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05/06/2025

Despite Federal Government plans to tax superannuation balances greater than $3 million not yet legislated, there are actions individuals can take before July 1.

McCullough Robertson Partner Hayley Mitchell said with Labor’s re-election it now seemed fairly settled that the previously proposed div 296 tax would be enacted in some form.

In a special feature, Ms Mitchell, partner in Wills, Estates and Trusts at McCullough Robertson, has outlined the implications of proposed changes for self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) members with high balances, and what can be done now to mitigate risk.

She answers the questions:

- When will div 296 of the tax legislation take effect for superannuation balances?

- Will I be taxed on unrealised capital gains in my SMSF?

- Who does div 296 superannuation tax apply to?

- How will the superannuation balance be calculated?

- Will my superannuation losses be refunded?

- Will the $3 million limit be indexed?

- How can the div 296 tax be paid?

- What should I do before 1 July 2025?

Read the full feature 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/perspectives/implications-of-superannuation-tax-plans-for-smsf-members/

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Despite Government plans to tax super balances greater than $3m not yet legislated, there are actions to be taken before July 1. | Newsreel

05/06/2025

A multi-million-dollar project will look to retrofit Australia’s on-farm tractor fleet into autonomous vehicles, initially driving efficiency in the labour-intensive nut industry.

Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said the grower-owned horticulture research and development corporation would allocate more than $220 million to productivity-boosting projects, from automation, AI and on-farm management to data collection and business analysis.

Mr Fifield said part of the productivity push involved new technology that had the potential for one grower to operate multiple tractors at once, slashing the labour input costs.

He said the technology would enable around-the-clock operation with minimal human intervention and promises revolutionary change in Australia’s almond, macadamia, and pistachio industries.

“With this innovative solution, a single operator can remotely manage and optimise a fleet of tractors from any device – including mobile, desktop or tablet.”

Mr Fifield said a partnership with United States ag-tech leader, Bluewhite, would bring cutting-edge technology that retrofitted existing tractors, converting them into fully autonomous machines.

“Leveraging advanced AI technology, this multi-year project will seek to accelerate the adoption of precision autonomy in Australia’s nut industry and automate labour-intensive farming operations.

“Overall, it will aim to boost productivity and reduce reliance on manual labour across the sector.”

He said there was potential to scale to other industries in the long term and boost productivity across the entire horticulture industry.

“Nut production and harvest are labour-intensive, and the sector relies heavily on seasonal workers, particularly backpackers and holidaymakers to meet demands.

“However, since the changes to labour programs and ongoing changes to regulations, growers have faced increasing challenges sourcing reliable labour.”

Mr Fifield said the technology was already being used successfully by some of the largest nut, citrus, and vineyard operations in the United States, delivering higher productivity, improved crop consistency, and reduced exposure to human error and fatigue.

“We hope that with grower consultation and plenty of technology testing, we will be able to see similar results come out of this for our Australian nut growers,” he said.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/autonomous-tractors-to-crack-aussie-nut-industry/

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A multi-million-dollar project will look to retrofit Australia’s on-farm tractor fleet into autonomous vehicles. | Newsreel

04/06/2025

Landside cargo movements at the Port of Brisbane will be autonomous and emissions-free in less than 35 years, under a new vision for the transport hub.

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) has launched its Vision 2060 blueprint as it plans to support a tripling of container trade through the port over that time.

The document highlighted the need to prepare for a Queensland population forecast to be around 8.3 million by 2060.

PBPL CEO Neil Stephens said the population growth would drive an increase in import volumes, with around 5 million containers (up from 1.6 million last year) and nearly 20 million tonnes of bulk commodities anticipated to pass through the Port annually by 2060.

“To meet this challenge, we see a future where the supply chain is seamlessly connected; both physically and digitally,” Mr Stephens said.

“On-port landside cargo movements will be autonomous and emissions-free, with worker interaction evolving to focus on innovation, maintenance and operational supervision.”

He said on-port efficiencies would extend into the Port’s hinterland, with seamless, dedicated road and rail freight connections to strategically located inland ports.

“The way we trade and move goods is evolving, and Vision 2060 positions the Port of Brisbane to be at the forefront of that change.”

Mr Stephens said the plan charted a journey for the Port to drive economic growth and prosperity while embracing innovation and environmental stewardship.

He said there was the potential that energy demand could increase 10-fold as the broader port community sought to decarbonise.

“This significant growth presents both challenges and opportunities to reimagine the way infrastructure is planned, delivered and operated—ensuring it is more agile, resilient and responsive to future demands.”

Learn more about the three key horizons that will guide the Port of Brisbane’s future. 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/port-of-brisbane-sets-course-for-2060/

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Landside cargo movements at the Port of Brisbane will be autonomous and emissions-free in less than 35 years. | Newsreel

04/06/2025

A 160-suite, 11-storey, development in Caloundra is the first project approved under a Sunshine Coast Council plan to attract more luxury hotels to the region.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the development, at 51-55 Bulcock St, would also have shops and cafes at Ground Level, restaurant and hotel amenities on Level 1, and a rooftop restaurant and bar with outdoor dining and function rooms on Level 11.

“It’s exactly the kind of outcome we had hoped for when we introduced the Accommodation Hotel Incentives Package,” Mayor Natoli said.

“It’s a positive start – a new wave of upper market investment, jobs and opportunity for our region.”

She said it was estimated that just one upscale hotel would provide $29.5 million in annual visitor spend, 422 jobs during construction and 165 ongoing roles once operational.

“This approval shows that with the right initiatives in place, we can unlock the kind of development that benefits our whole community, from local businesses to hospitality workers and beyond.”

Mayor Natoli said the project would help meet the growing demand for high-quality accommodation, while also boosting demand for local experiences – from dining to tourism.

“We know we’re missing out on high-value visitors because we simply don’t have enough upscale hotel rooms,” she said.

“We’re building momentum, and the future is looking bright for the Sunshine Coast.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/first-luxury-hotel-approved-under-council-plan/

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A 160-suite, 11-storey, hotel in Caloundra is the first project approved under a plan to attract more luxury hotels to the region. | Newsreel

04/06/2025

Metro Arts has a new Chief Executive Officer, with former Program Manager Kieran Swann returning to take the reins.

Board Chairperson Tara Hastings said Mr Swann would relocate from London and take up the role at the Brisbane experimental and contemporary arts organisation in mid-August.

Ms Hastings said since leaving the West End-based team in 2016, Mr Swann had established a distinguished career spanning Australia and the UK, including Senior Curator at Create London, Head of Programme at Arnolfini, Head of Live Programme at Wellcome Collection, and Program Producer at Theatre Network Australia.

She said he was a natural collaborator with nearly two decades dedicated to fostering experimental and contemporary arts practices, and supporting independent and emerging artists.

“His commitment to experimental and contemporary arts, coupled with his dedication to independent and emerging artists aligns perfectly with our core mission.

“His vision for collaboration, pursuit of new opportunities, and experience in both the Australian and international sectors will undoubtedly propel us to the next level.”

Mr Swann said his appointment was a deeply personal and exciting return to the organisation.

“Metro Arts has shaped not only my career but my relationship with art itself, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to pay that forward as we nurture the next generation of artists and audiences.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/people/kieran-swanning-back-to-take-metro-arts-ceo-role/

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Metro Arts has a new Chief Executive Officer, with former Program Manager Kieran Swann returning to take the reins. | Newsreel

03/06/2025

The first song to feature a voice from every country on Earth has been released and verified by Guinness World Records.

The piece "The '195' ", created by The Frequency School to raise awareness about gender equality, features a woman from all of the world’s 195 countries (you can watch the music clip in the story on our website).

Executive Producer and Co-Founder of the Frequency School Martina Fuchs said the production had set a new Guinness World Record for "Most nationalities to contribute vocals to a musical recording (single song)".

Ms Fuchs said using the sounds of birds and the heartbeat as instrumental elements, "The '195' " aimed to elevate humanity and trigger a positive impact by uniting and empowering women worldwide.

She said one woman from every one of the world’s 195 countries recognized by the United Nations said the word “equality” in their national language or native tongue and sent in their voice and video recording.

“The number of women and nationalities participating in the song was officially verified by a Guinness World Records adjudicator.”

Ms Fuchs said it had always been her dream to produce the first song in history featuring every country on the planet.

“Our vision was to unite 195 ordinary women from all walks of life in this pioneering and groundbreaking initiative to advocate for gender equality and the rights of women and girls, and to help people struggling with mental health issues.”

Watch the music clip on our website 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/arts/music-single-features-a-voice-from-every-country-on-earth/

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The first song to feature a voice from every country on Earth has been released and verified by Guinness World Records. | Newsreel

03/06/2025

The new Exhibition Station, in Brisbane’s inner north, opens temporarily this week and will be a welcome addition to public transport options for this year’s Ekka crowds.

Queensland Government Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said with major construction now complete, the station would be in use for the Caravanning Queensland Caravan & Camping Supershow, which runs from June 4 to 8.

Minister Mickelberg said while the Exhibition Station was due to reopen for year-round services in line with the opening of the Cross River Rail tunnels in 2029, it would now be opened for major events at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

“Rail services to Exhibition Station will operate for major events being held at the showgrounds, starting from tomorrow (June 4), for the Caravan and Camping Supershow,” he said.

“Then in August, Queenslanders will be able to catch a train right into the heart of the Ekka.”

He said it would be the first time in three years that Queenslanders would be able to catch a train to the Brisbane Showgrounds to attend major events.

Minister Mickelberg said the new station featured improved access with new lifts, a new entry plaza and pedestrian access to Bowen Bridge Road, as well as first class accessibility features including wayfinding signage, hearing aid loops, and step-free access.

He said about 1700 cubic metres of concrete, 1100 tonnes of structural steel, 105500 brick pavers and 11,000 tiles have been used to construct the station.

“The station’s plaza also contains approximately 73,000 custom bricks sourced from an Australian manufacturer to maintain the precinct’s heritage look and feel.”

RNA CEO Brendan Christou said the new Exhibition Station was a game changer for not just the Ekka but the Brisbane Showgrounds events precinct.

“This is great news for everyone who loves the Show and it’s just fantastic that people can arrive and depart from inside the Ekka for the first time since 2022,’’ Mr Christou said.

“It also offers an exciting glimpse of what is to come for the Showgrounds and we look forward to the immense benefits the new station will bring when it opens for daily use, alongside the major upgrades for the precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the new train station would play a key role on the South East Queensland public transport network.

“Once open for daily use, this station will significantly improve the commute for those working at nearby hotels, restaurants, and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital,” Ms Stapleton said.

“This fully accessible, modern station is just one part of the legacy transport infrastructure around the Games precinct at Victoria Park and Spring Hill that is starting to take shape well ahead of the Games.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/government/exhibition-station-opens-for-major-events-at-showgrounds/

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The new Exhibition Station, in Brisbane's inner north, opens temporarily this week and will open for this year’s Ekka. | Newsreel

02/06/2025

Services Australia lacks the systems and processes to tackle financial abuse being perpetrated in a Child Support system where almost $2 billion is unpaid.

A Commonwealth Ombudsman report found the government agency lacked policies, strategies and training to be able to proactively identify, monitor and respond to cases of financial abuse.

Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson said Services Australia‘s actions were either unfair or unreasonable in addressing widespread manipulation and abuse, which is referred to as the weaponisation of Child Support.

“Former partners weaponise Child Support by deliberately not making payments or not lodging tax returns, lying to reduce their income, lying about care arrangements and being abusive or violent to stop the impacted parent from seeking help,” Mr Anderson said.

“Parents affected by financial abuse through Child Support keep telling us they feel abandoned and let down by Services Australia when they seek help for financial abuse in their Child Support cases.”

He said the report made a number of recommendations, including that Services Australia more effectively enforced payment of Child Support and comprehensively reviewed their processes, and the Government introduced a Bill to amend the law to address limitations that impeded Services Australia enforcement action, better information sharing within Services Australia, and required survivors of abuse to disclose sensitive information to their former partner.

“The legislation needs reform to address systemic problems and help Services Australia ensure children are not deprived of the financial support they need.”

Mr Anderson said in Australia, around 1.1 million children were supported by the Child Support program.

He said the report revealed that as of December 31, last year. there was $1.9 billion in Child Support Collect debt and 153,694 paying parents had a Child Support debt.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/services-australia-slammed-as-1-9b-in-child-support-unpaid/

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Services Australia lacks the systems and processes to tackle financial abuse being perpetrated in a Child Support system. |Newsreel

02/06/2025

Sunshine Coast’s young people will have input into a new regional Youth Plan through an intensive six-week engagement process.

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the Youth Plan would reflect what matters to young people, and Council was actively seeking input.

Councillor Bunnag said, from today until July 14, young people, and the wider community, were urged to speak up and share bold ideas, to create an environment where young people were empowered, included and inspired.

“Young people understand the challenges they face, their strengths and opportunities, and the changes they’d like to see,” he said.

“Whether you’re a teen, young adult, parent, teacher or someone working with young people, your voice matters.”

Cr Bunnag said Council wanted to hear from a diverse mix of young people from across the region.

“We’ve made it easy to get involved, with pop-up events, an online survey, online activities and resources for community conversations.”

He said Council would host pop-up activities at popular youth hangouts across the region including Coolum’s Salty Saturdays, Maleny Library, Sunshine Plaza, Caloundra Street Fair and Nambour Skatepark.

“Members of the Young Leaders Academy will co-host these events, helping to facilitate discussions and encouraging their peers to get involved.”

Cr Bunnag the Youth Plan would guide Council’s approach to youth support and development over the coming years.

https://newsreel.com.au/article/people/youth-voices-needed-to-shape-sunshine-coast-plan/

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Sunshine Coast’s young people will have input into a new regional Youth Plan through an intensive six-week engagement process. | Newsreel

02/06/2025

New dark sky experiences and light-foot accommodation options are among a plan to deliver 45 new ecotourism options and double the value of visitor expenditure in Queensland by 2045.

Premier David Crisafulli MP said a new 20-year vision for Queensland tourism, Destination 2045, would provide a roadmap to boost the State’s industry and leverage opportunities for the lead up and legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Premier Crisafulli said a key focus of the plan would be kick-starting ecotourism, with an aim to deliver 45 new ecotourism experiences by 2045, including new dark sky tourism experiences, light footprint accommodation and agritourism.

He said the first “45X45” projects would be the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island; the Wangetti Trail, north of Cairns; the Whitsunday Skyway in Airlie Beach; the Ngaro Trail on Whitsunday Island, and upgrades of day use areas in Lake Eacham and Springbrook National Park.

“Queensland will become Australia’s events and ecotourism capital, delivering more ways for locals and visitors to experience and travel around our great State.”

Premier Crisafulli said Destination 2045 aimed to more than double the value of visitor expenditure to Queensland’s economy to $84 billion in two decades, while employing 25 percent more Queenslanders directly.

He said a new dedicated events fund would support Queensland’s vision to be Australia’s home of events, across sports, concerts and culture, including in the regions.

“The plan builds on tourism’s critical role in Queensland’s economy, which currently supports more than 270,000 jobs and generates $115m a day in visitor expenditure.”

Premier Crisafulli said the plan would launch Queensland as a global tourist destination over the next 20 years, maximising the opportunity of the 2032 Games.

“Destination 2045 is our 20-year plan to make Queensland the leading holiday destination in the nation.

“We are the home of the holiday and Destination 2045 will build on our existing strengths to deliver the best events, ecotourism and experiences.”

Learn about the plan's six priority areas 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/eco-tourism-focus-of-drive-to-84-billion-destination/

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New dark sky experiences and light-foot accommodation options are among a plan to double the value of visitor expenditure. | Newsreel

01/06/2025

The first stocktake of Australia’s $800 billion food system has revealed we have the highest per capita hidden costs of any food sector in the world.

The CSIRO report looked at the nation’s multi-billion industry, in which 100,000 local farmers fed around 100 million people, including 27 million Aussies.

CSIRO Agriculture and Food Director Michael Robertson said the report revealed the hidden costs of Australia’s food system could be as high as $274 billion.

Dr Robertson said the main drivers were primarily environmental and health impacts, with the costs the highest per capita in the world.

“Our food system is more than just producing and exporting commodities – it’s also about providing equitable access to safe, nutritious and healthy food, produced sustainably for all Australians,” he said.

“We have an intergenerational responsibility to pursue these goals vigorously,” he said.

Dr Robertson said the report urged a new approach to managing and reporting on the nation’s food system to make it more resilient to the challenges faced by farmers, to deliver healthy food for all, and to meet critical sustainability challenges.

“As the first national stocktake to deepen our understanding of Australia’s complex food system, the report highlights strengths and identifies practical strategies for improvement.

“This national stocktake provides an evidence base to guide our actions as social, cultural, environmental, and economic priorities shift.”

Dr Robertson said while Australia’s wider food system was an economic and production success, generating more than $800 billion annually and providing significant employment particularly in regional areas, the intersection of the food system with other critical goals called for a more comprehensive way to evaluate its performance.

He said Australia’s food system included a range of factors from production to distribution and consumption of food and food ingredients, nutrition and health, alongside the natural and social systems that support it.

Access the report 👇

https://newsreel.com.au/article/business/hidden-cost-of-aussie-food-production-highest-in-world/

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The first stocktake of Australia’s food system has revealed we have the highest per capita hidden costs of any sector in the world. | Newsreel

29/05/2025

The goal of Brisbane Games organisers to expose the world to Australia’s First Nations culture is on track with the launch of the group’s Reconciliation Action Plan journey.

Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris said their implementation journey for their inaugural ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) had received formal endorsement from Reconciliation Australia.

Mr Liveris said Brisbane 2032’s Reflect RAP focused on extending cultural capability, diversifying relationships across First Nations communities, building and sustaining a commitment to reconciliation and encouraging First Nations business and procurement participation.

“One of the hallmarks of Brisbane 2032 is to invite the world to learn more about our First Nations peoples and their place as one of the oldest continuing living cultures anywhere on earth,” he said.

“I have no doubt that, alongside our Games Delivery Partners, we will shine a light on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities, placing their storytelling as a focal point of our Games delivery.”

Mr Liveris said the Reflect RAP was developed by Brisbane 2032’s RAP working group, with input across the entire Brisbane 2032 team and supported by First Nations cultural consultants, BlackCard Pty Ltd and YarnnUp.

He said one of the commitments in Brisbane’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 was to harness “the gift” of the Games to advance opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“I’m proud of the work that Brisbane 2032 has collectively achieved to date in meeting with and championing First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live, work and play.”

Mr Liveris said Brisbane 2032 would monitor and report on RAP commitments and success, with the intention of progressing through the four RAP structures, Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate, by 2032.

Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Karen Mundine said this was Brisbane 2032’s first step in their First Nations reconciliation exploration on the path to the Games.

“Brisbane 2032 joins a network of more than 3000 organisations that have made a formal commitment to reconciliation through the RAP program,” Ms Mundine said.

“This RAP will enable Brisbane 2032 to deepen its understanding of its spheres of influence and the unique contribution the team can make in leading progress and meaningful impact towards Australia’s reconciliation journey.”

https://newsreel.com.au/article/community/brisbane-2032-team-reflects-on-reconciliation-journey/

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The goal of Brisbane Games organisers to expose the world to Australia’s First Nations culture is on track. | Newsreel

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