Australian flag flying over Parliament House in Canberra during the 2026 Federal Budget

13

May

Federal Budget 2026 Summary: Key Tax Changes for Australian SMEs, Investors & Pensioners

Treasurer Jim Chalmers’s 2026 Federal Budget brings major property tax reform — negative gearing limited to new builds from 1 July 2027, an inflation-linked CGT discount with a 30% minimum, plus a new 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts. Workers get a $1,000 instant deduction and $250 offset. Here’s what it means for Melbourne SMEs, investors, trustees and pensioners — by Lily Zhang, CPA.