Federal Budget 2025/26

We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming webinar, which will provide an in-depth analysis of the forthcoming Federal Budget, scheduled to be handed down on 25 March 2025. This budget, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, is anticipated to have significant ramifications for the economy, our industry, and your business operations.

The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA) will host this webinar, featuring our panel of experts who will meticulously examine the budget’s key components, focusing on taxation, superannuation, and financial advisory measures. Our objective is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the budget’s implications and the opportunities it presents. Additionally, we will address how the budget proposes to tackle current economic challenges, including national cost-of-living pressures.

Key Discussion Points:

• Economic Overview: Analysis of the budget’s projections for economic growth, inflation, and employment, and their potential impact on the sector.
• Taxation Measures: Evaluation of proposed tax policies, including any changes to corporate and personal taxation, and their implications for businesses and individuals.
• Superannuation Reforms: Discussion on anticipated adjustments to superannuation legislation and what this may mean for clients.
• Financial Advisory Landscape: Insights into how the budget may influence the financial advisory profession, and the opportunities for practitioners to consider.
• Cost-of-Living Initiatives: Examination of measures aimed at alleviating cost-of-living pressures and their broader economic implications.

Complimentary Budget Report:

In conjunction with the webinar, we will release our authoritative Budget Report tailored for professionals in taxation, superannuation, and financial services. This report, typically priced at $99, will be available at no cost to IFPA members and offered to non-members for $50.

$FREE (members) | $50 (non- members)

TPB CPD Hours:1 hour |  Legislated CPD Hours: To be confirmed

Live Webinar |  Slides | IFPA Authoritative Budget Report

Presented by:

NATASHA PANAGIS
Head of Technical Services, Institute of Financial Professionals Australia

Natasha Panagis is a highly experienced wealth management specialist with deep expertise across a broad spectrum of financial services area, including superannuation, self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), retirement planning, taxation, estate planning, insurance, social security, and aged care. With over 20 years in the industry, Natasha has developed a reputation as a trusted adviser and thought leader, delivering strategic insights and practical guidance to financial professionals and their clients.

Her ability to distil and communicate complex financial concepts in a clear, concise, and accessible manner has made her a sought-after commentator in the media. She has been regularly quoted in leading financial publications and frequently presents at industry conferences, professional development programs, and training workshops, where she shares her knowledge with financial planners, accountants, and legal professionals.

Natasha plays an instrumental role in shaping Australia’s financial services industry through her work in policy development and advocacy. She actively engages with Government bodies, regulators, and key industry stakeholders to influence policy settings, legislative changes, and regulatory reforms. Her contributions help ensure that the evolving financial landscape remains conducive to professional practitioners while safeguarding consumer interests.

In addition to her policy and advocacy work, Natasha is a passionate educator, regularly contributing technical articles and thought leadership pieces aimed at enhancing the knowledge and capability of financial professionals. Her dedication to professional excellence and commitment to improving financial literacy make her a valued contributor to the industry.

STUART SHEARY
Senior Technical Services Specialist, Institute of Financial Professionals Australia

Stuart Sheary is a highly respected financial services professional with over 20 years of industry experience, specialising in superannuation, social security, and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). With a strong technical background and a deep understanding of Australia’s financial and regulatory landscape, Stuart has built a career dedicated to providing financial professionals with clear, actionable guidance in these complex areas.

Stuart is well known for his ability to simplify intricate legislative and technical matters, equipping advisers with the knowledge they need to navigate regulatory changes and strategic financial planning. His expertise is demonstrated through regular presentations at industry events, contributions to technical literature, and ongoing support for financial professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of superannuation and SMSFs. His technical acumen and practical approach make him a valued resource in the financial services sector.

Before joining IFPA, Stuart held a number of pivotal technical roles where he provided expert guidance and support to financial advisers on a range of complex financial planning matters. His ability to interpret and apply legislation in a real-world advisory context has been instrumental in helping advisers deliver better outcomes for their clients.

Stuart holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a Specialist SMSF Advisor (SSA®) accredited by the SMSF Association, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence.

With a passion for technical education and adviser support, Stuart continues to contribute meaningfully to the industry, ensuring financial professionals stay informed, confident, and well-equipped to navigate the evolving financial services landscape.

STEPHEN LAU
Principal Lawyer, Coleman Greig

Stephen Lau is a Principal Lawyer and Team Leader in Coleman Greig’s Tax and Superannuation team. Stephen specialises in tax advisory, tax planning and tax audit/dispute resolution covering all areas of tax including income tax, indirect tax, fringe benefit tax and stamp duty. Stephen has a unique and extensive tax background which covers both in-house tax advisory, professional services at a big four chartered accounting firm and the Australian Taxation Office. Leveraging off his tax administration and commercial experience, Stephen takes pride in providing simple practical tax advice and commercial solutions to a broad range of clients including high net worth individuals, private groups, ASX listed entities and large multinationals. He draws upon his unique and broad background and experience, described above, to provide creative, practical and timely solutions for his clients.