If you employ staff, you may have seen that the government's Paid Parental Leave scheme changed again on 1 July 2026. The headline is more leave for families, which is welcome news, and it raises a fair question for employers: what, if anything, do you need to do differently? The short answer is less than you might expect. Most of the change sits with Services Australia and the ATO, not with you. There are a few things worth checking, so here's what lands on your desk. What c

Hiring contractors can give your business flexibility. Lower overheads. Project-based support. Access to specialised skills. But here’s the important question. Are you confident every person you’ve engaged as a contractor is genuinely a contractor under ATO rules? Because this is not just about wording in a contract. It affects tax, superannuation, payroll reporting and potentially payroll tax. Let’s simplify what the ATO looks at. Two Different Obligations The ATO clearly