November Industry Roundup: Migration, Accounting & Legal Highlights

NEWSLETTER 249

2025-26 Skilled Visa State Allocations Are Out: Plan Your Next Move

Australia’s states and territories have now released their skilled visa allocations for the 2025–26 program year, and the numbers confirm that there are strong opportunities across the country for both the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas.

• For subclass 190, a total of 12,850 places have been allocated nationwide, providing options for applicants willing to consider a range of locations.
• For subclass 491, there are 7,500 places available across the states and territories, underlining the continued push to attract skilled migrants into regional and emerging growth areas.
• In total, this means 20,350 skilled state and regional nomination places are on offer for 2025–26.

If you’re considering a move to Australia, this update is a great prompt to review your options, compare states based on your occupation and lifestyle preferences, and ensure your documentation and points are in order.

For personalised advice on which state and visa pathway might suit you best, contact us today to speak with a qualified migration professional and get an eligibility assessment before invitations start to flow.

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Australia Passes Payday Super Law – What Employers Must Know

Australia has officially passed the Payday Super legislation, marking one of the most significant reforms to employer superannuation obligations in recent years. The law, which takes effect from 1 July 2026, requires employers to pay superannuation within seven business days of each payday, aligning super contributions with wage payments.

This reform aims to combat the billions lost annually to unpaid super and strengthen long-term retirement outcomes for workers across the country.

• Employers failing to meet this requirement may be liable for the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC).
• The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will use payment-cycle visibility to more quickly identify non-compliant employers.
• A redesigned compliance model will distinguish between low-risk (those actively trying to comply) and high-risk employers.
• Paying super more frequently allows workers to benefit from earlier compounding, increasing their retirement balance over time.
• A typical 25-year-old could gain an estimated $6,000 extra in retirement savings under the new system.

Unpaid superannuation currently costs workers $5.7 billion a year. By making super more visible and enforceable, the legislation is expected to reduce super theft dramatically and strengthen Australia’s retirement income system.

Need Help Preparing for Payday Super?

At Vision Accounting & Taxation Solutions, our accounting experts can help you:

• Review payroll processes
• Structure compliant superannuation workflows
• Set up automated super payments for your business
• Understand employer obligations under the new law

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Workplace Safety Update: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

The new Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work, issued by Safe Work Australia, provides a comprehensive roadmap for businesses to identify, assess and manage mental-health and psychosocial risks in the workplace. 

This development reshapes employer obligations under workplace-health laws, emphasising that psychological safety is as important as physical safety. Failure to comply can have serious legal and reputational consequences.

• Psychosocial hazards are work-related factors that can negatively impact an employee’s mental or physical wellbeing.
• Employers must proactively identify psychosocial hazards, assess their risk, implement and regularly review WHS-compliant controls, and maintain open, safe consultation with staff, reflecting the shift toward treating psychological safety as equally important as physical safety. 
• The new Code of Practice means updating workplace risk-management frameworks to include psychosocial hazards, strengthening WHS policies to proactively protect mental health, and ensuring organisational procedures align with updated legal obligations, making now the ideal time for businesses to review and enhance their workplace safety systems. 

VOG Legal Services: We’re Here to Help

Our legal team at VOG can assist you with:

• Reviewing and updating your workplace health and safety policies;
• Drafting internal guidelines for managing psychosocial hazards;
• Conducting risk assessments and compliance reviews;
• Advising on reporting systems, employee consultation mechanisms, and response protocols.

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What’s New at VOG?

We’re excited to announce the launch of the VOG Affiliate Program, a new initiative designed to reward individuals and community partners for connecting clients to our services.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Earn Income Easily: Receive commissions for every successful referral across our Accounting, Legal, Migration, and IT services.
• Personal Referral Link: Each affiliate gets a unique link to share with their network.
• Real-Time Dashboard: Track leads, conversions, and earnings through a dedicated affiliate portal.
• No Cost to Join: Anyone can sign up and start earning without any upfront investment.
• Full Support: Our team provides guidance and resources to help affiliates succeed.

Click on the link below and start earning from the comfort of your home now!

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