December 2025 Newsletter
Contents:
- AI, social engineering driving fraud risks for accounts payable teams
- What changes for Victorian renters and landlords
- ‘Game-changing’ Westpac case puts onus on employers to make flexibility work
- Future Focus: Who gets your super?
- Navigating the New Psychological Health Regulations: What Businesses Need to Know
- Warning to businesses: $5.8m fine due to privacy breach under the amended Privacy Act
- Announcements
AI, social engineering driving fraud risks for accounts payable teams
Cyber security specialists have warned that AI and social engineering tactics, including impersonation and manipulation, are driving fraud threats for accounts payable teams.
Social engineering tactics such as impersonation and manipulation are among the most common methods used by fraudsters to steal funds from businesses, cyber security and payment fraud experts have warned, while AI is increasingly part of scammers’ toolkits.
What changes for Victorian renters and landlords
Victoria has entered a new phase of housing reform as sweeping rental, safety and property rules began this week, reshaping how homes will be advertised, leased and managed across the state.
A typical $1.8m property with $750,000 in land value and $45,000 in annual short-stay income, and left empty for more than six months, would now face $18,000 in Vacant Residential Land Tax from January, $3,725 in land tax and $3,375 in short-stay levies, bringing the total yearly hit to $25,100.
‘Game-changing’ Westpac case puts onus on employers to make flexibility work
Earlier this month, in the case of Karlene Chandler v Westpac Banking Corporation, the Fair Work Commission rejected Westpac’s argument that there was a “genuine and reasonable business need” for an employee to attend one of its corporate offices in South Sydney, or another corporate office, for at least two days per week.
The order, allowing the employee to work from home to enable her to care for and attend school pick-ups and drop-offs for her two young children, could set the tone for flexible working arrangements moving forward.
Future Focus: Who gets your super?
Unlike other assets, superannuation isn’t automatically covered by your will. The tax treatment can vary dramatically depending on who your beneficiaries are. Your nominations matter and must be carefully considered – it could mean costing your loved ones thousands of dollars in tax.
Warning to businesses: $5.8m fine due to privacy breach under the amended Privacy Act
Earlier this month (8 October), pathology business Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) was issued with a $5.8 million fine for failing to take reasonable steps to protect customer data, following a breach which saw personal information of over 223,000 customers leaked to the dark web.
Announcements:
This month we congratulate Phoebe (9) on achieving a significant work anniversary with us. We also wish Lee a very happy birthday this month!|
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Important ATO Dates
| Lodgement Program | Date |
| November monthly activity statements | 21/12/25 |
Other News
Rupanyup Office Closure
An important update regarding our Rupanyup office.
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the permanent closure of our Rupanyup office. Our last day trading from this location will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
We want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible support, loyalty, and friendship you have shown us since we first opened our doors here in Rupanyup.
Continuing Your Service
While the Rupanyup office is closing, please be assured that we remain fully committed to supporting all our clients. You will continue to receive the same dedicated service through our nearby offices:
|
Location |
Address |
Phone Number |
|
Horsham |
44 Wilson Street |
03 5382 3001 |
|
Stawell |
142 Main Street |
03 5358 5066 |
|
Ararat |
70 Vincent Street |
03 5352 4738 |
Contact Us
Please contact us at 03 5382 3001 or email mail@wattsprice.com.au to schedule your next appointment or if you have any questions about this transition.
We sincerely look forward to continuing our professional relationship with you from our other offices.
Thank you once again, from the entire team at Watts Price Accountants.
P.S. The office premises at 16 Cromie Street, Rupanyup is available for sale. Interested parties should contact Peter Knights.
Important Reminder re Rupanyup Mail
To ensure all correspondence and documents are processed efficiently and without delay, please refrain from sending mail to our PO Box 95 Rupanyup, Victoria 3388 address.Sertori & Co Update
Buildings For Sale: Ararat & Stawell OfficesImportant: The Small Business Super Clearing House is Closing
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced that the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBCH) service will be retired on 1 July 2026.
If you currently rely on the free government SBCH service to distribute superannuation payments to your employees, you will no longer be able to use this platform after the closure date.
What This Means for You To ensure you remain compliant with SuperStream regulations and your employees continue to receive their funds on time, you must transition to a commercial clearing house.
Fortunately, this is likely easier than it sounds. Most Single Touch Payroll (STP) software providers (such as Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Employment Hero) already have integrated commercial clearing houses.
Need Help? Transitioning systems can be tricky. If you are unsure if your software is compliant, or need help selecting a commercial clearing house, please reach out to us. We can help you get set up before the deadline.
Christmas Office Hours
