Month: July 2025

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Welcome and governance

The ATO Co-chair welcomed members and ATO attendees to the Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group (TPSG) Tax Time 2025 meeting.

ATO Updates

Frontline Services

We confirmed 1.6 million lodgments have been received. This is a 10% decrease from the same time last year, indicating that our messaging around ‘wait to lodge’ is working with taxpayers choosing to lodge later. Lodgment numbers for self-preparers have decreased 6% and agents down 11% compared to this time last year. We emphasised that it is too early to make any assumptions around these numbers and expect this to level out as tax time progresses.

We have received 44,000 calls from agents, which is 10% down from last year. We highlighted this is as expected, noting call numbers typically follow lodgment trends.

As of 14 July, there have been 467,000 refunds issued to taxpayers, totalling almost $1.2 billion with an average refund amount of around $2,500. With safety nets released, the first refunds landed into taxpayers’ accounts on Friday 11 July as planned.

IT system updates and maintenance

Tax Time Support systems are currently marked green and operating well.

There was a system glitch with myGov login identified with Services Australia impacting Online Services for Individuals, however this has now been resolved. Individuals using the ATO app were not impacted during this time.

ATO Digital services

We noted that digital services are operating as intended and there is nothing to report.

ATO Communications

We have started to see social media attention from taxpayers expressing disappointment in their refund amounts or shock at a tax debt. We noted this reinforces the need for the ‘back to basics’ approach with education and communication.

We have recently updated key tax time resources in 19 languages to help support tax professionals who have clients who prefer information in languages other than English.

The ATO’s Tax and Super Basics media and social media campaign commenced on 13 July, targeting diverse language communities with information to support them with their tax and super obligations.

We continue to support tax practitioners by promoting the ATO’s troubleshooting guide, which can help tax agents get up-to-date information about the availability of ATO online systems and known issues.

As the quarterly BAS lodgment date nears, we are reminding businesses about the due date, and that they may get until 25 August to lodge and pay if they lodge through a registered tax or BAS agent.

ATO communications is highlighting the importance of providing the correct information about family income to private health insurance providers to ensure taxpayers received the right private health insurance rebate.

Member comments

Members expressed the need for a cultural shift around taxpayers’ entitlement to a tax refund. They stated an increasing number of taxpayers are posting to social media their dissatisfaction when they receive an unexpected tax bill at tax time.

We acknowledged that there are many reasons why a taxpayer may receive a tax bill, i.e. gig economy, multiple incomes, PAYGI etc. Members queried if ATO communications can share greater awareness around why some taxpayers may be receiving a tax bill.

Small Business

We have released the Small Business Tax Time toolkit, which has useful information, guides and tools to help small business taxpayers stay informed and organised this tax time.

We have rectified an issue raised relating to ATO website links directing some users to old content. This issue was resolved within 48 hours of being identified and all links are linking to the right content.

Superannuation

As of Monday morning 14 July, 83% of Single Touch Payroll (STP) records have been finalised. There were additional reminders issued on Friday 11 July through ATO social media channels.

We reminded tax agents to ensure employers who haven’t lodged their STP finalisation declarations as of COB Monday 14 July, to do so without delay as they are now overdue. Doing so will ensure employees have the right information to lodge their 2024–25 income tax returns.

Tax agents should make sure their clients have finalised data for all employees paid during the financial year. This includes employees that their clients may have not paid in a while, like employees or casuals who stopped work for them during the year.

Individuals

We will issue a media release around how to help protect yourself against scams next week. We prompted tax agents to remind their clients to be cautious of scams during tax time.

Member comments

Members queried whether there are any plans to issue comms to inform taxpayers who they should contact if they suspect instances of fraud. We confirmed this media release is to educate taxpayers and share the Verify or report a scam | Australian Taxation Office link to help taxpayers recognise any warning signs of tax scams, verify a suspected scam or report a scam.

Member Insights and Experience

Member comments

A member raised reports from tax agents that they are receiving correspondence for incorrect clients through Practice Mail in OSfA. We requested further details to investigate this matter.

A member raised an issue in relation to a super lump sum amount not being visible in pre-fill. We acknowledged the previously identified CSC issue and requested further details to understand if this matter is related.

A member raised a question around the frequency of PAYGI correspondence to tax agents. We asked for examples of these correspondences to investigate this further.

Useful links

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two more boys charged over alleged assault in Hobart CBD

Friday, 18 July 2025 – 2:22 pm.

Police have laid charges against two further boys over the alleged assault of a teenage boy in Hobart’s CBD on Wednesday.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, stealing, injure property, trespass and unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle. He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Division in August.
A 13-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, injure property and stealing. He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Division in August.
These arrests are in addition to:
A 14-year-old boy charged with aggravated robbery, stealing, destroy property, unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle, and bail offences. He appeared in court on Thursday night.
A 12-year-old boy charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, stealing and unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle. He was bailed to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Division in August.
A 14-year-old boy will be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
The charges stem from an altercation at the grassed area of Mathers Lane, in Hobart’s central business district, about 2.05pm on Wednesday in which police allege a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and had his iPhone stolen.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au (quote Offence Report 780149).
Tasmania Police thanks the public for their continued support and cooperation.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today the Albanese Labor Government is starting consultation on sustainable investment product labelling, to give investors more confidence to put more capital to work in sustainable products.

The release of this paper is a key step in implementing the Government’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap.

The Roadmap is all about helping to mobilise the capital required for Australia to become a renewable energy superpower, modernising our financial markets and maximising the economic opportunities from net zero.

This consultation paper seeks views from investors, companies and the broader community on a framework for sustainable investment product labels.

These labels will help investors and consumers identify, compare, and make informed decisions about sustainable investment products to understand what ‘sustainable’, ‘green’ or similar words mean when they’re applied to financial products.

A more robust and clear product labelling framework will help investors and consumers invest in sustainable products with confidence and help tackle greenwashing.

This is another practical step in the Roadmap to improve how we measure progress, manage risk, demonstrate results and mobilise the investment we need to reach net zero and other sustainability goals.

This phase of consultation will run from 18 July to 29 August and help the Government refine its design principles for the framework.

The consultation paper is available on the Treasury consultation hub.

Source:

Volunteers Di Billingsley and Phil Graham have been recognised with an Executive Director’s Citation for Service by Bushfires Northern Territory (NT).

The award recognises their role in delivering critical bushfire training to 60 new NT volunteers and Park Rangers in 2023 during a time when NT instructors were actively deployed to the firefront. This filled a critical gap and helped urgently build capability.

While Phil received his citation last year upon returning to the NT, Di was recently presented with the award by DCO Operational Doctrine and Capability Rohan Luke.  

“I was deeply honoured to be able to present Di her Citation on behalf of Bushfire NT for her work in 2023,” Rohan said.

“She was humbled and surprised, but it was a moment well deserved for her dedication and service.”

The Executive Director’s Citation for Service recognises individuals who have performed a direct service of a meritorious nature or an outstanding action in response to wildfire.

Submitted by	CFA News

Source: Airservices Australia

Granting of Overseas Clearing and Settlement Facility Licence to Clearstream Banking S.A.

The RBA welcomes ASIC’s decision to grant Clearstream Banking S.A. (Clearstream) a clearing and settlement facility licence.

Clearstream plays an important part in the Australian debt securities market. It is important the RBA and ASIC, as co-regulators of clearing and settlement facilities operating in Australia, are able to have sufficient oversight of such facilities. The licence granted by ASIC will support this oversight.

The RBA has completed an initial licensing assessment of Clearstream against the relevant obligations under Part 7.3 of the Corporations Act 2001. The RBA and ASIC have also entered into a memorandum of understanding with Clearstream’s home regulators, Banque centrale du Luxembourg and the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. The RBA will rely on the supervision of Clearstream’s home regulators, where appropriate, consistent with the Reserve Bank’s Approach to Supervising and Assessing Clearing and Settlement Facility Licensees.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 32-year-old man in relation to a domestic violence stabbing that occurred in Alice Springs last month.

It is alleged that on 21 June 2025 the offender assaulted his partner with an edged weapon outside a service station on Gap Road, Alice Springs. The offending was captured on CCTV.

At 9:35am yesterday, the 32-year-old was arrested in the Alice Springs CBD without incident by general duties members.

He was charged with Recklessly endanger serious harm and Armed with an offensive weapon. He was remanded in custody to appear in Alice Springs local court today.

The victim has been located safe, and investigations are ongoing.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today we have issued another round of invitations to the government’s Economic Reform Roundtable.

The Roundtable is all about building consensus on long term economic reform, with a focus on resilience, productivity and budget sustainability.

The latest round of invitees includes expert voices on economic policy, leaders with broad industry and policy experience, and important perspectives from regulators, the public sector and the states.

It’s an outstanding group of people who we believe will make a big contribution to the future direction of economic reform.

They are thought leaders who have been chosen for their ability to make meaningful contributions across a broad range of areas and across each of the three days.

More invitations will be issued for participants to attend specific sessions, as the agenda takes shape.

While we can’t invite representatives from every industry or organisation, everyone has the chance to have their say in this process with online submissions still open.

Roundtable invitations issued today include:

Sue Lloyd‑Hurwitz AM, Chair, National Housing Supply and Affordability Council

Kerry Schott, Chair, Competition Review Expert Advisory Panel

Matt Comyn, Chief Executive Officer, Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Scott Farquhar, Chair, Tech Council of Australia

Cath Bowtell, Chair, IFM Investors

Ben Wyatt, Board Member, Woodside, and former Treasurer of Western Australia

Ken Henry AC, Chair, Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation

Andrew Fraser, Chair, Australian Retirement Trust, Chancellor, Griffith University and former Treasurer of Queensland

Allegra Spender MP, Federal Independent Member for Wentworth

Daniel Mookhey MLC, Chair, Board of Treasurers and NSW Treasurer

Gina Cass‑Gottlieb, Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of the Treasury

Invitations issued last month:

Danielle Wood, Chair, Productivity Commission

Sally McManus, Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Michele O’Neil, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Liam O’Brien*, Assistant Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Joseph Mitchell*, Assistant Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Bran Black, Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Australia

Andrew McKellar, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Innes Willox, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Industry Group

Matthew Addison, Chair, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia

Cassandra Goldie, Australian Council of Social Service

Ted O’Brien, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Treasurer

*These participants will attend as alternates for the Secretary and President of the ACTU.

Biographies

Sue Lloyd‑Hurwitz AM

Sue is the Chair of National Housing Supply and Affordability Council; a non‑executive director of Rio Tinto, Macquarie Group and INSEAD; and a Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate. Previously, Sue was CEO and Managing Director of Mirvac and President of Chief Executive Women.

Dr Kerry Schott AO

Kerry is a Director of AGL, Chair of the Carbon Market Institute and Chair of the Competition Review Expert Advisory Panel. Recently, she was Chair of the New South Wales Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board, Chair of the Advisory Board to EnergyCo NSW, and an Adviser to Aware Super. Kerry brings extensive experience in transport, infrastructure and energy, across both business and government sectors.

Matt Comyn

Matt is the CEO and Managing Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Matt has over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, including as Managing Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s biggest digital business, CommSec, and brings extensive experience in digital adoption.

Scott Farquhar

Scott is the Co‑Founder of Atlassian, one of the world’s leading software collaboration companies and Australia’s first tech unicorn. Scott is a Founding Member and Chair of the Tech Council of Australia and is also the Co‑Founder of Skip Capital, a private fund investing in exceptional tech and infrastructure entrepreneurs.

Cath Bowtell

Cath is the Chair of IFM Investors, Industry Super Holdings and is a Director of Industry Fund Services. Cath has worked for many years in senior roles in both the superannuation industry and union movement. Cath is also currently the Chair of the Jobs and Skills Australia Ministerial Advisory Board.

The Hon Ben Wyatt

Ben is a former Treasurer of Western Australia and holds a number of current board positions, including for Woodside. Ben held a number of ministerial positions in WA and became the first Indigenous treasurer of an Australian parliament. Ben brings extensive knowledge of public policy, finance, international trade and Indigenous affairs.

Dr Ken Henry AC

Ken is an Australian economist and former public servant, including as Secretary of the Department of the Treasury from 2001 to 2011. Ken has held numerous positions in both government and the private sector, and is currently Chair of the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, the Nature Finance Council, and Wildlife Recovery Australia.

The Hon Andrew Fraser

Andrew is the Chair of the Australian Retirement Trust, Chancellor of Griffith University and a Director of the Bank of Queensland. He also works in the charity sector, where he serves as the Chair of Orange Sky Australia. Andrew is a former Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Queensland, and brings broad experience across the private and public sectors, and the charitable and education sectors.

Allegra Spender MP

Allegra is the Federal Independent Member for Wentworth. Prior to entering Parliament, Allegra worked as a business analyst at McKinsey, a policy analyst with UK Treasury and was later the Managing Director at Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd. Allegra was also previously the Chair of the Sydney Renewable Power Company, and CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network.

The Hon Daniel Moohkey MLC

Daniel is NSW Treasurer and the current Chair of the Board of Treasurers. Daniel has been a member of the NSW Legislative Council for over ten years and has delivered three Budgets in his over two years as the Treasurer of NSW.

Gina Cass‑Gottlieb

Gina is Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Gina has over 30 years’ experience advising on merger, competition and regulatory matters in Australia and New Zealand. Gina brings broad and deep experience on consumer and competition issues across the economy.

Dr Steven Kennedy PSM

Steven is Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and was previously Secretary to the Treasury. Prior to this, Steven was Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development between September 2017 and August 2019. In a public service career spanning more than 30 years, Steven has held a series of other senior positions.

Jenny Wilkinson PSM

Jenny Wilkinson commenced as Secretary to the Australian Treasury in June 2025, becoming the first woman to hold this position in its 124‑year history. Jenny was previously Secretary of the Department of Finance. During her career, Jenny has held other senior positions in Commonwealth Treasury, the Parliamentary Budget Office, the Department of Industry, the Department of Climate Change, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Source:

Image: Fire Rescue Victoria

A woman who became trapped under a large volume of silage was successfully rescued following a multi-agency operation at a property in Darnum on Sunday, 13 July.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: New South Wales – News

A previously unsearched area of water and mangroves on the northern side of Garden Island will be the focus of today’s search.

This new location has been identified in a comprehensive cold case review of the original investigation that has also resulted in new leads being pursued by Major Crime Investigation Branch detectives.

The review has also led to numerous exhibits in the case being re-submitted to Forensic Science SA for fresh DNA testing using advanced techniques unavailable at the time of Rosemary’s murder and Melissa’s disappearance in May 2000.

Melissa, aged 15 years and her mother, Rosemary Brown, aged 33 years, were last seen leaving their home in Blair Athol at about 2.30am on Saturday 13 May 2000. The body of Melissa’s mother, Rosemary Brown was found in mangroves at Garden Island on 2 July 2000.

“As part of the renewed investigation, we have identified a previously unsearched area and we’re hopeful that we can find the remains of Melissa,” Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, Officer in Charge of Major Crime Investigation Branch said.

“This search demonstrates that we will not give up looking for answers.

“We will continue to investigate this matter and will not stop until we can provide closure and hopefully justice for the loved ones of both Rosemary Brown and Melissa Trussell.”

Earlier this month, family of Melissa released a public plea for information exactly 25 years since Rosemary’s body was discovered in mangroves at Garden Island

“We would like to thank the public for new information provided to Crime Stoppers following this appeal,” Detective Superintendent Fielke added.

“We urge anyone with any information on this case, no matter how minute, to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.”

Rewards up to $1,000,000 will be paid by the Government of South Australia, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police, to anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of Melissa Trussell (Brown) (and/or leading to the location and recovery of the victim’s remains).

Rewards up to $200,000 will be paid by the Government of South Australia, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police, to anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of Rosemary Brown.

Police are today searching for the remains of Melissa Trussell after identifying a new search area on Garden Island.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

P-plater caught at dangerous speed on Midland Highway

Friday, 18 July 2025 – 9:46 am.

A P-plater will be proceeded against after he was caught travelling 44km over the speed limit on the Midland Highway yesterday.
About 4.30pm, police intercepted the 17-year-old, who had held his licence for just four days, near Oatlands, where he was detected travelling at 144km/h.
Senior Constable Shane Leek from Oatlands Police said the teenager’s provisional licence meant he was subject to a 100km/h speed restriction.
The driver was also found to be in breach of several other licence conditions, including:

Using a mobile phone while driving under a P1 licence
Failure to display a rear P plate
Breaching peer passenger restrictions under a P1 licence

“This behaviour posed a serious risk to the driver, their passengers, and other road users,” said Senior Constable Leek.
“Excessive speed, combined with inexperience and distraction, can have tragic consequences.”
The teenager now faces a $1537 fine, 11 demerit points and has been disqualified from driving for 3 months.
Tasmania Police reminds all P1 licence holders of their legal obligations:

Always carry your licence
Clearly display P plates on the front and rear of your vehicle
Do not exceed 100km/h, even where higher limits apply
Maintain a blood alcohol content of 0.00
Do not use a mobile phone while driving
Comply with all Tasmanian Road Rules
Follow peer passenger restrictions (limit of one passenger aged between 16 and 21 years).

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and these conditions are in place to protect not only young drivers but the wider community.