Australian Regulatory Updates

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026 received royal assent on 26 June 2026, making five major changes to Australian tax law.

ATO ruling TD 2006/39 confirms a hearse is not a passenger car under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, so the car limit does not cap depreciation deductions.

ASIC has banned Queensland director David Shane Fanning from managing companies for 5 years until 6 July 2031, following the collapse of four companies.

ASIC issued Deutsche Bank a $2 million infringement notice for misreporting over 260,000 OTC derivative transactions under the ASIC Derivative Transaction Rules

A notice published 28 July 2026 invites representations on an application to protect a specified area in the Hamersley Range Region, Western Australia.

The Department of the Treasury registered a Notice of Withdrawal of Rulings on 28 July 2026. The notice is currently in force on the Federal Register of Legisla

The Defence Trade Controls (Australian Military Sales Program item) Determination 2024 was amended and registered on 28 July 2026, adjusting controlled items.

ASIC registered a new instrument on 28 July 2026 approving official forms for substantial holding notices lodged by investors with 5% or more in listed companie

The Fair Work Commission has registered updated procedural rules on 27 July 2026, amending the Fair Work Commission Rules 2024 across three areas.

The Remuneration Tribunal has declared the principal executive office employing body arrangements for Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd, registered 27 Jul

Unions have applied to the Fair Work Commission to increase vehicle allowances across more than 40 modern awards. No final decision has been made yet.

The Fair Work Commission has added a right to disconnect term to all modern awards, giving employees the right to refuse contact outside work hours.

A 2025 federal instrument amended customs rules for goods brought in by Fiji military personnel visiting Australia. The instrument is now repealed.

A new determination under the Currency Act 1965 authorises specific Perth Mint coins from 27 June 2025 until 27 October 2025. No business action required.

A federal direction on Medicare benefits for medical services under Tasmania's Single Employer Model Trial was in force from 9 February 2026 to 30 June 2026 and

A notifiable instrument under the Health Insurance Act 1973 covering Medicare benefits for medical services in the SA Single Employer Model Trial.

A federal direction dated 24 July 2026 sets out which Medicare benefits are payable for medical services performed under the SA Single Employer Model Trial.

A formal direction on Medicare benefits payable for medical services under the Tasmanian Single Employer Model Trial, registered as F2026N00542.

The Public Works Committee (Repetitive Works) Notice 2026, dated 27 July 2026, has been registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. Details inside.

The federal government has registered a variation to Virgin Australia Airlines' licence under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 on 27 July 20