Category: MIL-OSI

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Tax Time 2025 update – 12 August

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 advised it’s been a busy couple of weeks.

Overall, we’ve received 5 million individual lodgments, which is a 1% decrease from last year. Of this total, numbers are very similar for self-preparers, whilst agent-lodged returns are down 4% compared to this time last year.

We’ve received on average around 22,000 calls from agents each week, totalling 133,000. This is 12% down from this time last year.

Around 96.5% of Single Touch Payroll (STP) records have been finalised. This is similar to the same time last year.

IT system updates & maintenance

We noted good stability and performance across systems throughout the past fortnight. Key systems are reporting green.

ATO Digital services

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

ATO Communications

Tax Time messaging has continued around themes of:

  • claiming deductions correctly
  • scam awareness and identity protection, and
  • lodgment options.

Study loan changes are now law with Royal Assent received on Saturday 9 August 2025. The ATO website and the Tax professionals newsletter will contain all relevant and up to date information. The key messages are:

  • No action is required for the reduction to be applied.
  • People should lodge as normal and we will notify clients when the 20% reduction has been applied to their loan accounts.
  • The reduction will be rolled-out in stages with most completed by the end of December 2025. More complex cases may take longer.

We have a new campaign to promote the security features of the ATO app going live 13 August 2025. The messaging will be along the lines of:

  • stop fraudsters fast, and
  • get some peace of mind in your pocket.

Member Insights and Experience

Members agreed that due to a conflict with a Tax Practitioners Board meeting, the next scheduled meeting on 26 August 2025 will be cancelled. Tax time matters will be covered at the September Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group meeting on 2 September 2025.

Useful links

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PAYGW reminders for activity statement lodgments

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

To help your clients meet their withholding obligations, we’ll be sending some employers a reminder to lodge their activity statements. The reminder will include the amounts we have on record for them, such as: 

  • PAYG withheld amounts reported through Single Touch Payroll (STP)
  • any other pre-filled amounts, including GST instalments and PAYG instalments (instalment amount option).
  • Our reminders will provide a timeframe for your clients to review and if necessary, correct the amounts we have on record for them and lodge their activity statements.

If your clients don’t lodge by this date, we:

  • will consider the amounts we have on record are correct and complete
  • will add these amounts to the employer’s account, as they are due and payable, and 
  • may finalise their activity statement and consider it lodged unless they have any other obligations, such as GST, to report.

We’ll provide registered agents with a list of your clients who have been sent this letter, so you will be aware of what actions your clients need to take.

If your clients don’t make any changes to correct the data or lodge by the due date and the activity statement has been finalised in ATO systems, they will need to adjust these amounts by lodging a revised activity statement. If the information is correct, they won’t need to take any further action.

More information about these lodgment reminder letters is available on our website.

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Verifying ownership and asset separation during SMSF audit

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

When conducting the annual SMSF audit, auditors must gather sufficient evidence to confirm that:

Regulation 4.09A requires trustees to keep fund assets and money separate from their personal assets, as well as from those held by any standard employer sponsor or their associates. This rule protects fund assets in case of creditor disputes.

To help you meet your obligations, we have published new guidance which outlines the types of evidence you can use to verify asset ownership to comply with regulation 4.09A.

If you cannot confirm the fund owns an asset listed in its financial statements – and the asset is material – you must modify your opinion in Part A of the SMSF Independent Auditor’s Report.

Failing to maintain separation of assets results in a contravention of regulation 4.09A. If the contravention is material, you must modify your opinion in Part B of the SMSF Independent Auditor’s report.

If the reporting criteria is met, you must also report a regulation 4.09A contravention in an Auditor/actuary contravention report (ACR). This may occur when a company acts as both the SMSF trustee and a business operator and uses the same bank account for both SMSF and business income.

We encourage auditors to review the new guidance. It includes practical examples and outlines the acceptable forms of evidence to support compliance with both asset ownership and separation requirements.

Looking for the latest news for SMSFs? You can stay up to date by visiting our SMSF newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly SMSF newsletter.

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Young people at the heart of new Banksia Grove hub

Source: South Australia Police

Grandis Park in Banksia Grove is now home to a vibrant new youth space brought to life by the creativity of local young people – thanks to a partnership between the City and WA Police.

Last year, the City secured a WA Police grant to deliver a 12-month project aimed at engaging local young people and helping foster a stronger sense of connection and pride in their community.

Kicking off earlier this year, the project brought together students from Joseph Banks Secondary College, local businesses, community members and local police to co-design a new youth hub at Grandis Park.

Working alongside the City’s design team, students created a welcoming gathering space complete with seating, a large shade sail, plants and vibrant public art.

Students led the creative process, taking part in workshops to explore what matters most to young people in the area.

They collaborated with local artist, John Herne from Blank Walls, to develop and paint the final artwork on the seating areas and footpaths.

The project culminated in a community celebration in May, designed and delivered by the young participants themselves.

The official launch event, ‘Hangout at the Grove’, featured live performances, food trucks, bubble soccer and more.

Now complete, the Grandis Park youth space is more than just a place to hang out. It’s an example of what can be achieved when young people are given the tools and trust to shape their own community.

“This project is all about engaging the students to take ownership of the space and work together to create something that they can be proud of,” City of Wanneroo Youth Development Planner Jamie Dehouck said.

“It’s also getting them to understand that their voice matters, and that they have a say in their own community.”

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Global recognition for a pioneering marketing research leader

Source:

15 August 2025

Professor Byron Sharp at the awards ceremony.

One of the world’s most recognised authorities on marketing, the University of South Australia’s Professor Byron Sharp, has been awarded the Sir Charles McGrath Award by the Australian Marketing Institute.

The Sir Charles McGrath Award was established in 1976, and recognises individuals who have contributed through exceptional business performance, as well as mentoring, advocacy and development of the marketing profession.

Previous recipients have included former Qantas CEO James Strong, former Woolworths CEO Roger Corbett, former ABC Chairman Justin Milne and former Network Seven CEO Maureen Plavsic.

Professor Sharp, who travelled to Sydney to accept the award, says he is honoured to be acknowledged alongside previous participants who are leaders of some of Australia’s biggest businesses.

“I founded a ‘business’ that is now globally famous and quite a good export earner for Australia, but I know that this award is for bringing science to marketing, and to boardroom discussions around the world,” he says.

Prof Sharp is director of the world’s largest centre for research into marketing – UniSA’s Ehrenberg Bass Institute – which has become a global leader in marketing and advertising research and is supported by some of the biggest brands on the planet.

Celebrating its 20th year in 2025, the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute is sponsored by brand juggernauts such as McDonalds, Nestle, PepsiCo, and AstraZeneca.

Prof Sharp has built a reputation for scientific discoveries that challenge traditional marketing theory and practice. His book How Brands Grow: What Marketers Don’t Know debunks common myths about brand growth and has become a cornerstone for modern marketing strategies. Heralded as a ‘bible’ for marketers worldwide, it’s available in more than a dozen languages.

………………………………………………………………………………

Contact for interview: Byron Sharp, Professor of Marketing Science, UniSA, Director – Ehrenberg Bass Institute for Marketing Research E: Byron.sharp@unisa.edu.au 

Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA M: 0403 659 154 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

Other articles you may be interested in

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Delivering urgent reform of Working with Children Checks

Source: Statement from CCC Chairperson on the Independent Crime and Corruption Commission Reporting Review

Today, at the first meeting of the Standing Council of Attorneys-General (SCAG) of the 48th Parliament, Attorneys-General from across Australia agreed to drive decisive action to deliver a national approach and address systemic gaps in Working with Children Checks (WWCCs) to improve the safety of children across Australia.

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Sound effect of Pacific Highway upgrade in northern NSW

Source: Mental Health Australia

Safer journeys are on the way in northern NSW with work starting next week to install Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM) on the Pacific Highway from Harwood to Tweed Heads.

Transport for NSW ED Partnerships & Integration North Greg Collins said the NSW Government is investing $3.436 million in this safety upgrade through the Saving Lives Accelerated Program.

“Also known as rumble strips, ATLM reduces the risk of head-on and run-off-road crashes by alerting drivers if their vehicle starts to veer out of their lane, and will be installed on almost 100 kilometres of the dual carriageway,” Mr Collins said.

“If a vehicle leaves its lane where ATLM is installed, whether through fatigue, distraction or inattention, the rumble strips make a noise to immediately alert the driver to take corrective action to avoid a serious accident.

“This makes them particularly effective at night or in bad weather, and can reduce the number of crashes by 15 to 25 per cent, saving lives and preventing injuries.

“This work on the Pacific Highway is just one part of the $46 million Saving Lives Accelerated Program, with work underway and upcoming across the state.”

Upcoming work on the Pacific Highway will be carried out from Harwood to Tweed Heads, where a total of 300 kilometres of rumble strips will be installed over 96 kilometres of road.

Crews will be working on this section of the highway from Monday 18 August from 6am to 6pm Monday to Saturdays. Some work may be carried out at night between 8pm and 4am. Work is expected to be completed by 19 December 2025, weather permitting.

Lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place during the work.

Work to install ATLM on section one from Karuah to Frederickton and section two from Colombatti to Maclean started in June and is expected to be completed by early November 2025, weather permitting. 

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Multiple searches net illegal firearms, drugs and stolen vehicle

Source: New South Wales – News

A man has been arrested after multiple searches earlier this week.

On Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives, with the assistance of the Dog Operations Unit, searched multiple premises at West Croydon, Two Wells and Ferryden Park.

A stolen Mitsubishi Pajero was recovered along with methamphetamine, chemicals, clan lab equipment and three illegal firearms.

Two of the firearms were concealable handguns; one disguised to look like an iPhone.

A 56-year-old West Croydon man was arrested and charged with multiple serious offences including trafficking a controlled drug, possessing firearms without a licence, possessing commercial quantities of precursors and manufacturing a controlled drug.

He appeared in court yesterday (14 August) and was remanded by the Adelaide Magistrates Court until 20 August.

Anyone with information on the sale, supply, manufacture or distribution of illicit drugs is asked to contact Crime Stoppers online at www/crimestoppers.com.au or phone 1800 333 000.

CO2500033588/CO2500033750

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UPDATE: Death in Custody Investigation – Rosebery

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating after a death in Rosebery earlier today during a police operation.

At 7am, police officers attached to the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team executed a search warrant at an address on Lancewood Street, Rosebery.

A 62-year-old man and his wife were present at the residence while the warrant was being executed.

At approximately 8am, the man obtained a knife from within the residence and stabbed himself multiple times in the chest.

Police deployed a taser in an attempt to prevent the man from further harming himself. An officer also received a laceration to his hand while trying to disarm him.

Officers provided immediate first aid to the 62-year-old. St John Ambulance also arrived at the scene soon after but the man succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene.

The injured officer is currently receiving treatment for the injury to his hand.

A crime scene has been declared, and Lancewood Street, Rosebery is currently closed.

Major Crime Investigators remain on scene and the incident is being treated as a death in custody.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25217042. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.   

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Next step towards improved access to ADHD care in the ACT

Source: Australian National Party




Next step towards improved access to ADHD care in the ACT – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 15/08/2025

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for General Practitioners (GPs) working in the ACT who are interested in managing and prescribing medications and diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The EOI will help shape the pilot program, which aims to improve affordability and support timely access to assessment and treatment for patients, while supporting GPs to work to an expanded scope of practice.

This announcement builds on the ACT Government’s election commitment to expand the role for GPs in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and will help deliver a more integrated healthcare system for Canberrans.

This program will expand on the ACT’s existing continuation prescribing provisions, which enable a paediatrician, psychiatrist or neurologist to hand over prescribing to a GP for a period of two years for patients over the age of four.

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said calling for EOIs for the pilot marks an important step in the program and in improving access to care in the ACT.

“The ACT Government acknowledges the pressures and barriers patients and families can sometimes experience when accessing treatments for ADHD. Expanding GP scope of practice in this space is a priority for us,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“This pilot program will help make health care more accessible, timely, and equitable for individuals and families navigating an ADHD diagnosis.

“By expanding the scope of practice for GPs to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD, we’re empowering them to play a more significant role in treatment and care for those with ADHD and making it easier for people to access the support they need sooner.”

In addition to identifying GPs who are interested in the diagnosing or prescribing streams of the pilot program, the EOI process is also seeking information on what care GPs already provide for patients with ADHD and their preferences on specific training delivery to help inform the pilot. Stakeholder engagement and consultation on the pilot program will continue over the coming months and will help shape the pilot framework.

To ensure the safe and effective implementation of this expanded scope of practice, participating GPs will be required to complete specific further training.

The ACT Government is also working closely with the Federal Government and other jurisdictions towards a nationally consistent approach to expanding GP scope of practice for ADHD diagnosis and medication management.

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

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