Bendigo Accounting & Finance Blog

If you are one of the thousands of Victorians who volunteer for our emergency services, your hard work and sacrifice are deeply appreciated. To recognise this incredible contribution, the Victorian Government has created the Eligible Volunteers Rebate Scheme. This scheme offers a rebate on the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) liability, which has replaced the old Fire Services Property Levy on council rates notices from 1 July 2025. It is a way of saying thank you for the vital work you do. Understanding how to claim this rebate can feel a bit complicated, so we have broken down the key details to help you navigate the process.

For Australian business owners, the rhythm of payroll is a familiar one. You pay your staff, manage your expenses, and every quarter, you settle a lump-sum superannuation bill. It’s a cycle that has defined business finances for decades. But this familiar process is about to be completely overhauled, and the implications go far beyond a simple change in payment frequency.

Superannuation can often feel like a set-and-forget part of your financial life. But recent government announcements mean it’s worth paying attention, especially if you have a significant balance. New rules are on the horizon that change how super is taxed for high-income earners.

The superannuation guarantee rate increased to 12% from 1 July 2025. Please ensure your systems reflect this change for all recent and future payments.

When it comes to tax bills, no one likes surprises, especially the costly kind. Recent changes from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) mean that starting 1 July 2025, the interest you pay on overdue tax won’t be tax-deductible anymore. With interest rates already high, this new rule is set to hit both individuals and businesses in the hip pocket.

Great news for millions of Australians with student debt. The government has recently made some big changes to help ease the pressure of rising living costs. These updates include wiping away some of your debt and changing how your repayments are calculated. This is a significant move that will offer real financial relief to many.