Cash is Making a Comeback – Is Your Business Ready to Take It? For years, businesses have been moving away from cash – and for good reason. Digital payments are quick, traceable and cut down on the risk of theft or counting errors. But that tap-and-go world might soon have to make room again for notes and coins. The Government has released draft regulations that would require certain retailers to accept cash payments, ensuring Australians can still buy essential goods like groceries and fuel – even when technology fails. The change aims to stop people from being excluded when power, internet or card systems go down, or when they simply prefer to pay in cash. Who Will Need to Accept Cash – and Who Won’t? The new rules are targeted and, importantly, practical. They’ll apply to fuel stations and grocery retailers, including both major supermarket chains and independent operators, but only for in-person transactions under $500. That means you won’t have to accept someone paying for a $700 tyre replacement or bulk farm supplies in cash – it’s about the everyday essentials. If your business (or franchise group) has an annual turnover of less than $10 million, you’ll be exempt. That’s good news for most small businesses such as family-run grocers, local cafés and corner stores already managing tight margins and staffing challenges. The regulations are expected to take effect from 1 January 2026, with a review after three years to see how the system is working in practice. Why It’s Happening The move comes as part of a broader push to maintain access and fairness in Australia’s payment system. The Government and industry groups have recognised that while most Australians are happy to tap their card or phone, around 10–15% still prefer to use cash – particularly older Australians and those in regional or remote areas. There’s also a resilience angle: during bushfires, floods or power outages, card networks can go offline. In those moments, cash becomes essential. What This Means for Your Business For larger retailers, this change will mean dusting off cash-handling policies and reintroducing processes that many have phased out. That may include: Re-establishing cash floats and tills Staff training to handle and verify cash More frequent bank deposits and reconciliation procedures For small businesses that fall under the $10 million exemption, the key step will be to document your turnover clearly so you can demonstrate that the exemption applies. We can help ensure your records and structures support that. There may also be commercial upside. Accepting cash could attract a segment of customers who’ve drifted away as stores went digital – especially in regional areas where cash use remains strong. A small business that promotes “cash welcome” could even gain new loyal customers who value convenience and personal service. Preparing for the Change With final regulations expected soon, it’s worth starting to plan now. Review your payment policies, assess whether you’re likely to be caught by the new rules, and budget for any setup or compliance costs. If you’re exempt, ensure your records are watertight. If not, look for ways to streamline cash handling – for example, by using digital cash counters or smart safes to reduce errors and time spent on reconciliations. Looking Ahead Cash isn’t going away just yet. This reform is about maintaining choice, resilience and fairness in how Australians pay – and ensuring businesses are ready when customers want to use it. For help assessing how these cash rules could affect your operations or what the exemption means for your business, get in touch with Collins Hume on 02 6686 3000.

Super on Payday: Fundamental Changes for Employers If you run a business, you already know the juggling act that comes with managing the payroll process — paying staff on time, managing cash flow and staying compliant. From 1 July 2026, there’s a major change coming that will reshape how you handle superannuation contributions for staff. It’s called Payday Super, and it became law on 4 November 2025. The new rules are designed to close Australia’s $6.25 billion unpaid super gap and make sure employees — especially casual and part-time workers — get their retirement savings when they get paid. What’s Changing? From 1 July 2026, you’ll need to pay superannuation guarantee (SG) contributions at the same time as wages, rather than weeks or months later. Employers will have seven business days from payday to ensure contributions hit employees’ super funds. If payments are late, the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) will apply — that means paying the missed super plus an interest and administration penalty. Once SGC has been assessed, additional interest and penalties may apply if the SGC liability isn’t paid in full. Unlike the existing system, SGC amounts will normally be deductible to employers, although penalties for late payment of SGC won’t be deductible. On top of this, the ATO will retire the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) platform from 1 July 2026 for all users and alternative options should be sought. The change isn’t just about compliance — it’s about impact. The Government estimates the earlier payments could boost an average worker’s retirement balance by around $7,700. Why It’s Good for Business This reform might sound like extra admin, and it might take a bit of getting used to, but it can actually simplify your payroll process and strengthen your reputation as an employer. Less admin – Paying super when you run payroll means no more quarterly payment crunches. Fewer compliance risks – ATO data-matching will pick up issues faster, helping you avoid penalties before they snowball. Stronger employee trust – Staff can see their super growing in real time, which might help with engagement and retention. Smoother cash flow management – Paying smaller, regular amounts of super is often easier to manage than large quarterly sums. The ATO will take a “risk-based” approach for the first year, focusing on education and helping businesses transition smoothly. If you pay on time, you’ll likely be flagged as low risk, meaning fewer compliance checks. How to Get Ready — Practical Steps to Take Now You’ve got time before the rules kick in, but the smart move is to prepare early. Here’s how: 1. Check your payroll software. Most modern systems (like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks) already support payday-aligned super. Confirm your setup and check if any updates or integrations are needed. 2. Map your pay cycles. Note how often you pay staff (weekly, fortnightly, monthly) and calculate the seven-day payment window for each. 3. Brief your team. Make sure whoever manages payroll understands the changes. The ATO has free online resources and webinars to help. 4. Plan your cash flow. Consider shifting from quarterly to more regular payments now to get used to the timing. Smaller, frequent super payments can reduce cash flow shocks. 5. Monitor and review. Set up a monthly check to ensure super contributions have cleared correctly. Keep an eye on ATO updates as final guidance is released. If you outsource payroll, contact your provider soon — many are already updating systems for Payday Super and can help you make a seamless switch. The Bottom Line Payday Super isn’t just a compliance change — it’s an opportunity to make your payroll more efficient, your staff happier and your business more compliant with less effort. With the laws now passed and just over 6 months to prepare, it’s time to get ahead of the curve. For help reviewing your payroll setup or planning the transition, get in touch with our team on 02 6686 3000. Collins Hume can help you make sure your business is ready to go when Payday Super commences.

In the NFP and for-purpose sector, the word strategic gets used liberally, yet few organisations use it correctly. When operational tasks and tactical plans get mislabelled as “strategy”, it becomes harder to stay focused on purpose, deliver impact and make evidence-informed decisions. Drawing on insights from NFP Success , this article breaks down what strategic  really means for not-for-profits including how NFP organisations can strengthen strategic thinking, planning and execution. 1. Strategic thinking: seeing beyond day-to-day pressures Strategic thinking is a mindset, not a document. It’s the ability to step back, challenge assumptions and look ahead to emerging trends, risks and opportunities. For NFPs navigating shifting funding, policy changes and evolving community needs, this mindset is essential for staying agile and impact-focused. 2. Strategic planning: turning vision into a practical roadmap Where strategic thinking explores the future, strategic planning gives it structure. A true strategic plan should clarify: long-term priorities how resources will be allocated what success looks like what will be delivered across short, medium and long-term horizons. Too often, NFPs confuse quarterly work plans or program documents with strategy. These are important, but they are operational or tactical, not strategic. 3. Align strategy, operations and tactics (and know the difference) Effective organisations understand the three layers: Strategic: long-term direction and big-picture priorities Operational: systems, processes and resourcing that support strategy Tactical: day-to-day tasks that deliver programs and services. All three matter but only when they work together. Strategy sets the direction. Operations make it possible. Tactics bring it to life. 4. Anchor every decision in your Theory of Change For NFPs, strategy must be explicitly tied to purpose. That means connecting your strategic plan to your Theory of Change — the model that explains how your activities lead to outcomes and social impact. Every initiative should be tested against it: Does this move us toward our intended outcomes? Does it strengthen our impact? If not, why are we doing it? This clarity helps funders, Boards and communities see exactly how your choices advance the impact you promise. 5. Strategy is cultural, not just a document on a shelf Strategic thinking must be embraced across the organisation, starting with the Board. Without leadership commitment, strategy becomes overshadowed by reactivity, and innovation is quickly lost. When everyone understands the strategic direction — and how their work fits into it — execution becomes stronger, faster and more purposeful. What this means for your NFP organisation Being genuinely strategic is about disciplined choices, clear priorities and alignment across every layer of planning. For NFPs looking to strengthen outcomes, improve decision-making and position themselves for long-term impact, 2026 is the year to refine strategic thinking and reconnect planning to purpose. Ready to sharpen your strategy and align your organisation for greater impact? Take our NFP Risk Survey now and start making more informed, confident decisions for your NFP organisation’s future at https://www.collinshume.com/nfp  or contact Nathan McGrath on 02 6686 3000. Practical Strategies for NFP Growth, Governance and Sustainability

YOU. That’s all we focus on. You, your family, your wealth and the legacy you (and we) leave. That’s it. Join us on this amazing journey. WORKING TOGETHER. Would you like assistance from Collins Hume to enhance your business profits, valuation and lifestyle? * YES NO Would you like an obligation-free review of your superannuation and wealth creation strategies with a financial adviser? * YES NO Would you like our finance broker to contact you for a complimentary review of your home loan or investment loans? * YES NO Submit Thanks for submitting!

Collins Hume | We have one focus — YOU —with us, you'll be looking way beyond the traditional horizons most accountants are restricted to. Let's TALK Ballina Location

Collins Hume | YOU. That’s all we focus on. You, your family, your wealth and the legacy you (and we) leave. That’s it. Join us on this amazing journey. Discover the Power of 360° Business Solutions At Collins Hume, our "360" approach means comprehensive, all-encompassing solutions tailored to your needs. Because everyone’s journey is different, we take a holistic approach to helping You. Whether optimising finances, growing your business or securing your legacy, we provide a full-circle strategy that puts you at the centre. Let’s navigate your success together. Strategy360° Business owners often face challenges like unpredictable growth, financial inefficiencies and navigating complex market environments. Strategy360 by Collins Hume simplifies these complexities by providing tailored strategic advisory services designed to improve profit, boost cash flow and enhance your business’s long-term value. Through expert guidance in financial management, business restructuring and succession planning, we help you overcome operational hurdles and maximise opportunities. Our proactive approach ensures we address common frustrations, such as poor cash flow management or inadequate risk mitigation, transforming them into strategic advantages. By partnering with Strategy360, you’ll gain clarity and control over your operations, improve profitability, increase business value, and secure a sustainable future for your business. Elevate your business to new heights. Contact Nathan McGrath on 02 6686 3000 for an obligation-free discussion on how Collins Hume can help you tailor a program to suit your requirements. Business Advice Not-For-Profits Wealth360° Do you ever wonder if you're on the right path to creating wealth and securing your financial future? Is your superannuation working as hard as it could be? Are you paying too much tax, or could your investments be better structured? What about leaving a legacy—will your family be hit with significant taxes or risk losing it due to failed business operations, bankruptcy or divorce? At Collins Hume, we bring the experience and expertise to guide you through these important decisions. Working closely with a trusted network of financial planners, lawyers, finance brokers, and retirement specialists, we tailor personalised solutions to maximise wealth, protect assets, and pass them on to future generations. With our proactive, holistic approach, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your financial affairs are in order—so you can enjoy a comfortable retirement. Partner with Collins Hume today to safeguard your future, minimise tax, and secure financial stability. Tax360° At Collins Hume, we provide strategic tax solutions that minimise your tax, create wealth, and protect your assets. We go beyond the usual ATO compliance lodgements and work with YOU to educate and empower you to make smarter, more informed financial and tax decisions. By focusing on business and investment structuring, tax minimisation, and long-term wealth creation, we help you optimise your tax position and meet ATO deadlines so you can focus on yourself and your business. Whether you're an investor or a business owner, we partner with you to minimise tax, safeguard your family’s assets, and achieve your financial goals. Let us guide you through the complexities of the tax system to build a secure, successful future. Books360° Managing the books can be overwhelming and time-consuming for business owners. And let’s face it, your time and expertise are better focused on other parts of your business. Books360 by Collins Hume takes the stress out of managing your ATO obligations. Whether you need BAS lodgement, payroll, or one-off bookkeeping expertise, our specialist team ensures accuracy and compliance, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Work with us today to streamline your bookkeeping and ensure you keep up with the ATO’s relentless deadlines. We help simplify your operations and provide real-time financial insights. Being efficient and adopting technology saves you time, reduces costly errors, and improves cash flow, directly benefiting your bottom line. With the expertise of our experienced bookkeepers, including Certified Xero Professionals, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your books are in order. Let Books360 by Collins Hume keep your business running smoothly.