This week in 30 seconds
- [Practical guide] business.gov.au has released a practical guide for businesses taking orders online to check payment systems, stock levels, shipping, and margins after discounts ahead of sales events.
- [Practical guide] A guide for NSW small businesses outlines safety checks for charging, storing, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries in equipment such as laptops, tools, and e-bikes.
- A new online course from the ATO explains how tax debt accumulates and outlines support available when payments are difficult.
- [Practical guide] A customer retention guide covers consistent service, handling complaints, customer feedback, and communication that isn’t solely focused on sales promotions.
FX at a glance
- AUD/USD 0.7206 → 0.7164 · 1 week -0.58% · 1 month +1.42%
- USD/KRW 1,345.02 → 1,344.48 · 1 week -0.04% · 1 month -5.11%
- AUD/KRW 969.42 → 963.02 · 1 week -0.66% · 1 month -3.78%
- AUD→USD: 0.7206 → 0.7164 (-0.58%). Converting A$10,000.00 would have changed from US$7,205.79 to US$7,164.00, a difference of -US$41.79. This was less favourable for Australian businesses paying or sending USD; the effect is reversed for a business converting fixed USD receipts back to AUD.
- USD→KRW: 1,345.02 → 1,344.48 (-0.04%). Converting US$10,000.00 would have changed from ₩13,450,180 to ₩13,444,800, a difference of -₩5,380. This was less favourable for businesses converting USD to KRW for Korean payments; the effect is reversed for a business converting fixed KRW receipts back to USD.
- AUD→KRW: 969.42 → 963.02 (-0.66%). Converting A$10,000.00 would have changed from ₩9,694,182 to ₩9,630,200, a difference of -₩63,982. This was less favourable for Australian businesses paying Korean suppliers in KRW; the effect is reversed for a business converting fixed KRW receipts back to AUD.
Read the Monday FX and business-payment guide →
Mid-market observations. This is not an FX forecast or a recommendation about remittance timing.
Deadlines to check (next 14 days)
- 2026-09-21 (in 7 days) · Monthly BAS — same date with or without an agent — Businesses reporting GST monthly (turnover $20 million or more, or by choice) (The 21st of the month after the period (e.g. August BAS due 21 September). ATO: the agent electronic-lodgment concession does not apply to standard monthly activity statements.) source
- Ongoing · Payday Super — super guarantee received within 7 business days of payday — All employers (from 1 July 2026) (The former quarterly SG due dates no longer apply from 1 July 2026; each payday is the trigger.) source
Based on official pages (verified 2026-09-02). Confirm your own lodgment type and any extension with your accountant.
1. Preparing for Sales Events: Margins, Stock, and Payments Before Revenue
Practical guide · not a new rule · Source published: 2026-09-10
Status: guidance · Relevant to: Small businesses in retail, food, and household goods that take online orders.
business.gov.au has released a practical guide for businesses taking orders online to check payment systems, stock levels, shipping, and margins after discounts ahead of sales events.
Business impact: Helps businesses identify situations where sales increase but profits decrease due to discounts, and also addresses mobile payment drop-offs.
General matter to check: You can check mobile ordering processes, stock levels for popular items, shipping options, and the cost of benefits offered instead of discounts.
2. Charging After Hours? Checking Batteries in Your Store
Practical guide · not a new rule · Source published: 2026-08-28
Status: guidance · Relevant to: NSW stores, workshops, and offices using battery-powered equipment.
A guide for NSW small businesses outlines safety checks for charging, storing, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries in equipment such as laptops, tools, and e-bikes.
Business impact: Assists with routine operational checks, as even small or familiar equipment can cause fire damage due to damage or improper charging.
General matter to check: You can check charger suitability for each device, battery damage, and unsupervised charging and storage areas against official guidelines.
3. When Cash is Tight for Tax: New ATO Online Guidance
Business update · Source published: 2026-08-26
Status: guidance · Relevant to: Australian small businesses managing tax payments and cash flow.
A new online course from the ATO explains how tax debt accumulates and outlines support available when payments are difficult.
Business impact: Helps businesses proactively assess conflicts between tax payments and operating funds. Eligibility for payment plans or support depends on the business’s circumstances.
General matter to check: You can organise upcoming payments, cash flow, and ledgers, and check the eligibility criteria and consultation pathways for ATO support.
4. Only Seeking New Customers? Building Repeat Business
Practical guide · not a new rule · Source published: 2026-08-13
Status: guidance · Relevant to: Stores, restaurants, online businesses, and service providers where repeat customers and purchases are important.
A customer retention guide covers consistent service, handling complaints, customer feedback, and communication that isn’t solely focused on sales promotions.
Business impact: Allows businesses to review reasons for existing customers to return, in addition to attracting new ones. This is not a guaranteed method for success.
General matter to check: You can review recent customer complaints and feedback, and reasons for repeat visits, and check if communications to customers contain useful information.
WireBarley AU update
Korean-speaking support is available for businesses checking Korean remittance or onboarding arrangements.
- WireBarley Business
- +61 1300 252 073
- WireBarley AU Kakao Channel
This brief provides general information, not individual tax, employment, legal, customs or foreign-exchange advice. Check the official source and seek appropriate professional advice. Contributors include a former CPA.