When participating in GP registrar training programs, understanding the GST implications for program-related payments is crucial for ensuring compliance. We’ve created a factsheet to help your practice navigate the rules with ease. At GrowthMD, we understand the complexities of GST reporting in the healthcare sector. If your practice is involved in GP registrar training programs, or you’re looking for tailored advice on any other tax matters, our team is here to help. Download the GST Treatment of GP Registrar Training Program Payments Factsheet or contact us to ensure seamless and stress-free GST compliance.

At GrowthMD, we believe the future of accounting sits at the sweet spot between human expertise and cutting-edge technology. Last week brought this vision to life in two exciting ways: Kelly Chard’s Presentation to CAANZ Members Kelly had the opportunity to speak to Chartered Accountants ANZ members across Australia on the topic, “The Intersection of Technology and Accounting”. Her session delved into how firms like GrowthMD are utilising digital tools to deliver genuine strategic value, not just compliance. GrowthMD at Xerocon Our team also joined an inspiring lineup of innovators and advisors at Xerocon, where the theme, “Closer, Better, Bigger”, reminded us of technology's ability to: Bring us closer to clients through seamless collaboration Drive better outcomes by automating repetitive tasks Unlock bigger opportunities with data-driven insights that support long-term growth. What This Means for Your Practice For our medical industry clients, the benefits of our interest in technology are: Simplified financial management: Xero’s ecosystem continues to move toward automating the essentials, reconciliations, payroll, and invoicing, freeing up your team’s time Business clarity: Up-to-date reporting gives you visibility on cash flow, profitability, and performance.  We now use Fathom, Brieff, Xero and Cubiko (where available) to amplify our business advisory services Smarter decision-making: With real-time insights, we can spot trends, highlight risks, and model scenarios so you can make confident choices. Today’s Practice We have always believed that smart technology usage will make running your practice more efficient.  We also believe that your practice needs great humans, both at the practice level and the accounting level, to turn numbers into meaningful action. That’s why we’re continually investing in our teams’ capabilities, embracing safe and appropriate use of AI, and staying engaged with the conversations shaping the profession. Our ultimate goal? To help your practice grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainable while delivering the financial insights you need to focus on what matters most: your patients. Reach out to the GrowthMD team and let us show you how the perfect blend of people and technology can transform your financial management.

What It Means for Medical Practices. In August 2025, the NSW Court of Appeal delivered an essential decision in Chief Commissioner of State Revenue v Uber Australia Pty Ltd [2025] NSWCA 172, ruling that Uber was liable for payroll tax on payments made to its drivers. The Court concluded that drivers provided services to Uber under a contractual arrangement, and that the amounts paid to them were “for or in relation to the performance of work”. This meant the payments were caught by the “relevant contract” provisions of the Payroll Tax Act 2007 (NSW) and treated as wages. While the case centred on rideshare drivers, its logic has broader application. It reinforces a principle already seen in Thomas and Naaz: payroll tax can apply even where workers are independent contractors, if the structure resembles an employment-like arrangement in substance. Why does this matter for medical practices? Many medical practices operate under a service entity model, where: The doctor contracts with a service entity (sometimes in addition to directly with the patient), The service entity collects patient fees, A service or administration fee is deducted, and the balance is remitted to the doctor. There may be cases where this structure is appropriate, when well-thought-out and with sound legal and accounting advice. However, ill‑thought‑out arrangements, particularly where the service entity plays a central role in the delivery of patient care or controls how doctors provide their services, may attract attention under the same payroll tax rules applied in the Uber case. The Court found that Uber’s business model depended on the drivers’ work, and that the benefit Uber received, along with the contractual control, was enough to make it liable for payroll tax. For medical centres, similar risks can arise if the administrative entity is seen as receiving and benefiting from doctors’ services. What practices should do now? 1. Review your contracts Focus on whether the contracts reflect the genuine independence of practitioners or suggest control by the service entity. 2. Check your payment flow Are patient fees paid to the doctor directly? Or does the entity collect and distribute funds after deducting a fee? 3. Seek proactive advice Don’t wait for a payroll tax review. A quick check now could prevent costly surprises later. This decision doesn’t mean all contractor arrangements are problematic, only that structure matters. A well-designed model, clearly separating administrative services from clinical services, can reduce risk significantly. Key takeaway: The Uber decision is a reminder that substance overrides form. If your structure has evolved without advice or hasn’t been reviewed in light of recent rulings, now is a good time to take stock.

Kelly Chard is excited to be presenting at the Bp Premier Summit in Brisbane on 8 - 10 August. Bp Premier Summit When 8 - 10 AUGUST 2025 Where BRISBANE WHAT YOU'LL GAIN AT SUMMIT Get ready to be a part of something out of this world! Bp Premier Summit is where innovation meets inspiration, and we’re inviting you to join the excitement this August. Delegates will gain hands-on experience with Bp Premier, guided by the experts who know it best. You'll stay ahead of Medicare changes and industry shifts with sessions tailored for both clinical and management roles. Ask questions, get answers, and access exclusive insights from Bp leaders and integration partners. Additionally, connect with peers and explore practical ways to maximise the benefits of your software and team. We’re bringing together the brightest minds for three days of fun, learning, and collaboration. Hear from expert speakers on the latest Medicare updates, compliance requirements and business trends affecting general practice. Discover more innovative ways to manage HR, finance and clinical obligations using your existing software tools. These sessions provide real-world insights tailored to both GPs and Practice Managers navigating a changing healthcare environment. Share challenges, swap solutions, and spark new ideas with people who understand your world. With plenty of time for informal networking between sessions, plus two exclusive social events designed to foster connection, this is your chance to learn from peers across the industry. Speak one-on-one with integration partners and Bp Premier experts about how to unlock the full value of your software. You’ll leave with fresh insights and valuable connections that can directly benefit your practice.

Over the last week, I navigated the health system outside of Australia for the first time, which was initially a daunting experience. My husband, Stephen Chard, had an accident while our family was on holiday in Singapore. At first, I didn’t know what to do or where to go; however, we quickly decided on the GP clinic near our hotel. It was such an impressive and efficient system, I couldn’t believe how easy everything flowed and how seamlessly the GP, surgeon and hospital communicated. And as the mum of 3 boys, I have been through my fair share of broken limbs in Australia! 3.00 pm - Accident on Sentosa Island 4.30 pm - We arrived at the local GP clinic in the city near our hotel 4.45 pm - X-ray taken in GP rooms 5.00 pm - Fracture identified and contact with surgeon initiated 8.00 pm - Arrived at the hospital with the surgeon waiting to consult with us, surgical plan made 9.00 pm - New cast applied and Stephen was admitted to the hospital Next day - Surgery 5 days later - Back to Australia. Thank you to the caring team at Crawfurd Hospital and the expert Dr Keith Lee. Navigating Overseas Healthcare

Optimise Your Practice Software Spend: A 5-Step Guide In today’s healthcare landscape, software plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations, improving patient care, and enhancing staff efficiency. However, many medical practices struggle with managing their software expenses effectively. How much should you be spending? Are you getting the best return on investment (ROI)? In this video, we provide actionable tips to help you audit, evaluate, and optimise your software expenditures. Optimise Your Practice Software Spend: A 5-Step Guide Understanding Software Spend Among medical practices, software spending typically ranges from 1% to 2% of equivalent practice billings. Outliers exist, with some practices spending as little as 0.5% while others allocate up to 4%. Whether your expenditure falls on the lower or higher end of the spectrum, the key is ensuring you're receiving maximum ROI. Before assessing whether you’re overspending or underspending, ask yourself these five critical ROI questions: 5 Key Questions to Evaluate Software ROI Is the software increasing patient satisfaction or improving care delivery? Is it reducing staff workload? Is it protecting your practice from fraud or human error? Is it generating revenue or opening new income streams? Is it improving operational efficiencies overall? If your software doesn’t support these critical goals, it might be time to reevaluate its purpose and cost. A 5-Step Process to Audit and Optimise Software To ensure your practice is maximising its software investments, Kelly Chard recommends a simple, five-step process. Let’s dive into each step: Step 1: Gather a Complete List of Software Start by listing every software tool your practice uses. Enlist your team’s help or refer to your Xero file to export all relevant software expenses. This will give you a clear view of tools currently in use. Step 2: Categorise Software into Functional Buckets Group each software into specific categories or “buckets” based on its purpose. Typical examples include: Communication (e.g., email, messaging platforms) Online scheduling and payments Data insights and analytics Payroll and bookkeeping You’ll likely identify 5–10 functional buckets. Categorising these tools provides visibility into how different software supports various aspects of your practice. Step 3: Quantify Monthly and Annual Spend Quantify how much you’re spending within each bucket on a monthly and annual basis. This step is essential for identifying areas of disproportionate spending or underutilised tools. Step 4: Evaluate Software Effectiveness Here’s where the real work starts. Engage with your team and audit software performance: What tools are actively used? What tools are underutilised or unused entirely? What tools have bugs, inefficiencies, or cause headaches? Are there missing features that could be useful? Then ask a critical question: If a tool was removed, how would tasks be handled? This evaluation process will highlight inefficiencies and gaps in your systems. Refer back to the five ROI questions above to ensure your software investments align with your practice’s priorities. Step 5: Eliminate, Consolidate, and Optimise With a comprehensive list and evaluation complete, it’s time to act: Cut unused or redundant software. Double payments or forgotten subscriptions are common and must be dropped. Negotiate better terms with vendors. Explore price reductions or upgrade plans to take advantage of unused features. Consolidate functionality into fewer tools. For example, one software tool might offer features that make another redundant. Train staff to maximise software use. A lack of training often leads to the underutilization of available features. At the end of Step 5, your practice should have an optimised software stack that maximises ROI while aligning with operational goals. Balancing Efficiency and Expenses Optimising software spend isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s about ensuring that every dollar you invest works towards making your practice more efficient, sustainable, and patient-focused. By following the five-step process outlined above, you’ll have the tools to audit your practice’s software expenses, streamline operations, and position your business for long-term success. Next Steps Take time this week to review your software expenditures using the process above. With thoughtful evaluation and optimisation, you’ll not only save money but also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your practice. If you need help in working through the five steps, the  GrowthMD team is here to help .

From 1 July 2025, the ATO will deny tax deductions for interest charged on unpaid tax debts, including: General Interest Charge (GIC) - currently 11.17%  Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC) - currently 7.17%   This applies regardless of when the debt was incurred, thereby ending the long-standing practice of treating these interest costs as deductible only when related to income-generating activities. What does this mean? Previously, businesses could claim ATO interest as a tax deduction, effectively reducing the real cost of carrying ATO tax debt. With the new changes, the full interest cost will now be non-deductible, thereby increasing the financial burden, particularly for SMEs that are already managing tight cash flows. Key Impacts: Higher after-tax cost of unpaid tax debts Reduced cash flow for businesses relying on ATO payment plans Increased risk of unexpected tax bills and interest charges What you should do: Pay off ATO debts as soon as possible to avoid accumulating non-deductible interest Avoid using the ATO as a line of credit; it’s no longer cost-effective Consider refinancing tax debts through commercial loans, where interest may remain deductible Review your cash flow to ensure timely BAS and tax payments Update your tax planning strategies to reflect this change Need guidance? If you’re unsure how this change affects your current or future liabilities, the   GrowthMD team is here to help . We’ll help you assess the impact, explore refinancing options, and restructure your tax management approach for maximum efficiency.

With the financial year end just around the corner, we wanted to share our end-of-quarter financial review checklist, specifically designed for medical practices, which we hope you’ll find helpful. Looking for guidance and support in growing and sustaining a profitable practice? At GrowthMD, we constantly partner with the health industry on the latest trends, technologies, workflows and taxation structures.  ​ We focus purely on the medical profession….and we love it! We would love to connect; feel free to contact us at any time.

What Medical Practice Owners Need to Know As a medical practice owner, you are focused on growing your wealth while balancing the demands of your practice and your profession. That’s why recent discussions around proposed tax changes to superannuation balances over $3 million should be on your radar. Let’s explore what these changes could mean for you and what steps you can take to stay ahead. What’s Behind the Proposed Division 296 Tax Legislation? The proposed legislation introduces an additional 15% tax on earnings attributed to superannuation balances exceeding $3 million. This would effectively raise the tax rate on concessional earnings from the current 15% to as high as 30% for affected balances. It is important to note that the $3 million threshold is intended to relate to each member's total superannuation balance, and not to the total investments or assets of a particular superannuation fund. One of the most contentious aspects of the legislation is how earnings are calculated. They may include both realised and unrealised gains (e.g. the increased market value of assets you haven’t sold yet), which could result in unexpected tax implications. What Does This Mean for Medical Practice Owners? Even with the additional tax, superannuation can be a tax effective strategy for high income earners who may otherwise face personal tax rates of up to 47% (including the Medicare levy). However, medical professionals with significant super balances tied to appreciating assets, such as property, could face larger tax liabilities once this legislation is enacted. For practice owners who are asset-rich but cash-poor within their superannuation fund, this may pose challenges when it comes to liquidity for paying tax bills. Understanding how these changes could impact your overall financial situation is crucial. What Can You Do to Stay Ahead? If your super balance exceeds $3 million or is nearing this threshold, now is the time to consult with your accountant and financial adviser on your strategy. Here are some key actions that a financial adviser will be able to advise on: Spouse Super Contributions: Exploring spouse contribution strategies to help distribute super balances more evenly between partners. Alternative Investment Vehicles: Good advisers will discuss the suitability of your overall investment vehicles. Reviewing Asset Allocation: Reviewing the mix of assets in your investment strategy in line with taxation changes. Take Action Now The Division 296 tax proposal is still under review, but its potential impact on high-balance superannuation accounts highlights the importance of proactive planning. For medical practice owners, staying informed and obtaining good advice can help protect your financial future while ensuring you’re in the best possible position to succeed. At GrowthMD we work with a number of savvy financial planners to obtain the best results for our clients. If you have questions or need support, our team are here to help. Reach out to discuss the taxation implications of these changes. ^This information is general in nature and should not be considered as financial advice. We encourage all readers to obtain their own advice from licenced financial planners and qualified accountants.

Get up to speed on everything you need to know this EOFY, from my recent presentation hosted by HotDoc . I cover what’s new in tax for medical professionals and practices, how to maximise your deductions, and key ATO hotspots to watch. Tax Time for Doctors I share her top tips for a smooth financial year-end. The session covered. What's new in tax for medical professionals and medical practices How to maximise your year-end deductions ATO Hotspots & Focus Areas My top tips for a smooth End of the Financial Year Tax Time for Doctors