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SMSF Growth Continues Despite Regulatory Uncertainty
Demand for Control Over Super Despite ongoing discussion about superannuation policy and potential tax changes, demand for Self‑Managed Super Funds continues to grow. For many Australians, the attraction lies in control over investments, strategy and long‑term retirement planning. Strongest Growth in Years Almost 14,500 SMSFs were established in the first quarter of FY2026 alone, making it one of the strongest quarters recorded since the ATO began reporting the data in 2012.
Lockwood and Ward
4 days ago1 min read


Holiday cash flow for your small business
Are you heading away for a break from the business this year? This time of year can be hard on small business. Your expenses continue and your cashflow can suffer when your debtors go on holiday. Leading up to the holiday period, is your business cash flow in good health to carry you through? With a bit of pre-planning and being proactive, you can set yourself up for a financially stress-free holiday. Planning your cash-flow over the holiday period Invoice early - Send any i
Lockwood and Ward
4 days ago2 min read


New AML/CTF Reforms: What They Mean for Your Business
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws will extend to services commonly...
Lockwood and Ward
Oct 9, 20251 min read


Student Loan Reform: What Employers and Staff Should Know
The Government has passed new laws to reduce student debt and ease repayment thresholds, following the 2025/26 Federal Budget. The...
Lockwood and Ward
Oct 7, 20251 min read


Financial Abuse and the Tax System: What SMEs Should Know
Financial abuse is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed in the tax and regulatory system. Regulators and practitioners are now...
Lockwood and Ward
Oct 3, 20251 min read


Non-Compete Reforms: What They Mean for Employers
The Government is reviewing the use of non-compete clauses and other restraints in employment contracts, following measures announced in...
Lockwood and Ward
Sep 30, 20251 min read


New SMSFs – Key Steps to Stay Compliant by 31 October
Lodgment Deadline Approaching If you’ve recently established a self-managed super fund (SMSF), your first annual return is due by 31...
Lockwood and Ward
Sep 24, 20251 min read


ATO Warning: GST Refund Scams Targeting Small Businesses
The ATO has issued a new taxpayer alert warning businesses to be cautious of schemes designed to exploit the GST system. These scams...
Lockwood and Ward
Sep 19, 20251 min read


Division 7A: Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Private Companies
Many SMEs operate through private companies, but when funds move between the company and shareholders without proper structure, the ATO’s...
Lockwood and Ward
Sep 10, 20251 min read


ATO Corporate Plan 2025–26: What SMSF Trustees Need to Know
The ATO’s Corporate Plan for 2025–26 highlights a renewed focus on keeping the super system fair and secure. For SME owners and retirees...
Lockwood and Ward
Sep 10, 20251 min read


Interest rates come down: how could this affect your business finances?
The Reserve Bank of Australia recently cut interest rates to 3.6%, down from 4.1%. This takes the cash rate to 3.6% for the first time...
Lockwood and Ward
Sep 3, 20252 min read


The ATO's new Tax Toolkit for small business owners
As an entrepreneur, one inescapable reality of running your business is remembering to pay taxes on the profits the company makes, and...
Lockwood and Ward
Aug 28, 20252 min read


Possible extension of the $20k instant asset write-off
In the 2025 Federal Budget, the Albanese Labor Government made a promise to extend the existing $20k instant asset write-off , if...
Lockwood and Ward
Aug 20, 20252 min read


Keeping your tax and expenses in check when you are self-employed
Contracting or freelancing requires you to wear a lot of hats. Relationship-building, keeping track of your time, marketing your skills...
Lockwood and Ward
Aug 14, 20252 min read
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