As we enter the final month of autumn, the focus has been on the Federal Budget and interest rates.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered the 2026 Federal Budget on 12 May 2026 under the banner of reform and resilience, with measures to manage the global oil shock, ease cost-of-living pressures, and rebalance the tax system through changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trust distributions.
April added pressure to the economic outlook. The increase in petrol prices fuelled a jump in inflation for March to 4.6%—the largest jump in three years. The escalating Middle East crisis continues to drive volatile markets and fragile consumer confidence, with oil prices at US$102 per barrel at time of writing. Opinions remain split on where interest rates are heading next.
In this issue, we cover…
- Federal Budget 2026-27: Treasurer Jim Chalmers framed the 2026 Budget as “the most important and ambitious budget in decades,” delivering tax relief for workers, changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax from 2027, new trust distribution rules, and significant investment in housing, aged care, and national resilience.
- Common scams to watch out for at EOFY: As the end of financial year approaches, it’s peak season for scammers targeting busy people and businesses. From fake ATO messages to invoice redirection schemes, knowing what to watch for can save you stress, money, and headaches.
- Retirement income options when markets are volatile: The income assumptions many carried into retirement are being tested in the current climate. Understanding the trade-offs between account-based pensions, annuities, and combined strategies can help reduce stress and support more confident spending in uncertain times.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.