Welcome to February! As we settle into the rhythm of the new year, there’s a real sense of momentum building, we’ve got some exciting things unfolding, and I’m thrilled to share a few highlights with you.
This year, Dream will officially be entering the awards circuit! We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible achievements of our team, and we’d love your support along the way. Keep an eye on our socials for voting details, and when the time comes, we’d be so appreciative if you could help us send some love to the amazing humans who make Dream what it is.
Recently, I had the joy of joining Annie Gibbons on The Naked Leader for a heartfelt conversation about Dream — our journey, our values, and the people who bring this business to life. It was such a meaningful chat, and I’m excited to share it with you.
The episode is now live on Spotify — tune in here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SmVwZoD1XvYX1OdRqFaYs?si=2W4QPuRQSyyBoeTSwIqPAA&t=159&pi=ERO5lgMXQKy9e
Behind the scenes, we’ve been building something I’m incredibly excited about, a collection of free guides and resources designed to support business owners with practical, easy‑to‑action insights.
A library of tools created to help you streamline, understand, and feel more confident in the behind‑the‑scenes workings of your business.
We can’t wait to share more with you. Stay tuned to our socials for updates and for the official launch date of our Resource Hub on our website coming soon!
Warmly,
We’re thrilled to share that our Virtual Reception team is now available from 7am to 6pm AEDT giving your business even more coverage, more support, and more opportunities to capture the calls that matter most.
These extended hours mean:
More flexibility for your clients
Better support across early mornings and late afternoons
Even greater consistency in how your calls are handled
But the real magic?
It comes from our people.
In a world where AI bots are becoming more common, nothing compares to the genuine care, expertise, and nuanced service that our expert VR team delivers. Your callers aren’t navigating cold menus or generic automated responses they’re greeted by real humans who understand context, show empathy, and represent your business with professionalism every time.
Because at Dream, we believe your first impression deserves more than an algorithm it deserves a human touch.
2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest reform years for Australian small business in over a decade. With new ATO rules, faster reporting expectations, and major superannuation reforms kicking in, SMEs will face tighter compliance windows and increased scrutiny. Here’s everything small business owners need to know as the new financial year approaches.
1. Payday Super Begins 1 July 2026: The Biggest Change of All
From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super at the same time as wages, not quarterly.
This shift, known as Payday Super, is part of a nationwide effort to close Australia’s estimated $17 billion annual unpaid super gap.
Cash flow pressure will increase due to more frequent payments.
Errors or delays can quickly incur penalties — including a 20% penalty on unpaid amounts plus interest.
2. New Compliance Era: Real‑Time Audits and Data Matching
2026 brings a sharp rise in ATO data‑driven audits, with expanded funding for compliance programs targeting:
Unpaid super and PAYG.
Cash wages.
Cryptocurrency transactions.
Incorrect or inflated deductions.
R&D tax incentive inaccuracies.
The ATO has also signalled stricter enforcement on:
Contractors not reporting income.
Monthly BAS reporting for some GST‑registered small businesses.
Small business CGT concession errors.
Ride‑sourcing and taxi reporting obligations.
This reflects the end of “pandemic leniency” and a shift toward real‑time oversight.
Small businesses are encouraged to tighten bookkeeping, update payroll systems, and maintain audit‑ready documentation.
3. Instant Asset Write‑Off Extended to 30 June 2026
The popular $20,000 instant asset write‑off has been extended until 30 June 2026, allowing businesses with turnover under $10 million to immediately deduct eligible assets costing less than $20,000.
This is expected to benefit over 4.1 million small businesses, helping boost investment in equipment, tools, and technology.
4. Minimum Wage & Award Rate Increases Continue
From 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage rose 3.5% to $24.95/hr, and award increases will continue into 2026.
Businesses should prepare for the next review in mid‑2026 and ensure payroll systems apply correct award rates under STP Phase 3, which uses AI‑assisted compliance matching to detect errors in real time.
5. Stage 3 Tax Cuts Adjust Again in 2026
From 1 July 2026, the marginal tax rate for incomes between $18,201 and $45,000 reduces from 16% to 15%.
This is expected to benefit millions of small business owners, especially sole traders.
Further reductions to 14% are scheduled for 2027, providing continued relief for low‑to‑middle income earners.
6. Technology & Digital Reporting Requirements Continue to Rise
The ATO is increasingly expecting:
Digital record‑keeping.
Error‑free STP reporting.
Correct GST lodgements.
Accurate payroll categorisation.
Digital platform income reporting (e.g., Uber, Airbnb, Airtasker).
SMEs relying on outdated systems will feel the impact most.
What Small Businesses Should Do Now
Review payroll systems for Payday Super readiness.
Start running test pay cycles now (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks modules already rolling out).
Strengthen bookkeeping processes.
Check award rates before 1 July 2026.
Prepare for more audits and data matching.
Keep receipts, digital logs, and accurate classifications.
Final Word
For small business, 2026 is the year of no buffer and no guesswork.
With super shifting to payday, audits increasing, and digital reporting tightening, the businesses that prepare early will navigate the year smoothly while those who wait risk penalties, cashflow strain, and administrative overload.
Need help preparing for 2026 reforms?
We can review your current systems, update workflows, and make sure you’re fully compliant well before the deadlines.
At Dream, our Virtual Reception service is so much more than call‑answering, it’s powered by real people who genuinely care about creating great first impressions and supporting your business with warmth, professionalism, and expertise.
This month, we’re pulling back the curtain to highlight the incredible humans who make our VR service exceptional. While technology can assist, nothing replaces the empathy, intuition, and context‑aware understanding that only a real person can bring. Every call we answer isn’t just a task; it’s an opportunity to represent your business the way you would.
And leading the charge behind this magic is our Client Manager and VR Team Leader, Mackenzie. We sat down with her for a quick Q&A so you can get to know the person guiding our front-line team.
Q&A With Mackenzie — Client Manager and Team Leader, Virtual Reception
Q: What do you love most about leading the VR team at Dream?
A: What I love most is the people, our team, and our clients. We’re a passionate, supportive group who truly care about every caller’s experience, and we work with clients who value genuine human connection. Every day brings something different, and it’s incredibly rewarding to lead a team that delivers thoughtful, high-quality support.
Q: In a world full of AI bots and automated menus, what makes human‑led VR support so important?
A: AI can be helpful, but it can’t replace emotional intelligence. When someone calls, they often want reassurance, clarity, or just to feel heard. Our team picks up on tone, urgency, and nuance that no bot can replicate and that makes a huge difference.
Q: What’s something clients might not realise about the VR service?
A: We don’t just answer calls, we take the time to learn the ins and outs, language, and preferences of each client’s business. By working behind the scenes, we become a true part of their team, and we love seeing the positive impact that support creates. Our goal is to be an extension of our clients, not just an answering service.
Q: What’s your favourite part of a “day in the life” as the Client Manager at Dream Admin Services?
A: I love that no two days are ever the same! One moment I’m troubleshooting a client issue, the next I’m celebrating a small win with them or the girls. Getting to connect with clients, understand their business, and make a real difference in their day is what I enjoy most. Working alongside my “girls” (Hanna, Dimity and Jodie), makes the days so much better too.
Q: What are you most excited about with the newly extended VR hours?
A: It’s a huge step forward in the level of support we can provide our clients. Our tradies are up early and, on the tools, so we should be too! It also aids us in supporting clients in different time zones better and reducing missed calls and enquiries overall. It’s amazing to see how much of a change it’s made already.
Why Our VR Team Stands Out
With extended hours (now 7am–6pm AEDT), exceptional training, and a commitment to human connection, our VR team doesn’t just take calls, they elevate your customer experience.
If you’d like to learn how our team can support your business, we’re always here to help.
We’re thrilled to announce something new and exciting for 2026 — the launch of our podcast, Her Take on Business!
Hosted by Tennille Skelly and Faye Kowalski, this fresh, female-led podcast is designed for small business owners who want real talk, practical advice, and a dose of inspiration. Each episode dives into the everyday wins, challenges, and lessons of running a business through the lens of two women who’ve been there, done that, and are still learning.
What can you expect?
🎙 Honest conversations about the realities of business ownership
🎙 Practical strategies for systems, strategy, mindset, and motivation
🎙 Relatable stories and actionable takeaways you can use right away
Whether you’re a solo operator, building a team, or just starting out, Her Take on Business is your go-to for insights that matter – because business isn’t just business, it’s personal.
Launch Date: Coming soon!
Stay tuned for updates you won’t want to miss it!
