Banks still worthy of a place in most portfolios

Clarke McEwan Accountants

Australian banks still worthy of a place in most portfolios… despite what some commentators say

Barring disasters, the banks should produce returns of the order of 10% per annum over the next decade. With a yield of 8% including franking credits, we need just 2% per annum growth to get us to a 10% per annum total return. Even if we get no growth in earnings, an 8% per annum return means that banks will be worth a place in most portfolios - barring disasters.

Disasters? What could possibly go wrong?

Anyone who follows the mainstream investment media will have no problem making some suggestions here. Ever increasing capital requirements, curbs on lending growth, new taxes, fines, Royal Commissions and other government interventions have been widely discussed. In addition, some outright disasters have been suggested, with a collapse in the residential property market the most common. And, of course, there is the possibility of an old fashioned, severe recession which inevitably would bring more pain for the banks.

Some of these scenarios are likely and should be factored into any forecast. Others may be unlikely but still are risks that we need to consider. Here, we want to put those risks in perspective particularly those that have been widely covered in the mainstream investment media and where we believe the impacts have been vastly overstated.

Increased regulatory and capital requirements

These are real and are happening right now and, accordingly, are in our base forecast. Most banks have around 10% of capital for each dollar of risk weighted assets – that should head towards 11% over time. This makes the banks safer but slightly less profitable. In addition, we have the bank levy which should slice around 2.5% off bank profits. Furthermore, we have threats of Royal Commissions, fines for bad behaviour, and so on. Collectively, we think these will reduce Earnings Per Share by about 10% over time. This slices just 1% per annum off returns over the next ten years. We include this impact in our forecast.

A slowdown in the growth of residential lending

We think this is highly likely and it is why we forecast future earnings growth at around 2% per annum. This is much lower than historical earnings growth and, in fact, this forecast is much lower than most other analysts' forecasts. And still it gets us to a 10% per annum return.

A recession is likely in the next decade and will hurt the banks

Our forecasts assume that Australia will experience a recession in the next decade. We also predict that, when the recession comes, the market will know about it before we do – and so the chances of getting out early will be small. Hence, the key question is how bad a recession might be, both in terms of depth and also in terms of how well prepared the banks are for that recession.

The depth of a recession is often depends upon the health of the banks to that recession. The more extended the banks, the more they cut lending, the more they harass existing borrowers, and the more they drive the economy into the ground. When banks enter a recession in better shape, the recession is generally milder. We saw that during the GFC where the Australian downturn was much milder than in other parts of the world because, at least in part, the Australian banks entered the recession in reasonable shape.

A 2015 RBA study found that the key drivers of bank lending losses during recessions were: rapid credit growth; high levels of building construction activity; falling bank lending standards; and, rising interest rates.

Today, we have modest levels of lending growth, normal levels of commercial building construction, tightening lending standards and no sign of a central bank with any interest in raising interest rates. Of those four loss drivers, the only one flashing a warning light right now is the high level of residential construction activity. Even there, the banks are scaling back their involvement and watching their risks very closely. In short, the banks are in good shape generally and in much better shape than prior to the GFC. This suggests that any recession in the next decade should be relatively mild so long as these indicators remain strong. If they turn south, caution will be required.

Our forecast assumes that a mild recession will occur and will result in a one-off reduction in profits of around a third and take around 0.5% per annum off 10-year returns.

Even mild recessions will cause short-term volatility

But before we get too comfortable, we should not forget that during a recession, bank share prices will probably fall by 50% or more. But the fall is unlikely to be permanent.

While this may seem dramatic, we would say the same thing about every other sector of the share market. All equities are volatile. All can fall dramatically during recessions. The banks are no different. As long-term investors, we should worry predominantly about a permanent loss of capital.

And that is a possibility if the recession is severe. Accordingly, no matter how attractive the prospects of Australian banks, all the normal rules of diversification still apply.

Impact of a collapse in the housing market

Now, this is where things hot up. The market is divided on this issue. There are those who consider that a collapse in housing prices and as a result, the banks, is almost certain; there are those who aren't sure; and, there are those who are extremely sceptical that we will see a housing induced collapse in the banks at all.

Farrelly's considers a collapse in housing prices as possible but unlikely:

We still seem to have a shortage of housing that not even the residential building boom is meeting;
Bank lending practices are being tightened but not sufficiently to cause an out-and-out collapse.

Nonetheless, it would be foolish to say that a collapse in housing prices couldn't happen. Accordingly, we consider the impact of an extreme example - a 35% fall in the prices of houses nationwide and an accompanying recession that sees soaring unemployment and a 10% default rate amongst mortgagees.

Helpfully, the major banks produce detailed reports showing the Loan to Valuation Ratios (LVRs) of their mortgage lending books. This is all we need to do our own stress test. Consider two loans, one has a LVR of 50% (in other words, $50 worth of loan for every $100 worth of house), while the other has an LVR of 90% ($90 worth of loan for every $100 worth of house.) Now assume that property prices fell by 35%.

Post the fall, the first loan now has $50 worth of loan for $65 worth of house, while the second has $90 of loan for every $65 worth of house. If the first borrower loses their job and can't repay the loan, the bank has the option of putting the property on the market, recouping their $50 loan and sending whatever is left back to the unfortunate borrower.

The second borrower would be a problem for the bank. Here, a default potentially costs the bank a loss of $25 for every $90 of loan.

Now let's assume that 10% of all mortgages default. The results for the major banks are shown in Figure 1 on the following page.

Figure 1: Bank stress test (35% downturn in property prices & 10% default rate)
	ANZ	CBA	NAB	WBC
Size of loan book ($ bill)	274	436	285	414
Loss as a % of loan book if 10% default	-0.5%	-0.6%	-0.6%	-0.4%
Loss In $mill	-1,479	-2,660	-1,807	-1,482
Loss as a % of 2017 pre-tax profits	-15%	-19%	-19%	-13%
Pre-tax profits 2017 ($mill)	9,704	14,114	9,306	11,050
Source: Bank reports, farrelly's analysis

That's right. A perfect storm of a 35% fall in residential property prices and a 10% default rate would result in the banks' profits falling by about 17% on average. While this is clearly not a great result, it falls a long way short of a disaster.

In a year or two, profits would rebound and normal business would resume. Farrelly's calculations suggest that the whole episode would reduce 10-year average returns by around just 0.5% per annum.

Now, a much more likely scenario is that if residential property prices do fall that it will be more like a fall of around 20% (rather than 35%). This causes a one-off reduction in profits of closer to 4%. It's a blip.

Residential property lending makes the banks safer, not riskier

The bottom line is this: residential property lending is actually an extremely profitable and safe activity for the banks. The fact that the Australian banks' lending books are highly concentrated in home loan lending should be a source of comfort rather than concern. It's the equivalent of having 70% of a portfolio invested in government bonds – the concentration, in this instance, makes the portfolio safer, not riskier.

Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Any advice in this document is general advice only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You should obtain financial advice relevant to your circumstances before making investment decisions. Where a particular financial product is mentioned you should consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making any decisions in relation to the product. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this information, Australian Unity Personal Financial Services Ltd does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. Australian Unity Personal Financial Services Ltd does not guarantee any particular outcome or future performance. Australian Unity Personal Financial Services Ltd is a registered tax (financial) adviser. Any views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services Ltd. If you intend to rely on any tax advice in this document you should seek advice from a tax professional. Australian Unity Personal Financial Services Ltd ABN 26 098 725 145, AFSL & Australian Credit Licence No. 234459, 114 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205. This document produced in October 2017. © Copyright 2017

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Electric Car Discounts Under Review: What It Means for Your Business (and What You Should Do Now)

By Clarke McEwan • February 11, 2026

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche choice. By late 2025, they account for more than 8% of new car sales in Australia, driven in no small part by generous tax incentives. One of the most significant is the Federal Government’s Electric Car Discount, introduced in mid-2022. For many businesses and employees, it has materially reduced the cost of owning or leasing an EV. That said, the rules are now under review. While no immediate changes are proposed, this is an important moment to understand the benefits, assess whether they suit your circumstances, and consider timing. How the Electric Car Discount Works (in Plain English) The discount is not a cash rebate. Instead, it operates through tax concessions that can significantly reduce the real cost of an EV: 1. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption Where an eligible EV is provided to an employee as a fringe benefit, private use is exempt from FBT. This is often the biggest saving. Without the exemption, FBT is effectively charged at up to 47%. For many employees, the exemption can reduce the annual after-tax cost of a vehicle by thousands of dollars. Important points: The exemption applies to battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Plug-in hybrid vehicles lost eligibility for new arrangements from 1 April 2025. The car must be first held and used after 1 July 2022 and be below the luxury car tax threshold at first purchase. 2. Higher luxury car tax (LCT) threshold Fuel-efficient vehicles, including EVs, benefit from a higher LCT threshold ($91,387 for 2025–26, compared to $76,950 for other cars). This can prevent the 33% luxury car tax applying to part of the purchase price. 3. Reduced import costs Certain EVs are also exempt from the 5% customs duty, reducing upfront acquisition costs. Commercially, these settings have made EVs very competitive. Lower running costs (electricity versus fuel, fewer servicing requirements) and solid resale values have strengthened the business case, particularly for salary packaging and small fleets. Why the Government Is Reviewing the Rules A statutory review of the Electric Car Discount has now commenced. The key reason is cost. Uptake has exceeded expectations, and the projected cost to the budget has increased significantly over the forward estimates. The review will examine: Whether the concession is still required to encourage EV adoption. Whether eligibility settings should be tightened (for example, limiting benefits to certain vehicle types or price points).How the discount interacts with other policies, such as the National Vehicle Emissions Standard commencing in 2025. Public consultation is underway, with a final report not due until mid-2027. Importantly, there is no suggestion of immediate changes, and any reforms are more likely to be prospective. Practical Takeaways for Business Owners and Employees While uncertainty always creates hesitation, the current rules are clear and legislated. From a practical perspective: Now is a good time to review fleet or salary packaging arrangements, particularly if you are considering replacing a vehicle in the next 12–24 months. Existing arrangements are expected to be grandfathered, reducing the risk of retrospective changes (although we can’t guarantee this). Ensure vehicles are clearly under the LCT threshold at first purchase and meet all eligibility criteria if you want to access the FBT exemption. Check the tax treatment of charging infrastructure provided in connection with an eligible EV, this won’t necessarily qualify for an FBT exemption. Final Thought The Electric Car Discount remains one of the most valuable concessions available for employee vehicles. While a review introduces longer-term uncertainty, the commercial reality today is that EVs can deliver genuine tax and cash-flow savings when structured correctly. If you are considering an EV—either personally or through your business—now is the right time to run the numbers. Please contact our team if you would like tailored advice on whether an electric vehicle strategy makes sense for you under the current rules.

AI Tax Tips: Helpful Shortcut or Costly Trap?

By Clarke McEwan • February 11, 2026

As a business owner or investor, time is always tight. So it’s no surprise many people now turn to AI tools like ChatGPT for quick answers on tax deductions, super contributions or structuring ideas. The responses sound confident, arrive instantly and cost nothing. What could go wrong? Plenty. The Australian tax and super system is complex, highly fact-specific and constantly changing. While AI can be a useful starting point, relying on it for decisions can expose you to audits, penalties and poor financial outcomes. We’re increasingly seeing the clean-up work when AI advice goes wrong. Where AI Can Help (and Where it Can’t) AI is quite good at explaining basic concepts in plain English. It can help you understand what “negative gearing” means, outline the difference between concessional and non-concessional super contributions, or prompt you to think about record-keeping. Used this way, it can save time and help you ask better questions. The problem starts when AI moves from explaining concepts to giving “advice”. Tax and super outcomes depend on your specific facts: your income levels, business structure, age, residency status, assets, timing and future plans. AI does not know these details unless you provide them—and you generally shouldn’t. Even then, it cannot exercise judgement or balance competing risks the way an experienced adviser can. The Accuracy Risk: Confident, but Wrong AI tools are known to “hallucinate” – that is, provide answers that sound authoritative but are incorrect or incomplete. In practice, this can mean: Claiming deductions that don’t apply to your circumstances Miscalculating capital gains tax or ignoring integrity rules Suggesting super strategies that breach contribution caps or eligibility rules Quoting legislation, cases and rulings or concessions that don’t exist or are out of date. These errors are rarely obvious to a non-expert, but they are normally obvious to the ATO, courts and experienced advisers. A recent decision handed down by the Administrative Review Tribunal highlights some of the key problems. In Smith and Commissioner of Taxation [2026] ARTA 25 the taxpayer appeared to rely on AI tools to identify cases which supported their argument, but this approach was shot down by the Tribunal. Some of the cases didn’t exist and others were simply not relevant to the matter being considered. If the person using the AI tool doesn’t verify the existence of the cases provided by the tool and read them to ensure their relevance then “the Tribunal’s resources are being wasted, as the Tribunal must look for cases that don’t exist and read cases that have no relevance at all”. ATO Scrutiny is Increasing, not Decreasing The ATO isn't anti-AI—they use it internally for fraud detection and analytics. But for you? The ATO’s misinformation guide makes it clear that AI tools can provide false, inaccurate, incomplete or outdated information. The ATO’s message is to verify everything, or face the music. Surveys reveal 64% of businesses seek AI accounting help first, only for pros to unscramble the mess—wasting time and money. ATO AI transparency statement | Australian Taxation Office Protect yourself from misinformation and disinformation | Australian Taxation Office When something is wrong, the ATO will generally amend the return, charge interest and may apply penalties—even if the mistake came from AI advice rather than intent. We are seeing this play out most clearly with work-from-home claims, property deductions and SMSF compliance. Superannuation: High Stakes, Little Margin for Error Super is an area where AI advice can be particularly dangerous. Self-managed super funds, in particular, operate under strict rules. AI often overlooks key issues such as eligibility, timing, purpose tests and investment restrictions. The result can be non-compliance, forced unwinding of transactions and penalties that run into thousands of dollars. Super mistakes can also permanently damage your retirement savings. Data Security and Privacy There is also a practical risk many people overlook: entering personal or financial information into AI platforms. Once data is entered, you lose control over how it is stored or used. This creates privacy and fraud risks that are simply not worth taking. A Smarter Approach: AI Plus Professional Advice AI is best used as a support tool, not a decision-maker. It can help you understand the landscape, but important tax and super decisions should always be reviewed in light of your full circumstances. At our firm, we encourage clients to bring questions early, test ideas and have conversations before acting. That approach almost always costs less than fixing problems after the fact. The bottom line: AI can be a helpful assistant, but it is not your accountant. When it comes to protecting your wealth and staying compliant, tailored professional advice remains essential.

Downsizer Contributions and the Main Residence Exemption

By Clarke McEwan • February 11, 2026

When clients sell a long-held family home, they may be able to channel part of the proceeds into superannuation by using the downsizer contribution rules. Basic Eligibility Conditions To qualify, the seller must meet a number of conditions: They must have reached the eligible age of 55 years (at the time of making the contribution). The eligible dwelling must be located in Australia and have been owned for at least 10 years. The disposal of the dwelling must be exempt from CGT under the main residence exemption to some extent (full exemption not required).ntent of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source. The contribution must be made within 90 days of settlement, and an election form must be lodged with the fund no later than when the contribution is received. The downsizer contribution can only be used once per individual and is limited to the lesser of the gross sale proceeds or $300,000 per person. Does the Sale Need to be Fully CGT-exempt? A common question is whether the sale must be fully exempt as the main residence. Importantly, a full exemption is not required. Even if only part of the capital gain is exempt under main residence rules, the property may still qualify — provided all other conditions are met. Is the Property Required to be the Main Residence at Sale? Equally important: the property does not need to be the seller’s principal residence at the time of sale. Living in the property for some years and renting it out later does not disqualify it, as long as the ownership and residence history supports at least a partial main residence exemption. Special Rules for Pre-CGT Properties Where a property was acquired before CGT began, the rules look at whether part of the gain would have been disregarded had CGT applied. A key requirement is that there is a dwelling that qualifies as the main residence. Disposal of vacant land will generally not satisfy the test and therefore will not meet downsizer requirements. Eligibility of a Non-Owning Spouse It is common for only one spouse to be listed on the property title. A non-owning spouse may still qualify for a downsizer contribution if all other requirements are met, apart from ownership. However, a spouse who never lived in the property and could not reasonably have treated it as their main residence is unlikely to be eligible. Preservation and Access to Funds A downsizer contribution is subject to the standard preservation rules. Once contributed, the amount cannot be accessed until: · You reach preservation age (60) and retire, or · You reach age 65, regardless of retirement status. Consider future cash-flow needs before making the contribution. Before you Contribute Although seemingly straightforward, downsizer contributions involve several nuances. Please contact us if you have any questions. Related links: Downsizer super contributions Downsizer contributions and capital gains tax

Holiday Homes Under the Microscope: What the ATO’s New Guidance Means for You

By Clarke McEwan • February 11, 2026

For many Australians, a holiday home does double duty. It’s a place to escape with family and friends, and during the rest of the year it’s listed on Airbnb or Stayz to help cover the costs. Until recently, many owners assumed they could claim most of the usual deductions for the property without much trouble, as long as appropriate apportionments were made. However, that position is now under more scrutiny than ever following the release of some new draft guidance documents by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - TR 2025/D1, PCG 2025/D6 and PCG 2025/D7. The ATO is looking to significantly tighten the rules around holiday homes that are used to derive some rental income. While the documents are still in draft form, they clearly signal the ATO’s compliance focus going forward. What is the ATO Concerned About? In simple terms, the ATO wants to distinguish between properties that are genuinely held to maximise rental income and those that are primarily lifestyle assets with some incidental rental use. The ATO confirms that all rental income must be declared, even if it is occasional or earned through informal arrangements. However, if the property is really a holiday home and isn’t used mainly to produce rental income during the year then the owner can’t claim any deductions for expenses such as interest, rates, land tax, repairs and maintenance. That is, the ATO might not allow any of these expenses to be claimed as a deduction, even if the property is used to generate taxable rental income for some of the year at market rates. If the property is classified as a holiday home by the ATO then owners can only claim deductions for limited direct expenses such as cleaning or advertising. The ATO is particularly focused on properties that: Are blocked out for private use during peak periods (for example, school holidays or ski season), Are advertised inconsistently or at above-market rates, Generate ongoing tax losses year after year. How Expenses Must be Claimed Even if the property isn’t classified as a holiday home, it will often still be necessary to apportion expenses if the property is only used partly for income producing purposes. PCG 2025/D6 outlines how expenses should be apportioned. The key principle is that claims must be “fair and reasonable”. Common methods include: Time-based apportionment (for example, based on days rented or genuinely available for rent), and Area-based apportionment (where only part of a property is rented). Getting this wrong, or failing to keep evidence, increases audit risk. The ATO has access to booking platform data and can easily compare listings, calendars and reported income. The Financial Impact can be Significant Consider a holiday unit that earns $30,000 a year in off-peak rent but is kept for private use during peak holiday periods. Under the new approach, the ATO may conclude the property is really a holiday home and could reduce deductible expenses from tens of thousands of dollars to only a small fraction, resulting in a materially higher tax bill. Co-ownership also needs care. Income and deductions are generally split according to ownership interests, regardless of who uses the property more. Renting to relatives at discounted rates can further limit deductions. Practical Steps you Should Take Now Although the guidance is proposed to apply from 1 July 2026 (with transitional relief for arrangements in place before 12 November 2025), now is the time to review your position: Are you holding and using the property to genuinely maximise rental income? Is the property advertised broadly and consistently, including during peak periods? Use market pricing: Set rent in line with comparable properties in the same area. Keep strong records: Retain booking calendars, advertisements, enquiries, and a diary showing private versus rental use. Review ownership and strategy: In some cases, changing how a property is operated can improve its commercial profile and tax outcome, but beware of CGT liabilities, duty and legal fees. Document existing arrangements: If you may qualify for transitional relief, evidence is critical. The Bottom Line The ATO is not banning deductions for holiday homes, but it is drawing a firmer line between genuine investment properties and lifestyle assets. With the right structure, pricing and record-keeping, many owners can still claim appropriate deductions and improve cash flow. If you own a holiday property, a proactive review could save you from an unpleasant surprise later. Please contact us if you would like us to assess your current arrangements and help you plan ahead.

Key steps for stabilising your manufacturing business

By Clarke McEwan • January 16, 2026

According to the NAB Quarterly SME Business Survey for Q3 2025, the health of Aussie SMEs is on the up, with SME business conditions rising 7pts in this third quarter of the year. And there’s additional good news for manufacturing businesses – SME conditions for the manufacturing sector are up 11 points! Heading towards the end of the financial year, this improved outlook is a huge boost to confidence in the sector. However, it’s not the time to get complacent. To really set your business up for success in 2026, we’ve highlighted four strategic elements that will help you to continue this upward trajectory. 1. Get in control of your costs Explore fixed-price supplier contracts for key overheads like energy and raw materials. Fixed terms help you lock in prices and minimize any cashflow shocks if there’s further volatility in the supply chain in 2026. With costs more predictable and stable, you’ll be able to budget more effectively and keep the business in a positive cashflow position. 2. Boost your cash collection cycle Efficient collection of customer payments is a vital way to improve your cashflow position. Try enforcing stricter payment terms with your customers and using multiple payment channels, so it’s as easy as possible for customers to settle their bill. You can also use finance tools like invoice finance or early payment discounts to shorten your cash collection cycle (CCC), helping to stabilize your working capital and reduce your reliance on short-term credit and loans. 3. Invest in technology and production efficiency Automation technology offers a huge opportunity, if used wisely and strategically. Put your capital into automation technology and machinery that enhances the productivity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your production processes. With the benefits of automation, you can address labour cost pressures, reduce your manufacturing waste and increase your overall output capacity – a vital step if you’re going to scale up production for 2026. 4. Get flexible with your people strategy High staffing costs are eating into your margins, but there are ways to mitigate this impact. Try increasing your use of third-party contractors for specialized or growth-phase roles. This helps you access the expertise, skills and knowledge you need, but without committing to the full financial load of hiring permanent, high-paid employees. The signs of light at the end of the tunnel may be there for Australian manufacturing. But there’s real value in updating your business strategy for the coming year. Book some time with our team to talk through your 2026 goals, your current strategic worries and where we can work with you to revise and refresh your strategy.

Cash is Making a Comeback – Is Your Business Ready to Take It?

By Clarke McEwan • December 3, 2025

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. If you’d like help assessing how these rules could affect your operations or what the exemption means for your business, get in touch with our team.