Australia: Retirement, Superannuation & Pensions

Under Australian superannuation law, limited recourse borrowing arrangements typically require separate bare trusts for each asset acquired by an SMSF. However, certain exceptions allow multiple assets to be held in a single bare trust, including identical assets purchased simultaneously, permanent fixtures spanning multiple titles, and assets legally required to be dealt with together. Understanding these nuanced rules is critical to avoid serious compliance, tax, and duty implications.

Recent legislative changes have restricted how self-managed superannuation funds can use limited recourse borrowing arrangements, particularly for residential property acquisitions. Business owners and primary producers may still leverage these arrangements to acquire commercial premises and farming land through their SMSFs. Understanding the new definition of business real property and available investment options is crucial for SMSF trustees navigating these regulatory changes.

On 24 August 2026, ASIC released its 2026-2027 Corporate Plan, announcing that it is committed to being easier to deal with for those trying to comply with the law, while being harder to avoid for those causing harm.

Personal injury law provides support and compensation for people who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, wrongdoing, or a workplace or institutional failure.

The final FY2026-27 budgets have now been delivered, with New South Wales and Queensland releasing their budgets today (23 June 2026) and the ACT and South Australian budgets...

In Australia, traumatic events can happen without warning, affecting every aspect of your life. Trauma cover, also called critical illness insurance, is designed to provide a financial safety net during these difficult times.

In recent case, Court confirmed superannuation doesn't automatically go to children without a binding nomination, stressing the importance of estate planning.

1 July 2025 marked the start of the new financial year in Australia, which means that new employment thresholds and limits are now in effect.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) finalised an update to its income tax ruling regarding the definition of employee to include guidance on SG obligations. Additionally, it has withdrawn Superannuation Guarantee...