November E News 2025
- WD Nicholls Chartered Accountants
- 13 minutes ago
- 17 min read
This month's newsletter provides critical updates on strategy, compliance, and workplace safety. We cover recent equity market volatility due to sticky global inflation and the need to value sustainable profits. For business operations, we highlight upcoming Payday Super changes (eff. July 2026), FBT rules for end-of-year events, and WHS obligations for staff parties. We also feature a free SafeWork NSW webinar and share a short update of our company rebrand. Read on for analysis and deadlines.
Both the Australian (ASX) and US equity markets faced volatility in November as sustained inflationary pressures globally deferred expectations for interest rate cuts. The RBA held its cash rate after high CPI readings, causing a significant repricing on the ASX and impacting rate-sensitive sectors. Simultaneously, Wall Street saw a tech and AI-stock sell-off, driven by valuation concerns and a "higher-for-longer" rate outlook. This correction signals a critical shift towards valuing sustainable profits and strong balance sheets over speculative growth read below for more market updates.
Important Changes: Get Ready for Payday Super. Effective 1 July 2026, the new Payday Super rules require employers to pay super guarantee (SG) on the same day they pay wages, with funds needing to be received by the super fund within 7 business days. SG will now be calculated on Qualifying Earnings (QE) (a new measure including OTE) and must be reported via STP. Crucially, the SBSCH will close on 30 June 2026, and stricter penalties will apply to late payments, making it vital to review payroll systems and prepare for more frequent processing now.
Businesses must consider Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) on end-of-year parties and gifts for staff and their associates. Whether FBT applies depends on the cost per person, the event location, and the gift type. Exemptions often apply, notably for food/drink consumed on business premises or for gifts and off-premises functions that cost less than $300 per person and qualify as a minor benefit. Benefits for clients are also not subject to FBT. Employers must keep accurate records to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected penalties.
A Christmas or end-of-year celebration, even off-site, is legally a workplace function, meaning standard WHS obligations apply, making you responsible for employee safety and conduct. To ensure compliance, you must review policies (WHS, social media, harassment) and remind employees that workplace rules apply, stating the official finish time. Finally, manage risks by limiting alcohol, checking the venue, organising safe transport, and nominating a manager to oversee the event.
Join an essential FREE webinar on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, from 9:30 am - 10:30 am (AEDT), which will be presented by SafeWork NSW Inspectors. Topics covered include WHS laws, risk management, training, and specific issues such as electrical safety, traffic management, remote work, hazardous noise, and psychological health. Attendees may be eligible to apply for the $1,000
Small Business Rebate, though due to high demand, applicants can only sign up for one workshop to ensure fair access. Register below.
Exciting news!!! Our rebrand is underway and is expected to deliver a fresh and uplifting concept for our company, staff and outlook. More to come in the New Year.
The Northern Rivers holds regular Community Events. See what's on and keep up to date on all the fantastic opportunities available and help to support local. There is plenty to do over the Christmas break.
A reminder, there are some important lodgement dates to note this month.
The WD Nicholls Team
After a strong run earlier in the year, both the Australian and US share markets have hit a rough patch, with rising inflation and fading hopes of interest rate cuts weighing on sentiment.
Australia: hotter inflation keeps the RBA on the sidelines
Recent data shows inflation has re-accelerated in Australia:
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.3% in the September 2025 quarter and 3.2% over the year to September, the largest quarterly rise since March 2023.
The new monthly CPI indicator suggests inflation picked up further to 3.8% over the year to October 2025.
This “second wave” in inflation has effectively shut the door, for now, on any talk of near-term rate cuts:
At its November meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate on hold at 3.60%, explicitly citing the hotter-than-expected September inflation print as the key reason.
RBA minutes and media commentary around that meeting emphasised that the Board wants to see clear evidence of slower hiring and softer economic activity before it will contemplate reducing rates.
In short, inflation has pushed back the timeline for any rate relief. Markets are now increasingly talking about rates staying at current levels well into 2026, rather than cuts arriving early next year.
How this is flowing through to the Australian share market
Higher-for-longer rates and the inflation surprise have triggered a noticeable repricing on the ASX in November:
The S&P/ASX 200 fell as much as 2.16% in a single day recently, closing down 1.94% and wiping around $59 billion off the market’s value – the worst one-day loss in almost five months.
Over a recent week, the market slid about 2.5%, with around $40 billion erased, as investors reassessed the outlook for earnings under persistent inflation and sticky interest rates.
From its record high around 9,115 points, the ASX 200 has pulled back roughly 8% to the low 8,000s, as optimism about rapid rate cuts and the global AI boom has cooled.
Bond market also retreated as a result of interest rates remaining steady.
The sectors feeling it most have been:
Interest-rate-sensitive companies – such as banks and parts of the consumer discretionary space – where higher funding costs and pressure on households are front of mind.
Growth stocks and more speculative parts of the market, which are being re-priced as investors demand higher risk premiums when the risk-free rate (cash rate / bond yields) remain elevated.
On the positive side, some strategists are arguing that the correction is making valuations more attractive and that stronger earnings growth in 2026, supported by a still-resilient domestic economy, could underpin a recovery over time.
US: tech and AI leaders at the centre of a global sell-off
The volatility has not been confined to Australia. In November, Wall Street has been rocked by a sharp sell-off in technology and AI-related stocks:
The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 has dropped around 4–5% month-to-date at various points in November, its weakest patch since March, as investors rotate away from expensive growth names. There has been a rebound but investors are cautious.
AI-linked stocks such as Nvidia, AMD and Palantir have led several of the down days, with one session seeing broad declines across “AI beneficiaries” as traders questioned whether valuations had run too far, too fast.
A number of individual names illustrate the pressure:
Super Micro Computer fell about 37% in November.
Oracle dropped more than 20–25% amid concerns about the scale and funding of its AI infrastructure push.
Palantir slid over 17%, while AMD is down more than 16% for the month, potentially its worst in around three years.
Across multiple trading days:
Major US indices have recorded their steepest weekly losses in months, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq all sliding as valuation concerns and fading hopes of quick US Federal Reserve rate cuts hit sentiment.
“Fear of missing out” (FOMO) around AI has flipped to fear of an “AI bubble”, with the European Central Bank publicly warning that valuations in big US tech names like Nvidia, Alphabet, Microsoft and Meta look stretched.
Nasdaq last month
Let’s look at how markets performed in November:
Importantly, many of these large US tech companies still have robust earnings, strong balance sheets and dominant competitive positions – but the market is becoming less willing to pay any price for growth. The focus is shifting from “revenue at all costs” to sustainable profits, free cash flow and balance-sheet strength.
Connecting the dots: why higher inflation and rate expectations matter
There are a couple of common threads linking the Australian and US stories:
Higher-than-expected inflation has pushed out the timing of interest rate cuts in both economies. That means the discount rate investors use in valuing shares is likely to stay higher for longer, which especially hurts long-duration assets – like high-growth tech or “profit-later” companies.
Markets have moved from pricing a smooth, AI-driven growth story with rapid rate cuts, to a more cautious scenario where:
inflation is stickier than hoped,
interest rates stay restrictive, and
earnings and cash flows need to justify current share prices.
In the short term this leads to sharp volatility and headline-grabbing sell-offs. Longer term, it can actually be healthy: excess speculation is flushed out, weaker business models are exposed, and investors re-focus on quality, diversification and realistic return assumptions.
Here is how the markets faired for the month of November (nearly Christmas!!):
About Payday Super
Keep up to date with changes on how employers calculate, pay and report super guarantee under Payday Super.
How Payday Super works
Payday Super is a change to how you calculate and when you pay your employees’ super guarantee. From 1 July 2026 you must pay employees their super guarantee on payday, at the same time as their salary and wages.
Super guarantee is:
calculated as 12% of an employee's qualifying earnings (QE), which is a new term that brings together ordinary time earnings (OTE) and other payments
paid to an employees’ super fund on payday and received by the super fund within 7 business days (unless an extended timeframe applies, such as for new employees).
You can download this page as a printable fact sheet, Payday Super (PDF 175KB).
What you need to do
Check the information below about what's changing.
Plan ahead. Review your payroll systems and super processes and get ready to pay super guarantee more frequently.
Stay informed. Keep checking these pages for updates or speak to your tax professional for advice.
You don’t need to wait until 1 July 2026 to start paying super at the same time as you pay salary and wages – you can start now.
What's changing
Deadline for super payments
Now
Super guarantee payments must be received by a super fund within 28 days of the end of the quarter, but can be paid quarterly or more frequently, e.g. monthly.
The due dates are 28 October, 28 January, 28 April and 28 July.
From 1 July 2026
Super guarantee payments must be paid to an employees’ super fund at the same time as paying qualifying earnings (QE), on payday, and received by the super fund within 7 business days.
There are some exceptions to the 7-day deadline, such as for new employees.
For more information see Payment deadlines for Payday Super.
Calculating super guarantee amounts
Now
The super guarantee amount is calculated as 12% of ordinary time earnings (OTE).
From 1 July 2026
The super guarantee amount is calculated as 12% of qualifying earnings (QE). QE includes OTE, salary sacrifice contributions and other amounts that are currently included in an employee's salary or wages for super guarantee.
For more information see What payments are qualifying earnings.
Reporting super payments
Now
You report either OTE or super liability through Single Touch Payroll (STP).
From 1 July 2026
You report both QE and super liability through STP.
Late payments and the super guarantee charge (SGC)
Now
The SGC applies when amounts aren’t received by a super fund within 28 days of the end of a quarter. The SGC:
is self-assessed by the employer, who must lodge an SGC statement
is calculated based on salary and wages
includes interest at 10% per annum
includes a flat administration fee
is not tax deductible.
From 1 July 2026
The SGC applies when amounts aren’t received by a super fund within 7 business days of payday (unless an extended timeframe applies, such as for new employees). The SGC:
is assessed by the ATO
is calculated based on QE
includes interest that compounds daily at the general interest charge rate
includes an administrative uplift, which can vary based on an employer’s history of meeting super guarantee obligations and may be reduced by a voluntary disclosure
is tax deductible.
For more information see:
Penalties
Now
Penalties are a maximum of 200% of the SGC, which can be remitted in part or in full.
From 1 July 2026
Penalties are 25% or 50% of the unpaid SGC, depending on any prior penalties.
Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH)
Now
The SBSCH closed to new users on 1 October 2025.
Existing users have access to the service until 30 June 2026. All users must transition to an alternative option to pay their employees’ super.
From 1 July 2026
SBSCH is no longer available.
Checking employee data and processing payments
Now
Super payments may take a number of days to be received by a super fund.
Employers receive incomplete or inaccurate data from their employees, which causes errors when they try to contribute to a super fund and delayed payments.
Employers are unaware of key changes to large super fund’s details.
From 1 July 2026
To help employers and intermediaries meet the new deadlines, the SuperStream data and payment standards will be revised to:
allow near real-time payments through the New Payments Platform
improve error messaging so you can address errors faster
provide a new member verification request, which enables employers to confirm that a super fund can match their employee contribution to the super fund for the first time and will accept a contribution for them.
Improvements to the Fund Validation Service will also give employers early notice of key changes to large super fund’s details, such as fund mergers, that could affect their ability to make contributions to super funds.
Expected changes
This information is not yet law
The information below is intended to help you prepare for anticipated changes from 1 July 2026. For updates on the progress of the law see Payday superannuation legislation.
Offering employees a stapled fund.
Now
You must provide your employees with a choice of super fund and request stapled super fund details from the ATO if you don't receive a choice form from an employee.
From 1 July 2026
You can request a stapled super fund and offer this to your employee at the same time you provide their choice form.
You must still provide your employees with a choice of super fund and request stapled super fund details from the ATO if you don't receive a choice form from an employee.
Allocations by super funds
Now
Super funds have 20 business days to allocate or return contributions.
From 1 July 2026
Super funds have 3 business days to allocate or return contributions.
For more information see Changes to SuperStream.
Source and credit: ATO.gov.au
As the end of year approaches, many businesses celebrate with staff parties, events and gifts to recognise and reward their employees.
If you're planning an end-of-year workplace celebration, you should consider if the benefits you provide attract fringe benefits tax (FBT).
This will depend on:
the amount you spend on each employee
when and where your event is held
who attends the event
the value and type of gifts provided.
When FBT may not apply
If your business holds a workplace celebration or provides staff with gifts, these may be exempt from FBT in some situations. This can include when you provide:
food and drink to your employees that is consumed on your business premises on a working day
food and drink to your employees or associates (such as partners) off your business premises which costs less than $300 per person and qualifies as a minor benefit
infrequent gifts to your employees with a value of less than $300 per person and qualifies as a minor benefit
recreational activities (such as golf) which cost less than $300 per person and qualify as a minor benefit
benefits to your business clients, as they are not subject to FBT.
Check out the ATO's common entertainment fringe benefit examples to see if they apply to your situation.
Make sure to keep the right records to stay compliant and avoid unexpected penalties.
Learn more about How to work out FBT on entertainment or seek advice from a registered tax agent.
Source and credit: ATO.gov.au
Did you know that a work party is considered part of the 'workplace' when it comes to workplace health and safety (WHS)?
Even if held at an external location like a restaurant, club, or the local pub, a Christmas or end of year party is a workplace function. This means that workplace obligations apply.
As a business owner, you are responsible for the safety of your employees at the party location.
Here are 7 tips to help you and your employees celebrate safely.
1. Review your workplace policies
Before the event make sure your internal policies and procedures are up to date.
Consider your policies for topics like:
workplace health and safety
appropriate use of social media
acceptable behaviour and bullying and harassment in the workplace.
2. Remind employees of their responsibilities
Make sure your employees know the expectations. Send an email reminding them:
the start and finish times of your party and that any activities after this time are not an extension of the party
while the party is a time to relax, it's still a work function. The usual rules still apply, including those around harassment, discrimination and bullying
your social media policies apply at the party. Encourage people to get permission from their colleagues before posting photos or videos on social media.
3. Limit the amount of alcohol
While an open bar may be a nice way to reward your employees, if you serve alcohol, make sure it's legal and responsible. There should also be enough food and non-alcoholic drinks available.
4. Check the venue before the party
Visit the venue beforehand, or arrive a bit earlier, so you can address any hazards before the party starts. For example, make sure electrical cords are out of the way to avoid a trip hazard.
5. Think about transport for your employees
Plan a party location that is close to your workplace or close to public transport.
You can also make arrangements for staff to get home afterwards, by organising a bus, pre-ordering taxis/Ubers or arranging designated drivers.
If you're visiting a remote location, consider providing a bus for your employees.
6. Nominate someone to manage the party
Have someone to keep an eye on the proceedings. It can help to ensure the party doesn't get out of hand and that any complaints are resolved quickly.
7. Have gift guidelines
It's fun to run party games like Secret Santa with your employees. However, it's good to be mindful that's what's funny to one person can be offensive to another.
Keep your gifts appropriate by providing some guidelines and asking employees to be respectful and mindful of bullying, discrimination and harassment policies.
Source and credit: Business.gov.au
FREE WEBINAR Tuesday 9 December 2025, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (AEDT)
Where
Online.
When
Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 9.30 am - 10:30 am (AEDT).
The Presenter
SafeWork NSW Inspectors.
About this event
During the workshop, SafeWork NSW Inspectors will provide an introductory overview to workplace health and safety, your rights and responsibilities, risk management and WHS topics including:
small business rebate program
work health and safety laws
risk management
training
general electrical safety
traffic management
first aid and emergency planning
hazardous noise
remote or isolated work
plant
hazardous manual tasks
hot working environments
working at heights
psychological health.
By attending this event you may be eligible for the $1,000 Small Business Rebate.
Due to high demand, applicants for the Small Business Rebate can sign up for only one workshop. This keeps access fair for everyone.
Spaces are limited. To register your interest click the link below.
Source and credit: Business.gov.au
We always like to support our locals! Here are some community events happening this month (in date order).
Service NSW Mobile Service Centre visit to Mullumbimby date is Tuesday, 2 December | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Service NSW Mobile Service Centre visits our community to personally deliver access to essential NSW Government services, including:
Drivers licence, photo card applications and renewals
Driver Knowledge Tests
Working With Children Check applications
NDIS Worker Check
Applying for birth, death and marriage certificates
Cost of Living service to access more than 70 government rebates and savings.
Service NSW Mobile Service Centres are fitted with a ramp for easier access for all members of the community.
Check the timetable and find out what you need to bring by visiting Mobile Service Centres.
Please check the website on the day for final confirmation of the Mobile Service Centre arrival or call 13 77 88.
Location: Byron Shire Council, 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby
Upcycled Sewing and Craft Sessions on dates Friday, 5, 12 and 19 December | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Come along to a upcycled sewing and craft session.
From 11.00 am to 2.00 pm every Friday @ The Re-Market (Tip Shop) from now until the end of the year.
These friendly, no-pressure drop-in sessions are a great chance to:
Fix and mend your favourite pieces
Upcycle clothing or fabric finds
Learn simple sewing skills
Make handmade gifts for the festive season.
No experience needed — just come along, learn skills, share skills and enjoy some hands-on creativity using upcycled materials.
All ages and abilities welcome. Max 7 people at any time.
Location: Byron Resource Recovery Centre and Second Hand Tip Shop, 115 The Manse Rd, Myocum
Brunswick Heads Community Market date is Saturday, 6 December | 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Brunswick Community Market is held on the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Located on the riverbank, this market features a variety of stalls with local and imported goods, including handmade products, fresh produce, plants, food, and clothing.
Visitors can find artisanal goods, grab a coffee or hot food, and enjoy the riverside location.
Location: Memorial Park, 11 Fawcett Street, Brunswick Heads
Bangalow Farmers Market dates on Saturday's, 6, 13, 20 and 27 December | 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Discover the Heart of Local Food at Bangalow Farmers Market Every Saturday morning from 7:00 am - 11:00 am, the Bangalow Hotel carpark transforms into a vibrant hub of local food. Our farmers offer a bountiful harvest of fresh produce, artisan goods, and more. Meet the farmers, learn about sustainable practices, and support your local community. Visit Bangalow Farmers Market and experience the true essence of local food.
Location: Piccabeen Park, Cnr Deacon and Ashton Streets, Bangalow
Byron Bay Market date is Sunday, 7 December | 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Byron Bay Community market is held from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on the 1st Sunday of every month.
The market hosts an eclectic collection of stalls that showcase what Byron has to offer.
From Sunday 6 July the market will be temporarily relocated to the Main Beach Foreshore, while drainage work is carried out.
Location: Main Beach Foreshore, Bay Street, Byron Bay
Service NSW Mobile Service Centre visit to Ocean Shores date is Wednesday, 10 December | 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Service NSW Mobile Service Centre visits our community to personally deliver access to essential NSW Government services, including:
Drivers licence, photo card applications and renewals
Driver Knowledge Tests
Working With Children Check applications
NDIS Worker Check
Applying for birth, death and marriage certificates
Cost of Living service to access more than 70 government rebates and savings.
Service NSW Mobile Service Centres are fitted with a ramp for easier access for all members of the community.
Check the timetable and find out what you need to bring by visiting Mobile Service Centres.
Please check the website on the day for final confirmation of the Mobile Service Centre arrival or call 13 77 88.
Location: Ocean Shores Country Club - Car park, 113A Orana Road, Ocean Shores
Service NSW Mobile Service Centre visit to Byron Bay date is Thursday, 11 December | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Service NSW Mobile Service Centre visits our community to personally deliver access to essential NSW Government services, including:
Drivers licence, photo card applications and renewals
Driver Knowledge Tests
Working With Children Check applications
NDIS Worker Check
Applying for birth, death and marriage certificates
Cost of Living service to access more than 70 government rebates and savings.
Service NSW Mobile Service Centres are fitted with a ramp for easier access for all members of the community.
Check the timetable and find out what you need to bring by visiting Mobile Service Centres.
Please check the website on the day for final confirmation of the Mobile Service Centre arrival or call 13 77 88.
Location: Byron Bay RSL Club (Car park), 132 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Council Ordinary Meeting date is Thursday, 11 December | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Find dates for the Ordinary Council Meetings in 2025.
Visit Minutes & Agendas to view and download meeting papers or watch the Livestream.
If you'd like to speak at a Council Meeting, register for Public Access by visiting Address a Council meeting
Please note the Council Meeting on Thursday, 11 December 2025 is a combined Planning & Ordinary Meeting.
Questions about the meeting?
Phone: 02 6626 7000
Email: council@byron.nsw.gov.au
Location: Byron Shire Council Chambers, 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby
Council Planning Meeting date is Thursday, 11 December | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The dates and times of our Council Planning meetings are listed below.
Visit Minutes & Agendas to view and download meeting papers or watch the Livestream.
If you'd like to speak at a Council Meeting, register for Public Access by visiting Address a Council meeting
Location: Byron Shire Council Chambers, 70 Station Street, Mullumbimby
Federal Community Market date is Sunday, 21 December | 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Federal Community Market is held on the third Sunday of each month from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The market has been able to restart following the completion of Federal Drive, that has been closed for over two years following the devastating 2022 floods. It has over 30 stalls, local vendors and a coffee cart.
This is a beloved community where the Federal Market has long been a cherished event with a vibrant atmosphere, offering the community a chance to come together, enjoying the music from our locally-based musicians.
Location: Federal Halls, 466 Federal Drive, Federal
Source and credit: Byron.nsw.gov.au/Recreation-Culture/Events-Venues/Whats-On
Our office will be closed for Christmas from;
5.00 pm Friday 19th December 2025
and
reopening 8.30 am Monday 5th January 2026 (AEDT)
If you wish to arrange a telephone appointment or zoom meeting with one of our team please contact our office either by telephone or email.
Key lodgment and payment dates for business
1 December
Income tax
Payment due date for companies that were taxable medium to large clients in the immediate prior yearPayment due date for companies that were required to lodge by 31 October
Lodgment date for non-full assessment company entities – payment date is as per the notice of assessment.
21 December
Activity statements
November monthly activity statements – final date for lodgment and payment.
Source and credit: ATO.gov.au
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