Budget time is review time: why professional advice matters
14 May
The Federal Budget is more than a political announcement. For many Australians, it is an important reminder to stop, review and ask a simple question: are my financial, lifestyle and tax strategies still working in my favour? Budget changes can...[Read More]
Smarter energy at home: Serious ways to reduce electricity bills
14 May
Electricity bills have become one of the biggest household expenses, and for many families, the usual advice of “turn off the lights” simply does not go far enough. While small habits matter, meaningful savings often come from understanding...[Read More]
The view from 80: Lessons worth learning before life teaches them the hard way
14 May
If you ask an 80-year-old what matters most in life, chances are they will not begin with money, status, career titles or the things they once rushed to buy. They may smile quietly, pause for a moment, and speak about people. About time. About...[Read More]
Navigating ownership changes: A guide for business owners
14 May
Changing a business’s ownership structure can be a complex process, often necessitated by various circumstances, such as partnership disputes, divorce, retirement, or the sale of the business. Regardless of the reason, it’s crucial to...[Read More]
Take the break: creating memories with your loved ones
14 May
In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of taking leave and investing quality time with loved ones cannot be overstated. Our professional lives often consume vast portions of our waking hours, leaving limited opportunities to nurture...[Read More]
Things you can do to entertain teenage kids still living at home
14 May
Sometimes, it may seem as though we have no connection to our formerly young, now-adolescent children. It can be difficult to relate with teenagers as they navigate adolescence by developing their own interests, experimenting with various social...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – The 2026-27 Budget – responsibility, productivity and fairness – or is it?
14 May
Key points The key changes are a wind back in negative gearing, the taxation of real capital gains, numerous moves to reduce regulation, and modest net budget cuts over five years. The projected deficits are now slightly lower over the budget...[Read More]
Budget spending stokes fears of further rate rise pain
14 May
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is defending an extra $18 billion in government spending next financial year despite warnings it will make the Reserve Bank’s fight against inflation harder. The federal budget on Tuesday revealed government spending will...[Read More]
Labor tucks away $77b war chest for further tax cuts
14 May
Tax changes in the budget give the government scope to direct more relief to workers in future, raising the prospect of a 2028 pre-election sweetener. While higher taxes on assets will be returned to workers via tax cuts in the short term, Treasury...[Read More]
Business sector urges Canberra to tackle red-tape cuts
14 May
The federal government must crack on with harmonising regulations so that businesses like retailers, airports and farmers can avoid costly red tape, a major business lobby says. The Alliance of Industry Associations, representing 30 groups including...[Read More]
Super shake-up wins support as budget savings spruiked
14 May
Superannuation performance test changes are being flagged as a way to boost Australia’s lagging productivity rate, as the federal treasurer promises more budget savings. First signalled during Jim Chalmers’ economic reform roundtable in August,...[Read More]
Aussies reliant on crucial medicines to save on scripts
14 May
More Australians will be able to pick up their prescriptions for less money, as the government boosts medicine subsidies in the federal budget. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which regulates prices of life-saving medications, will be increased...[Read More]
Electric car owners dodge road charge but pay more tax
14 May
Australia’s electric car drivers may escape a road-user charge for another year but will pay more tax under measures revealed in the federal budget. The changes are part of several reforms to support low-emission vehicles in the budget, including...[Read More]
Budget lacks energy for big renewable project reforms
13 May
Australia’s growing throng of solar panels, batteries and electric cars will be managed by a new regulator in a multimillion-dollar budget commitment welcomed by investment and climate groups. The change will come in addition to support for...[Read More]
Canberra embraces AI data crunch for medicines to tax
13 May
Artificial intelligence will be deployed across the federal government for everything from evaluating medicines to identifying tax fraud in a bid to boost the nation’s productivity. A long list of AI trials were named in the federal budget on...[Read More]