Australian Regulatory Updates

Federal measurement rules for greenhouse gas and energy reporting were amended on 29 June 2026 and repealed on 16 September 2026. Here is what changed.

The Defence Determination Conditions of Service Amendment No. 18 2025 amended ADF member conditions from 5 November 2025 and was repealed on 14 July 2026.

The Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2026-2027 authorises federal government departmental spending for the 2026-2027 financial year. Registered 30 June 2026.

The Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Sunsetting Provision) Act 2026 received royal assent on 29 June 2026 and amends the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Appropriation Act (No. 6) 2025-2026 authorises Commonwealth spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. No obligations are created for small businesses.

Appropriation Act (No. 5) 2025-2026 authorises Commonwealth government spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. No obligations for small businesses.

Act No. 50 of 2026 amends the Income Tax Rates Act 1986. Registered 26 June 2026 and currently in force. Details of rate changes are in the full text.

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

A 2026 Defence Trade Controls determination amending military sales program items took effect then was repealed. Details on checking current status.

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

Fair Work Commission Rules 2024 amended by 2026 Measures No. 1, covering enterprise agreement approval applications and transitional provisions.

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.