turnover of up to $10 million to immediately deduct eligible assets costing less than $20,000.
However, businesses should still ensure they understand the eligibility requirements before claiming deductions.
New consumer protection rules will also affect businesses selling seafood. Restaurants, cafes, pubs, takeaway businesses and other food retailers will be required to clearly label seafood as Australian, imported or mixed origin.
These changes fall under Australian Consumer Law and are designed to give customers clearer information about the products they purchase.
NSW legal changes: new obligations for businesses and property professionals
For businesses operating in New South Wales, several important reforms are coming into effect.
A staged rollout of mandatory food organics and garden organics (FOGO) recycling will begin, with larger supermarkets, hospitality businesses and institutions among those affected first.
Businesses will need to prepare for additional waste management responsibilities as these requirements expand over time.
There are also changes coming for building and construction professionals.
From July 1, repair and renovation work on certain Class 3 and Class 9c buildings – including some boarding houses, group homes and residential care facilities – will fall under the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) regime.
Registered building practitioners will also be required to hold professional indemnity insurance.
For anyone involved in construction, renovation or property development, understanding these obligations will be important to reduce compliance risks.
Stronger financial crime laws for NSW businesses
New anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will also expand from July 1.
A number of professions that were previously outside the regulatory framework will now have additional obligations, including lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, real estate professionals, property developers and certain trust and company service providers.
These reforms aim to strengthen protections against financial crime and will require affected businesses to understand their reporting and compliance responsibilities.
Property updates: stamp duty and housing changes
Property buyers should also be aware of changes across different states.
In the ACT, first-home buyers will no longer pay stamp duty from July 1, making it the first Australian jurisdiction to completely remove stamp duty for eligible people entering the property market.
Meanwhile, Tasmania’s temporary stamp duty exemption for established homes up to $750,000 will end on June 30. From July 1, eligible first-home buyers will instead rely on the First Home Owner Grant, which applies to new homes and builds.
These changes highlight how important it is for buyers to understand state-based property laws before making decisions.
Protecting consumers and keeping up with legal changes
Legal reforms often happen gradually, but their impact can be significant. A small change to workplace obligations, business registrations or property rules can create unexpected issues if you are not prepared.
For employers and business owners, staying informed is one of the best ways to avoid compliance problems.
For individuals, understanding your rights can help you make better financial and legal decisions.
At New South Lawyers, we help individuals and businesses navigate changes in legislation and understand how the law applies to their circumstances.
If you are unsure how these changes may affect you, seeking legal advice early can help you stay ahead.
Suggested External Links:
- Australian Government
- Federal Register of Legislation
- Australian Taxation Office
- Fair Work Ombudsman
Stay ahead of Australia’s changing legal landscape.
Stay updated on General Topical News Issues and the latest law reforms affecting Australians. Contact New South Lawyers today for practical insights and expert breakdowns of changing laws and regulations.