Clarity Mag

On 27 March 2024, a Bill was passed in the Australian Government to mark a new era in mandated sustainability reporting for all Australian businesses. Schedule 4 to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Cth) was introduced into the House of Representatives to establish...

2 contributors

Melbourne

Insights

Data governance — a decision making approach

Over the past year, PKF, working with the Governance Institute of Australia, Macquarie University’s DataX Research Centre, and other expert organisations, has supported an important research study to assess the data governance landscape in Australia. The findings are unexpected and motivating.Survey participants and process In August 2023, the Governance Institute...

Ken Weldin

Partner

Melbourne

Insights

Cyber security as a cornerstone of sustainable supply chain

Imagine this... your business has undergone rigorous internal audits and your processes gleam. But, a single security breach in one of your supplier’s systems exposes sensitive data, disrupts operations, and shatters customer trust. In 2024, with rampant cybercrime, complex global partnerships, and data privacy regulations tightening, ignoring supply chain security...

Phillipa Ngorima

IT Auditor

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Local government changes — a sign of the times

As of mid-2022 all NSW local government councils and joint organisations were required to have considered the 2023 Risk and Audit Guidelines. The 2023 Guidelines replace the 2010 NSW Government’s Internal Audit Guidelines for Local Government in NSW. They seek to incorporate findings and lessons learnt from relevant industry reviews...

2 Contributors

Brisbane

Insights

How the economy is impacting financial reporting

Our economic climate is changing, and so too is how we must approach the preparation of financial reports for upcoming reporting periods. Changing conditions means that the preparation of financial reports will not simply be a rollover of the estimates used in the preparation of the previous financial report. Many...

Kevin Helmers

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

The importance of data governance

Designing and implementing procedures to support the responsible and legally compliant dealing with data is one of the greatest challenges currently faced by boards of directors. The aim of this data governance study is to assist boards and senior management with implementing an effective data governance framework. The purpose of...

Liam Murphy

Managing Partner

Brisbane

Updates

PKF Melbourne is moving

PKF Melbourne will operate from Level 15, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne from Monday 11th December 2023. PKF Melbourne is embarking on an exciting new chapter, marked by our upcoming move to a fresh and vibrant location in the Melbourne CBD.From Thursday, 7th December, we will be transitioning to our new...

Insights

Tax governance matters

Taxation in Australia is both complicated and constantly changing. Public interest in the tax system is arguably at an all-time high. Politically there is a desire to increase tax transparency for larger businesses and high net worth individuals to provide community confidence that ‘the bigger end of town’ is paying...

Garry Mathoda

Director

Sydney

Insights

Embracing the data analytics revolution

Data analytics, at its core, is the art and science of extracting actionable insights from the labyrinth of data. It encompasses the use of cutting-edge tools and methodologies to dissect, analyse, visualise, and interpret data, leading to informed and strategic decision-making. This pivotal concept has gained immense significance in today’s...

Sangeetha Ravisankar

Senior Data Analyst

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

ESG: The future of reporting

In our continued exploration of better practice in Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) reporting, our focus turns to the agricultural sector. We hope this case study provides guidance and insight to support you on your own ESG journey. There are significant benefits to be gained by reporting on ESG factors, however,...

Dawn Alexander

Partner

New Zealand

Insights

Building trust through ESG: Community engagement in the mining sector

The mining industry, historically linked with significant environmental and social impacts, faces increasing pressure from stakeholders to demonstrate responsible business practices. This pressure is not just regulatory or market-driven, it comes from the very communities where these companies operate. This is where a robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy...

Darren Shillington

Managing Partner

Perth

Whistleblower programs Breaking the silence

Insights

Breaking the silence: How new laws empower NSW public sector whistleblowers

Whistleblowers who work in all public sector agencies across New South Wales will now receive greater protection, following extensive revisions to the Public Interest Disclosures Act (PID Act) which came into force on 1st October 2023. This amended whistleblower legislation is a commendable step forward in the state’s commitment to...

Press Releases

THE HUNTER BREAST CARE BREAKFAST RAISES $49,661 TO SUPPORT THE BREAST CARE NURSES

PKF Sydney and Newcastle, in collaboration with The Newcastle Herald and NEX, celebrated a major milestone as they hosted the 15th annual Hunter Breast Care Breakfast on 25 October, 2023. This sellout event brought together a remarkable 510 attendees, all united in their commitment to supporting the Hunter Nurse Education...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

The art of speaking up: How to detect organisational fraud

Fraud is a significant - and potentially very costly - issue for government agencies and companies of all sizes and industries. A common misconception about fraud is that the perpetrator is external to the organisation. However, anyone with access to sensitive information - current or former employees, for example -...

Insights

What happens when your complaints manager leaves? The risks you need to know

The reality of business is that people changing roles and organisations is inevitable. However, many business leaders haven’t been alerted to the specific - and significant - risks that arise when the person managing your employee complaints decides to depart. This can leave an unexpected vacuum, and if not addressed...

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Insights

Are you providing multiple avenues for your employees’ complaints? We explore better practice.

Many organisations, with the best intentions, set up a Complaints Officer along with a corresponding process, with the intent of fostering improved communication, employee psychological safety, and legislative compliance. But what if you've set up a whistleblowing or complaints management system for your employees to voice their concerns, and you...

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Insights

Is it time for a business health check?

Are you keeping an eye on the pulse of your business? Much like a human body, a business requires regular health checks to ensure it's performing at its peak and to identify potential issues before they become substantial problems. If you're a CEO or a business owner of a mid-sized...

2 contributors

Brisbane, Sydney

Press Releases

Antoinette Tatarelli appointed Managing Partner of PKF Adelaide

PKF Australia is proud to recognise the appointment of Antoinette Tatarelli as Managing Partner of the PKF Adelaide practice. Antoinette is one of very few female managing partners in our industry and leads a team of over 60 professionals at our Adelaide office. Antoinette has been an integral part of...

Steve Meyn

Chairman

Australia

Press Releases

Mark Hughes Foundation

Through endless fundraising, the Mark Hughes Foundation is changing these appalling statistics. The PKF team are big supporters of the Mark Hughes Foundation and had the pleasure of being Mark Hughes Foundation volunteers, helping move and pack hundreds of beanies in preparation for #BeanieForBrainCancer week to help raise money for...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

The rarely talked about emotional benefits of finding the right business advisory partner

As a business leader, you're likely familiar with the strategic and financial advantages that a business advisory partner can bring. Typically discussions around business advisory partnerships focus on the clear, tangible benefits - strategic insights, financial guide, and operational support. However, there are some key benefits outside of this that...

Sara Crevillen

Partner

Brisbane

Insights

Understanding and navigating family dynamics in farm succession

Family dynamics are at the heart of farm succession planning, where relationships, roles, and expectations among family members can significantly influence the success or failure of the transition process. Ensuring a harmonious handover not only safeguards the farm's future but also maintains family unity.

Steve Meyn

Chairman

Australia

Insights

Mental health empowerment: the power’s in the people

Imagine this. You are on your way home from work and notice an elderly man has just tripped and fallen. He is laying on the ground and his arm is bleeding. You, along with others around you, run over to render assistance to the gentleman, to see if he is...

Sam Hutchinson

Senior Accountant

Brisbane

Press Releases

PKF Sydney and Newcastle Go Pink for October to Support Hunter Breast Care Nurses

This October, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PKF Sydney and Newcastle is going pink, building up to the highly anticipated annual Hunter Breast Care Breakfast, which last year raised an impressive $49,641 for the nurses. This year's breakfast will feature a panel of remarkable women sharing their breast...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Time Kills Deals, What Can We Do About It?

There is a resounding theme speaking to investors and other advisors around the city – deals are taking longer. This theme has evolved over the past few years from a bit of a nuisance to a downright irritation, nevertheless it is the new normal. More than a decade ago, when...

Chris Weatherall

Executive Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Common Misconceptions About The Proposed Division 296 Tax for Individuals With A Total Superannuation Balance Greater

From 1 July 2025, the Government has proposed a new tax on those who have a total superannuation balance (TSB) of greater than $3 million. The new tax is called Division 296 (Div 296) and the proposal is for an additional 15% tax to be levied on the movement between...

Daniel Clements

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Lauren Deetlefs: Honoured with the Mark Lonnon Employee of the Year Award

Just over two and a half years ago, Lauren and her husband, along with their 2-year-old and 6-month-old baby, moved across the world. The past few years have been among the most challenging yet rewarding of her life, and she is deeply thankful for where they have landed. Every single...

Bob Bell

Managing Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

“Let’s Get It Done” Seminar Series

It feels so unfair that as a Manager, Owner or Decision-Maker, you’re burdened with a bunch of ‘assumed knowledge’ that you may not even know you don’t know. Whether you’re an owner who started your business to do what you’re good at and love to do – and now find...

Stacie Shaw

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Breast Care Breakfast aims for $50,000 raised for the Hunter Breast Care Nurses in 2024

After a huge 2023 event raising just over $49,000 the Breast Care Breakfast organisation committee are setting their sights on topping over $50,000 raised from their annual Breast Care Breakfast event. This year the Breakfast will include a speaking panel of patients who have directly benefited or are currently benefiting...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Casual Employment Changes

From 26 August 2024 several changes were made to the Fair Work Act regarding casual employment. 1. Definition changes An employee is now deemed to be a casual if: There isn’t a firm advance commitment to continuing and indefinite work, considering several factors, including the real substance, practical reality and...

Laura Mackowiak

Senior Manager

Sydney

Insights

PKF — Your Partner In Wine… And Business

PKF is proud to once again sponsor the Hunter Valley Wine Show. As we enter our second year of sponsorship, it's clear that our commitment goes beyond the weeklong celebrations of this annual event. “This sponsorship is about alignment in values and how we both view community. There is a...

Clayton Hickey

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Data Warehouses And Real-Time Intelligent Reporting — Not Just For Enterprise

Having current and actionable analytics from your business has moved from a nice to have to a must have in recent years, there is little regard for the monthly Excel report delivered 2 weeks after the end of the month. In 2024 we expect more than that from the various...

Will Haywood

Digital Transformation Lead, VInet Solutions

Newcastle

Insights

PKF Sydney and Newcastle Reflect On A Great 2024 Season

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is delighted to reflect on another successful year as the Official Financial Services Partner and NRL Coach Partner for the nib Newcastle Knights during the 2024 season. Our partnership, which began with great anticipation, has proven to be a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Insights

Small Business Restructuring — Where Are We Now?

The Small Business Restructuring (“SBR”) regime has proved to be an excellent tool to help revive businesses. It was introduced in January 2021 with little fanfare and plenty of scepticism. In the first six months, there were only 12 SBR appointments. However, it has gained popularity and has become a...

Senray Loy

Principal

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

The Benefits Of Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy

Estate planning is crucial for the management and distribution of your assets after your death. Documents need to be well drafted to ensure they are legally binding, that your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are provided for according to your preferences. Estate Planning involves more than just a...

Andrew Russell

Financial Adviser

Newcastle

Insights

Building Financial Resilience: Strategies For Sustainable Success In The Club Industry

PKF was recently invited by Clubs NSW to present at the Club Education Institute (CEI) Seminars, which were held across 14 locations in NSW over the past two months, with more than 600 attendees from over 160 clubs. We chose to present on Financial Resilience, as this has been a...

David Hutchison

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Smart Financing Strategies For Managing ATO Debt Challenges

As Australian businesses continue to navigate the economic aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many face growing pressure from the ATO to settle outstanding debts. The ATO, which once adopted a lenient approach to debt collection, has now shifted to a more aggressive stance, demanding quicker repayment. Here’s how businesses can...

David Zammit

Executive Director

Sydney

Insights

Tougher Times Ahead ATO Cracks Down On Penalties And Debt Recovery

The good times are well and truly over, at least when it comes to dealing with the ATO. Whilst the ATO was largely understanding and supportive of taxpayers during the COVID pandemic, it’s fair to say that has come to an end, with increased activity on a number of fronts,...

Boris Kresic

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Take 5… With David Pring

Q. What is a little known/interesting fact about you? I love offshore sailing and my picture of getting away is sailing out through the heads on a multiple day voyage north or south. Q. Do you have a career highlight so far? Career highlights occur for me when delivering a...

David Pring

Partner

Newcastle

Insights

Buying a Pharmacy: Key Considerations

Buying a pharmacy is a major decision, much like purchasing a house. It's not just about finding the right opportunity; knowing how much to pay and making sure it fits your long-term goals are crucial to success. Defining what you are looking for Once you’ve decided to invest in a...

Trent Ruprecht

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Elevation and maturity of the internal audit function

With less than six months to go, has your organisation considered how to implement the new internal audit standards? Internal Audit (‘IA’) plays a vital role in helping organisations achieve improved performance, in ensuring risks are adequately managed in an increasingly complex landscape, and in protecting the public interest. To...

2 contributors

Brisbane

Time running out to implement bribery prevention

Insights

Time is running out to implement foreign bribery prevention measures

In March 2024, the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Combatting Foreign Bribery) Act 2024 (Cth) was passed. The Act is designed to remove barriers to foreign bribery investigations and prosecutions previously faced by law enforcement and prosecutors. The key changes include: A company will be criminally liable if an associate (an officer,...

Geoff Peck

Partner - PKF Integrity

Melbourne

Insights

Grant opportunity — Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) round four: What you need to know.

Round four of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) will open for applications from 12 November 2024 at 9:00AM AEST for Tier 1-3 applications. The EMDG provides grants to Australian small and medium enterprises to support them in globally marketing and promoting their goods and services and in receiving export...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Enabling a consistent approach to tax affecting your leases and decommission responsibilities

For the year ended 30 June 2024 (and 31 December 2023), entities are required to recognise a related deferred tax asset (DTA) and a deferred tax liability (DTL) for leases and decommissioning liabilities. In June 2021, the Australian Accounting Standard Board (AASB) published AASB 2021-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards...

Garry Mathoda

Director

Sydney

Insights

ASIC focus to improve investor confidence and knowledge

In May 2024, ASIC published its Focus Areas for the 30 June 2024 reporting season, giving priority to educating and building the confidence of investors. ASIC focus areas are now classified as either: Enduring focus areas, orParticular focus areas. ASIC highlighted financial reporting areas which they have determined to be...

James Lee

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Australia’s new era of corporate transparency: mandatory climate reporting begins on 1 January 2025

It’s official, Australia’s mandatory climate disclosure regime will take effect from 1 January 2025, following the passing of the Government’s legislation through Federal Parliament. On 22 August 2024, the Senate passed the mandatory climate reporting bill, which was subsequently passed by the House of Representatives on 9 September 2024. This...

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2 contributors

Melbourne

Insights

Unpacking the new consolidated entity disclosures

As a result of the introduction of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Multinationals Pay Their Fair Share – Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2023, from 30 June 2024 onwards, Australian public companies who prepare a consolidated financial report (except those companies that report to the ACNC) must include a new consolidated...

Ken Weldin

Partner

Melbourne

Insights

Why Every Successful Business Needs a Strategic Plan: Navigating the Future with Purpose and Precision

One of the most important tools in business is a strategic plan. Without one, how does anyone on your team know what you are trying to achieve or how to allocate your limited resources most effectively? When you actually take the time to think about it, it makes a lot...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Press Releases

TWO NEW PARTNERS AND 43 PROMOTIONS FOR PKF SYDNEY AND NEWCASTLE

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is excited to announce the promotion of Jackie Marriott and Trent Ruprecht to Partner, along with 43 of its team members. Spanning across both offices and seven different departments, the promotions showcase the depth of talent and expertise within the firm and its ongoing commitment to...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

2 contributors

Ken Weldin

Phillipa Ngorima

2 Contributors

Kevin Helmers

Liam Murphy

Garry Mathoda

Sangeetha Ravisankar

Dawn Alexander

Darren Shillington

Emma Hansen

2 contributors

Steve Meyn

Emma Hansen

Sara Crevillen

Steve Meyn

Sam Hutchinson

Emma Hansen

Chris Weatherall

Daniel Clements

Bob Bell

Stacie Shaw

Emma Hansen

Laura Mackowiak

Clayton Hickey

Will Haywood

Andrew Beattie

Senray Loy

Andrew Russell

David Hutchison

David Zammit

Boris Kresic

David Pring

Trent Ruprecht

2 contributors

Geoff Peck

Nicholas Falzon

Garry Mathoda

James Lee

2 contributors

Ken Weldin

Andrew Beattie

Emma Hansen

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