Editors Picks
17 June 2026
BUSINESSES URGED TO PREPARE FOR SUPER CHANGES
WITH Payday Super due to begin on July 1, NAB is urging businesses to prepare for changes that will require superannuation to be paid at the same time as wages rather than quarterly. The change does not increase super contributions but brings forward when payments must be made, potentially affecting cash flow, particularly for businesses with weekly or fortnightly payrolls. NAB says early planning can help businesses avoid financial pressure by forecasting cash flow more regularly and setting aside funds sooner. Known as Payday Super, the reform aims to ensure employees receive superannuation contributions sooner and more consistently. Industries such as hospitality, manufacturing and transport, where labour costs are high and payroll cycles are frequent, are expected to feel the greatest impact.
14 June 2026
THREE STRIKES DRUG DRIVING POLICY CHALLENGED
DOCTORS and trauma specialists across NSW have urged the NSW Government to abandon its proposed "three strikes" medicinal cannabis drug-driving policy, warning it is not supported by medical evidence and could compromise road safety. Under the proposal, drivers prescribed medicinal cannabis would avoid licence disqualification for their first two low-range roadside drug-driving offences and face harsher penalties only on a third offence within a specified period. Critics argue the proposed THC threshold of 50 nanograms per millilitre lacks scientific backing and is not endorsed by major Australian or international clinical bodies. NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane and Shadow Roads Minister Mark Coure have called on the Government to withdraw the policy and consult road safety experts, clinicians and patient groups on alternative reforms.
06 June 2026
MASSIVE SURGE IN TAXPAYER COMPLAINTS
THE Tax Ombudsman has reported a 127% surge in taxpayer complaints this year, driven largely by concerns over debt collection, penalties, interest charges and payment arrangements as the ATO increases debt recovery efforts. Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen said the new quarterly complaints snapshot highlights key taxpayer concerns and helps identify systemic issues. The agency achieved tax debt reductions or interest remissions in 31% of penalties and interest complaints and provided independent reviews in many others, helping taxpayers resolve disputes and improve confidence in the fairness of the tax system.
06 June 2026
THE PILL AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER
WOMEN in NSW will soon be able to access the oral contraceptive pill directly through trained community pharmacists under a new NSW Government reform. Initially, 30 pharmacists will be able to prescribe the pill to low-risk women aged 18–39, with around 250 expected by year’s end. The government will fund the first 5,000 consultations and subsidise training for pharmacists, improving access to healthcare while reducing pressure on GPs.
06 June 2026
WORKERS URGED TO CHECK SUPER
THE Super Members Council is urging workers to check their super after finding one in four Australians were underpaid a total of $24.4B between 2018 and 2023. NSW recorded the highest losses at $8.1B. New payday super laws, starting 1 July 2026, will require employers to pay super alongside wages rather than quarterly. The reforms aim to reduce underpayments, improve transparency and better protect workers’ retirement savings, particularly women, younger employees and low-income earners.
06 June 2026
EXPERTS WARN OVER PASSWORD USE
PEOPLE across NSW are being urged to update their passwords regularly with experts warning weak passwords can be cracked in seconds. ID Support NSW recommends changing passwords every three to four months, using long, random passphrases and avoiding personal information. The agency is hosting free cybersecurity events and promoting tools such as its Password Strength Tester to help protect against identity theft, which affects one in four Australians during their lifetime.
06 June 2026
ILLEGAL TO LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED
NEW NSW animal welfare laws will make it illegal to leave a dog unattended in a vehicle for more than 10 minutes when temperatures exceed 28°C, with fines of up to $44,000. The reforms also ban prong collars, mandate pain relief for sheep mulesing, strengthen animal fighting penalties and improve emergency animal welfare responses. The legislation modernises 45-year-old laws and reflects strong community support for tougher animal protection standards.