When Rules Change & Risks Loom: What Tasmanian Businesses Need to Know Right Now
Starting a business is exciting — but staying in business? That’s where the real work begins. At Hills, we know that every Small Business Accountant Hobart turns to, is constantly helping clients juggle compliance, cashflow and risk.
Right now, two big shifts deserve your attention: new export tariffs and WorkSafe Month 2025.
Exporters: US Tariff Shake-Up
If you sell goods into the United States, you’ve probably heard the news: as of 29 August 2025, the US government scrapped its “de minimis” threshold. That little loophole used to let goods under USD $800 sail through duty-free.
Now? Even low-value e-commerce shipments face extra compliance steps, customs paperwork and potential tariff costs. This matters for Tasmanian businesses trading with US customers, especially those in niche exports or online sales.
The good news? Support is available. Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit is packed with practical advice, and local TradeStart advisers can help you reshape your strategy without losing hard-won markets.
October is WorkSafe Month
On the home front, October means WorkSafe Month 2025. Nearly 60 free events are running across Tasmania — from murder-mystery-style investigation training (yes, really) to sessions on neurodiversity, menopause in the workplace, trauma-informed leadership and even moral injury.
It’s a chance to boost your team’s wellbeing, sharpen your safety practices and remind staff that you take their health seriously. You can check out the full program and register on the WorkSafe Tasmania website.
What’s especially powerful about WorkSafe Month is the mix of topics. Safety today isn’t just about hi-vis vests and hard hats — it’s about psychosocial risks, cyber security, and how leaders respond to stress and trauma. Even if your business feels “low risk,” these sessions can open your eyes to issues that quietly drain productivity and morale.
Why These Updates Matter Together
On the surface, US tariffs and WorkSafe Month might look unrelated. But really, they’re two sides of the same coin: external changes that put pressure on your business if you’re not prepared. Exporters who don’t adjust risk extra costs. Employers who overlook safety risk accidents, claims and reputational damage.
Staying ahead means taking opportunities like these seriously — not just reacting once problems appear. When you set time aside to understand new rules or send your team to training, you’re not losing time — you’re investing it. Those small decisions build resilience, and resilience is what keeps Tasmanian businesses competitive, even when the landscape keeps shifting.
At Hills, we’ve seen how a little planning today saves a lot of pain tomorrow. That’s why the Small Business Accountant Hobart relies on is here to help you adapt, whether that’s reviewing your export numbers, budgeting for compliance costs, or planning around safety initiatives.
Final thought? October is a reminder: the world won’t stop changing, but your business can always get smarter about handling it.
Remember, this article is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. For advice tailored to your circumstances, have a chat with us at Hills Accounting Hobart.
Talk to Kathy and the team today and stay ahead with Hills Insights.
Call Now! 03 6273 7800, or email admin@hillsaccounting.com.au.