Australian Bookkeepers Network

13/03/2026

We’re excited to announce Beam as a Platinum Sponsor of The Bookkeeper Event 2026!

Payroll and super compliance continue to be high-risk, high-responsibility areas for bookkeepers and BAS agents. Efficient, secure and streamlined systems are critical to protecting both clients and practices.

Beam integrates into software platforms seamlessly, providing an embedded super payments feature that lets employers manage super obligations directly from their payroll. It’s a simple, user-friendly and secure way to make paying super effortless.

Change Creates Opportunity is our theme for this year’s conference, and we’re proud to partner with organisations like Beam who help bookkeepers work smarter and build resilient practices.

We’re looking forward to seeing you in October 🌴

📍 Novotel Sunshine Coast
📅 8th-10th October, 2026
Tickets at bkevent.com.au

10/03/2026

Looking for something to listen to this week? We've got just the thing...

The BK Pod is a short, practical podcast covering all the issues BAS Agents grapple with every day. We bring you monthly insights and updates that will support your BAS practice.

In this month’s BK Pod, we cover two key developments affecting the bookkeeping profession. First, we provide an update on the proposed Tranche 2 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) reforms and what they may mean for BAS agents and bookkeepers.

The episode also explores recent developments following the Tax Ombudsman’s report into ATO agent services. The report identified several areas where the ATO’s engagement with tax and BAS agents could be improved, particularly in relation to digital services, phone support and overall interaction with the agent community.

You can now listen to the BK Pod on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all other major podcasting apps.
🎙️t.ly/ocI8c

08/03/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day 🧡

Across the bookkeeping profession, women play a vital role in supporting businesses every single day - their expertise, diligence and professionalism help thousands of small businesses across Australia stay organised, compliant and on track.

A small moment of appreciation for the women in our team - and for the many women in our profession who keep businesses running behind the scenes.

If there’s a woman in your life who has supported or inspired your journey in bookkeeping, today is a great day to acknowledge them 🧡

06/03/2026

We’re proud to announce Xonboard as a Platinum Partner of The Bookkeeper Event 2026!

As compliance expectations tighten and payroll responsibilities grow, solutions that simplify onboarding and improve accuracy are more important than ever. Xonboard automates the collection of key employee details directly from employees — eliminating the back-and-forth of chasing information and reducing manual data entry for bookkeepers.

With this year’s conference theme, Change Creates Opportunity, we’re excited to partner with organisations like Xonboard who understand the day-to-day realities of bookkeeping, not just the theory, and offers practical solutions that actually make your life easier.

The Bookkeeper Event is shaping up beautifully, and we can’t wait to see you on there in October 🌴

📍 Novotel Sunshine Coast
📅 8th-10th October, 2026
Tickets at bkevent.com.au

05/03/2026

While the release of the Federal Government’s 2025–26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) in late 2025 delivered continuity for small businesses, there is a clear signal of tightening compliance and a stronger approach to ATO interest charges. This increases the responsibility on BAS Agents and bookkeepers, to guide clients through a tougher regulatory landscape.

Read more about the impact of MYEFO here: https://austbook.net/news/myefo-impact-on-bookkeeper-clients-2026-beyond

04/03/2026

Payday Super starts on 1st July, and the clock is ticking! ⏰

Have you started working with your clients in preparation for the start of Payday Super? It's time to take action now before time runs out.

The Australian Taxation Office has released a new video outlining the key steps employers should take now to stay on track for the upcoming changes, and it's well worth a watch 👇👇

You can find this video, along with factsheets and other resources, on the ATO’s dedicated Payday Super resources page, to share with clients.
Visit for all the latest information on Payday Super, head to ato.gov.au/paydaysuper.

https://tv.ato.gov.au/media/c-bd9wqof/bi9or7or3x5bw8

Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig highlights the actions employers need to take now to get ready for Payday Super and prepare for paying super each payday fro...

03/03/2026

As a bookkeeper or BAS Agent, you know the pressure isn’t easing.
Regulatory change.
Code updates.
Payday Super.
Rising client expectations.

That’s exactly why Accounting & Business Expo 2026 matters.

On 18 & 19 March at ICC Sydney, 3,000+ accountants, bookkeepers, BAS Agents, finance professionals and business owners will gather for two days focused on practical compliance, smarter systems and sustainable growth.

The event features a dedicated Bookkeeping Conference designed specifically for practitioners like you, covering:
• ATO and TPB updates impacting BAS and Tax Agents
• Payday Super clarity ahead of 1 July 2026
• KPIs aligned to the expanded Code of Professional Conduct
• Technology and automation to reduce manual work
• Growth strategies beyond pure compliance

You'll also hear from ABN Directors Peter Thorp and Kelvin Deer, bringing leadership perspective and practical insight to the stage.

This isn’t generic accounting content.

It’s built around the real operational and regulatory challenges bookkeepers are navigating right now.

You’ll also meet leading suppliers on the expo floor, compare solutions side by side and connect with peers facing the same pressures.

The room is intentional. And the bookkeeping community will be there.

Registration for FREE here: t.ly/xuVET

27/02/2026

Most of what bookkeepers do never makes headlines.

It’s the reconciliations no one sees.
The deadlines that don’t get missed.
The quiet “don’t worry, I’ve handled it.”

Great bookkeeping isn’t loud, it’s steady.

And steady keeps businesses running.

26/02/2026

ABN Director Peter Thorp says the new GIC remission process may not guarantee an easier remission yet, but it is a significant improvement over previous headaches.

“Probably the best part of these new processes is that small requests under $2,500 from clients with a good payment track record can be processed quickly,” said Peter. “The balance of requests will go through a dedicated team using a standard form, which should also improve consistency of decisions.”

Peter notes that the new process addresses systemic issues of the past, where remission requests were often delayed, inconsistently processed, or rejected more frequently than approved.

Read the full article here: https://austbook.net/news/will-new-gic-remission-rules-make-it-easier-to-get-a-break

25/02/2026

When was the last time you stepped away from your desk and got a fresh perspective?

This year, The Bookkeeper Event is being held at Novotel Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast - surrounded by water, fresh air, and space to think clearly.

The beach is close.
The pace is slower.
The thinking is clearer.

And once conference finishes? Why not stay a little longer and explore all the Sunshine Coast has in store!

Sometimes the best clarity doesn’t come from another spreadsheet — it comes from stepping outside your usual environment.

We like to call it professional development, with a side of sunshine ☀️

📍 Novotel Sunshine Coast
📅 8th-10th October
🎫 Tickets at https://bkevent.com.au/

23/02/2026

Will new GIC remission rules make it easier to get a break?

On 22nd Jan, the ATO released its new GIC/SIC/FLT regime. While the FTL (failure To Lodge) and SIC (Superannuation I Change) are primarily dealt with by tax agents & accountants, the GIC component of these changes are particularly relevant to BAS agents, who would normally see GIC (or General Interest Charge) applied on activity statement debt.

The new GIC remission process addresses systemic issues of the past, where remission requests were often delayed, inconsistently processed, or rejected more frequently than approved.

Have you used the new GIC remission process? How did you find the new process?

(Read more about the new regime here: https://austbook.net/news/will-new-gic-remission-rules-make-it-easier-to-get-a-break)

Following last year’s Tax Ombudsman review calling for a simpler, more consistent process for claiming a GIC remission, January’s rollout of the ATO’s new guidelines comes as a welcome relief to small businesses and their advisers.

The new GIC remission process addresses systemic issues of the past, where remission requests were often delayed, inconsistently processed, or rejected more frequently than approved.

ABA Director Peter Thorp says the new process may not guarantee an easier remission yet, but it is a significant improvement over previous headaches.

“Probably the best part of these new processes is that small requests under $2,500 from clients with a good payment track record can be processed quickly,” said Peter. “The balance of requests will go through a dedicated team using a standard form, which should also improve consistency of decisions.”

Read more about the new GIC remission processes here: https://austbook.net/news/will-new-gic-remission-rules-make-it-easier-to-get-a-break