Federal Budgets always create headlines. Tax changes, housing reforms, cost of living support and superannuation updates tend to dominate the conversation very quickly.

Once the noise settles, the more important question becomes: What opportunities or risks does this create for me?

The 2026 Federal Budget introduced some significant proposed changes, particularly around property investment, capital gains tax and discretionary trusts, while also providing targeted support for workers, small businesses and certain sectors of the economy.

For professionals, business owners and high net worth families, the changes reinforce the importance of proactive financial planning and structuring.

Property investors face major proposed changes

The biggest talking point from this year’s Budget was the proposed overhaul to capital gains tax and negative gearing.

From 1 July 2027, the Government has proposed replacing the current 50% capital gains tax discount with an inflation indexation model and introducing a 30% minimum tax on realised capital gains.

At the same time, negative gearing on residential property would become restricted to newly built properties, with existing properties grandfathered under transitional arrangements.

For investors, this potentially changes:

• Long term investment modelling

• Asset selection decisions

• Ownership structures

• Timing considerations around acquisitions or disposals

  
  

Importantly, shares and commercial property remain under existing negative gearing arrangements.

This may create increased interest in diversified investment strategies outside of residential property alone.

Structuring becomes more important than ever

Another significant proposal is the introduction of a 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028.

For many professionals and business owners who utilise discretionary trusts as part of broader wealth and tax planning, this reinforces the importance of reviewing structures proactively rather than reactively.

The Budget also flagged expanded rollover relief for small businesses restructuring out of discretionary trusts into other entities.

This creates a potential planning opportunity for:

• Business owners

• Family groups

• Property investors

• Professionals operating through trust structures

  
  

As legislation develops, reviewing existing structures early may help create flexibility before changes take effect.

Superannuation remains stable

One of the more notable parts of this Budget was what was not included.

Superannuation was largely left untouched, despite concerns following previous proposed reforms such as Division 296.

For many Australians, particularly higher income earners, superannuation remains one of the most tax effective long term wealth creation environments available.

This reinforces the ongoing value of:

• Contribution strategies

• Carry forward contribution opportunities

• Reviewing investment allocations

• Long term retirement planning

  
  

Periods of legislative uncertainty often remind people how important it is to maximise opportunities while they exist.

Opportunities for business owners

There were also several positive announcements for small businesses.

The small business instant asset write-off will become permanent from 1 July 2026 for eligible businesses with turnover under $10 million.

This allows businesses to immediately deduct eligible assets under $20,000, potentially improving cashflow and tax outcomes.

The Budget also introduced proposed reforms allowing companies to carry back losses and offset them against previously paid tax, along with refundable tax offsets for eligible startup businesses.

For business owners, this may create opportunities around:

• Equipment purchases

• Cashflow management

• Business structuring

• Growth and expansion planning

Cost of living and tax relief measures

The Government also announced:

• A new Working Australians Tax Offset

• A $1,000 instant work-related deduction

• Additional tax cuts already legislated from July 2026 and July 2027

  
  

While these measures may not drastically change long term wealth outcomes on their own, they can create additional cashflow that may be better utilised strategically.

For some, this could mean:

• Increasing super contributions

• Paying down debt

• Building investment positions

• Improving cash reserves

  
  

Small changes, when used properly, often compound into meaningful long term outcomes.

Market conditions still matter

The Budget comes during a period of elevated inflation, geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing discussion around interest rates.

Periods like this often create hesitation for investors and business owners.

However, history consistently shows that disciplined decision making during uncertain periods generally produces better long term outcomes than reactive decision making based on headlines.

This is where having a structured financial plan becomes particularly valuable.

The role of advice

Budgets like this are a reminder that financial planning is not static.

Tax rules change. Investment environments evolve. Structures that once worked effectively may need adjustment over time.

The value of advice is not simply understanding the changes themselves. It is understanding how those changes apply to your personal position and identifying opportunities before they become obvious to everyone else.

That may involve:

• Reviewing investment structures

• Reassessing property strategies

• Considering alternative asset classes

• Revisiting succession or estate planning

• Maximising superannuation opportunities

  
  

For many clients, the biggest opportunities come from acting early rather than waiting until changes are already implemented.

Key takeaway

The 2026 Federal Budget introduced several significant proposed changes that may impact investors, business owners and higher income earners over the coming years.

While many of the measures still require legislation to pass, the direction of travel is becoming clearer.

Periods of change often create uncertainty, but they also create opportunity for those who plan ahead.

Reviewing your structure, investment strategy and long term financial position early may place you in a significantly stronger position as these reforms evolve.

Oakmont Financial Group is a specialist firm dedicated to providing Financial Advice that helps you feel confident about your future. If you would like to discuss your financial goals for the year ahead and beyond, you can book a meeting at a time that suits you (including outside standard hours) via our online calendar.

Book a meeting.

Financial Planning: https://calendly.com/cameron-aldus

Personal Insurance: https://calendly.com/steveroberts-ofg

Business Succession: https://calendly.com/steveroberts-ofg

Contact us today. admin@oakmontfg.com.au

General Advice Disclaimer

The information contained on this website and in this blog-post is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation or circumstance. It is recommended that you consider and use the information provided responsibly, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.

Although, every effort has been made to verify the accuracy and correctness of information, Oakmont Financial Group, together with our consultants, officers, agents, and employees, disclaim all liability for any loss or damage suffered by any persons directly or indirectly relying on this information.