This four-part tax time 2025 series provides you with comprehensive coverage of topics tailored to assist Australian accountants, finance professionals and their clients.  

In this first episode, learn about the latest updates from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), as well as key information on: 

 * Deductions 

 * Record keeping 

 * Investments 

 * Digital tools 

 * ATO focus areas 

This episode will help ensure you and your clients are well prepared for tax season in 2025.   

Listen now.  

Host: Jenny Wong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-wong-3b3b4a2a/], tax lead, policy and advocacy, CPA Australia 

Guest: Rob Thomson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-thomson-7354318b/], assistant commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

For links related to this episode, head to the ATO [https://www.ato.gov.au/] website for information on: 

Tax time 2025: What you need to know

What does good governance in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector look like?  

In this episode of With Interest, we’ll explore the frameworks, challenges and opportunities shaping NFP leadership today. 

Gain practical insights into: 

What good governance really means for NFPs 

 * The top governance challenges NFPs face in the Australian context 

 * The link between sound fiscal management and accountability 

 * Real-world examples of governance that made a measurable difference 

 * Actionable steps directors can take to enhance governance in their organisations 

 * Useful tools and resources from CPA Australia and AICD Whether you're a director, advisor or part of an NFP board, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help your organisation build trust, improve oversight and stay compliant in a complex regulatory environment. 

Tune in for expert commentary and sector-specific advice that will help you lead with purpose and responsibility. 

Host: Ram Subramanian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ram-subramanian-75896b35/], external reporting lead, CPA Australia 

Co-host: Joss Fenton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joss-fenton-84497419/] FCPA

A director’s guide to stronger NFP governance

With the federal election decided, attention turns to the road ahead for Australian businesses and the newly re-elected government's agenda.  

This special episode delves into the critical economic challenges and opportunities ahead, offering expert perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape.  

Explore Australia's current economic position – its strengths and weaknesses – and what priorities the Treasurer should focus on. 

Listen now for a comprehensive briefing on the economic outlook covering: 

 * Key priorities for the Treasurer based on Australia's economic health 

 * The ripple effects of US policy and tariffs on Australian sectors 

 * Policy levers the government can pull to navigate challenges 

 * CPA Australia's "three R" recommendations for business and community improvement 

 * How government’s zero-risk approach affects business 

Post-election insights: What business needs to know

In this second instalment of a special two-part episode, a respected panel of industry experts dive deeper into the insights from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. 

This landmark small business survey – launched at Parliament House in Canberra in March – captures data from over 4200 small businesses across the Asia-Pacific, including more than 500 Australian businesses, providing a timely snapshot of their performance, challenges and future priorities. 

From sole traders and family-run operations to service providers, these are the enterprises that power the region’s economies – and the businesses CPA Australia and its members support every day. 

Listen and learn key insights from a lively debate with highly respected industry voices discussing critical issues for small business in Australia and APAC.  

 * Presenter: Elinor Kasapidis, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinor-kasapidis-00852765/?originalSubdomain=au] Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia  

Panel: 

 * Yasmin Coe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmin-coe-fcpa-7a529520a/] FCPA, President of CPA Australia ACT Division
 * Angad Soin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angadsoin/], Xero Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand and Global Chief Strategy Officer
 * Bruce Billson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-hon-bruce-billson-gaicd-09568a41/] GAICD, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
 * Gavin Ord, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavan-ord-78b2611a/] Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

 

CPA Australia’s 2025 edition of its Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/business-management/small-business-resources/small-business-survey] is available online and offers deep insights into the challenges small businesses are facing in Australia and APAC.  

You can also read CPA Australia’s

CPA Australia’s APAC small business survey (part 2)

In this first of a two-part With Interest, we’ll explore key findings from CPA Australia’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, which was unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra.  

In part one, CPA Australia’s Gavin Ord unpacks the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing – from cash flow pressures and access to finance, to workforce fatigue, productivity and talent retention – all within today’s demanding business environment.  

This annual survey captures the experiences of 4200 small businesses across the region – including more than 500 in Australia – offering a timely snapshot of their performance, priorities and pain points. 

From sole traders and family-run builders to growing e-commerce retailers and service providers, these are the businesses that CPA Australia and its members work with every day. 

Part two will feature a panel discussion with industry experts who dig deeper into the implications and opportunities behind the survey’s key data. 

Presenter: Gavin Ord, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavan-ord-78b2611a/] Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

You can read CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey a [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/business-management/small-business-resources/small-business-survey]nd CPA Australia’s media release [https://cpaaustralia-my.sharepoint.com/personal/garreth_hanley_cpaaustralia_com_au/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fgarreth%5Fhanley%5Fcpaaustralia%5Fcom%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FPODCAST%20PRODUCTION%20FOLDERS%2F2025%2FWITH%20INTEREST%20podcast%202025%2FWI%5F005%5FSmall%20Business%20Survey%20Launch%20%2D%20ep%201%20and%202%2FSmall%20business%20survey%202025%20release%201%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fgarreth%5Fhanley%5Fcpaaustralia%5Fcom%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FPODCAST%20PRODUCTION%20FOLDERS%2F2025%2FWITH%20INTEREST%20podcast%202025%2FWI%5F005%5FSmall%20Business%20Survey%20Launch%20%2D%20ep%201%20and%202&ga=1] which calls for Government to urgently prioritise small business issues.  

You can find a CPA at our custom portal [https://apbusinesse.tralia.com.au/find-a-cpa/] on the CPA Australia website.  

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts]  

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts], providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:  

 * With Interest [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest]

CPA Australia’s APAC small business survey (part 1)

In this episode, learn some of the key challenges facing accountants in their dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and what you can expect in 2025.  

Gain an overview of the challenges faced by small businesses, who account for 65 per cent of the ATO's debt, and the increasing pressures on both tax agents and taxpayers. 

Dive into the ATO's renewed focus on tax debt recovery, especially the significant rise in unpaid taxes post-COVID.  

Learn the importance of early engagement with the ATO to avoid enforcement actions like garnishee notices and director penalty notices (DPNs). 

Key areas in this episode 

 * Impact of COVID on ATO's $50 billion debt book. 

 * Importance of early engagement and payment plans. 

 * Consequences for non-payment, including garnishee notices and DPNs. 

 * ATO's new initiatives to address GIC remission requests and improve timeliness. 

 * The ATO's approach to vulnerable taxpayers and improving service for tax agents. 

ATO guide for business owners and tax practitioners

In this special Federal Budget 2025 episode, gain key insights and expert commentary into the measures announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers from last night's budget speech in Canberra. 

Focusing on what accountants, small business owners and finance professionals need to know, CPA Australia’s policy experts break down Budget 2025 in key areas such as:

 * Overall budget reaction
 * What’s in it for small business
 * Income tax changes
 * Cost-of-living relief
 * Spending programs
 * Economic, fiscal outlook

Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown to help you learn about and navigate Budget 2025, bearing in mind that funds have also been set aside for future announcements.

Tune in now. 

Host: Elinor Kasapidis, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinor-kasapidis-00852765/?originalSubdomain=au] Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia

Guest: Gavan Ord [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavan-ord-78b2611a/], Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

Head online to CPA Australia’s dedicated budget 2025 page [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/policy-and-advocacy/budget-commentary] for information on the 2025 Federal Budget, including CPA Australia’s pre-budget submission. 

You can find a CPA at our custom portal [https://apbusinesse.tralia.com.au/find-a-cpa/] on the CPA Australia website. 

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts] 

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts], providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts], providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: 

 * With Interest [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest]
 * INTHEBLACK [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack]
 * INTHEBLACK Out Loud [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud]
 * Excel Tips [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/excel-tips]

Search for them in your podcast platform. 

You can email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

 

Federal Budget 2025: what you need to know

Supermarkets play a pivotal role in the daily lives and finances of millions of Australians. 

In this episode, we’ll delve into the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) major inquiry into the supermarket industry.

One of the experts who made a submission to the ACCC for this inquiry discusses key issues such as:

 * Price gouging concerns and evidence of abnormal profits
 * Market structure and consumer experience
 * Pricing strategies and trends
 * Perishable products and food waste
 * Future recommendations for fair competition

Tune in to learn more on how this inquiry could reshape the supermarket sector and deep dive into issues around the cost of groceries.

 * Host: Tiffany Tan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanytancpa/] CPA, Audit and Assurance Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia
 * Guest: Professor Matthew Pinnuck [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-pinnuck-8635b918/?originalSubdomain=au] from the University of Melbourne

Head online to read the final report on supermarkets by the ACCC. [https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/publications/serial-publications/supermarkets-inquiry-2024-25-reports/supermarkets-inquiry-february-2025-final-report] 

You can also read the ACCC’s interim report on supermarkets [https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/supermarkets-inquiry-2024-2025-interim-report.pdf], the inquiry’s overview [https://www.accc.gov.au/inquiries-and-consultations/supermarkets-inquiry-2024-25] as well as learn more about the ACCC and the scope of its work. [https://www.accc.gov.au/]

Additionally, you can see Professor Pinnuck’s submission to the inquiry, [https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Professor-Matthew-Pinnuck_Redacted.pdf] as well as the ACCC’s information on the food and grocery code of conduct for the industry. [https://www.accc.gov.au/by-industry/food-and-groceries]

For more on Professor Matthew Pinnuck, head to his Melbourne University expert profile page. [https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/1798-matthew-pinnuck] 

You can find a CPA at our custom portal [https://apbusinesse.tralia.com.au/find-a-cpa/] on the CPA Australia website.

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s podcast tab on its YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@CPAaustralia/podcasts]

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts], providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:

 * With Interest [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest]
 * INTHEBLACK [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack]
 * INTHEBLACK Out Loud [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud]
 * Excel Tips [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack]

Search for them in your podcast platform.

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Unpacking the ACCC’s supermarkets inquiry

It’s vital to be across changes in accounting when amendments are made by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). 

Learn more about these amendments - which are ready for global adoption - and how they may apply to you.

The episode covers areas such as: 

 * Reporting standards
 * Sustainability reporting
 * Assurance
 * Ethics
 * Independence
 * Value chains

Tune in to understand how these changes affect your practice and ensure that you’re equipped to uphold ethical standards and keep public trust in the profession.

Host: Patrick Viljoen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-viljoen-fcpa-acma-cgma-24a6b834/?originalSubdomain=au], sustainability leader, CPA Australia [https://www.linkedin.com/school/cpaaustralia/]

Guest: Mark Babington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-babington-07628925/?originalSubdomain=uk], a member of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA [https://www.linkedin.com/company/iesba/]) and an executive director of regulatory standards at the Financial Reporting Council (FRC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/financial-reporting-council/]). 

You can find more on IESBA [https://www.ethicsboard.org/] and the financial reporting counci [https://frc.gov.au/]l at their websites.

Additionally, head online for further information on AASB S2 [https://www.aasb.gov.au/news/australian-sustainability-reporting-standards-aasb-s1-and-aasb-s2-are-now-available-on-the-aasb-digital-standards-portal/#:~:text=AASB%20S2%20requires%20an%20entity%20to%20disclose%20information,capital%20over%20the%20short%2C%20medium%20or%20long%20term.] and ISSA 5000 [https://www.iaasb.org/focus-areas/understanding-international-standard-sustainability-assurance-5000]. 

You can find a CPA at our custom portal [https://apbusinesse.tralia.com.au/find-a-cpa/] on the CPA Australia website. 

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? 

Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahXugpxXKis&list=PL5vTOtKBIAvDuqiEORFYPoVMcKw5bdSpv] 

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts], providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: 

 * With Interest [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest]
 * INTHEBLACK [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack]
 * INTHEBLACK Out Loud [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud]
 * Excel Tips [https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack]

Search for them in your podcast platform. 

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

IESBA’s amendments: what finance professionals need to know

The CPA Australia Podcast brings you the best in on-demand commentary and thought leadership across a variety of topics related to business, leadership and accounting. Each week, our podcast will help you increase your knowledge of business related topics and point you to some of the world’s best resources in strategy, finance and public practice accounting. Never miss an episode by subscribing today via iTunes.