Helen Newman
Partner, Business Restructuring
BDO in Australia
BDO in Australia
Transforming challenges into opportunities
Join us at the BDO Connect National Forum 2025, our exclusive flagship event for members across the country. This year, we continue to evolve, focusing on turning challenges into opportunities. Our program is designed to provide actionable insights and practical strategies in key areas, including tax, SMSFs, and broader business strategy.
Agenda
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Agenda item |
Speakers |
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Registration |
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| Members welcome | Dr Mark Pizzacalla Partner, Business Services and National Leader, BDO Connect, BDO |
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Stop the money leaving - Practical moves for SMEs Cybercrime is hitting small-to-medium firms where it hurts: payment redirection and business email compromise now account for millions in losses. In this practical session, we’ll cover the latest Australian threat trends, privacy law changes, and the rise of AI-enabled scams. You’ll leave with five “no regrets” actions you can put in place immediately to better protect your firm and your clients. |
Chris Burg |
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Our choices make us: Navigating financial distress Clients in financial distress face critical and often defining choices. This session will explore current economic challenges and how they can impact your clients, while providing practical strategies to guide them through restructuring options with clarity and confidence. You’ll also hear real-world "war stories" providing context for insolvency solutions and learn how your guidance can shape informed decisions and better outcomes. |
Helen Newman |
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Lending landscape with the CBA Join us for an engaging discussion on the Lending Landscape, where experts from BDO and CBA will share insights on the latest trends and challenges shaping the lending market. We will cover real estate investment, funding requests, and market competitiveness, along with emerging areas such as ESG standards, green finance, and the potential impact of AI. Designed for SME accountants and advisers, this session will provide practical guidance to help you support clients in today’s evolving financing environment. |
Cassandra Crawford Belinda Harris Darren Stacey
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Lunch |
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Indirect tax 2025: What’s changed, what it means Substantial updates to GST and state taxes - including payroll tax rulings and cases, levy adjustments, and penalties - which have reshaped the indirect tax landscape in 2025, with compliance and cost implications for businesses across Australia. We will highlight the key changes that may be relevant. |
Leisa Rafter |
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Navigating SMSFs in 2025 SMSFs are evolving fast, and so are the rules. In this practical session, we’ll break down what’s new, what’s changing, and what it means for you and your clients. From the latest tax and compliance updates to real-world scenarios, you’ll gain fresh insights and actionable strategies to help your clients stay on track with their SMSFs. |
Diana Wong |
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AI in action: Practical insights AI is rapidly reshaping advisory workflows, and small firms are starting to see real results. In this session, we’ll share key lessons learned and provide practical advice on where to focus to unlock efficiency, quality, and staff satisfaction gains. We’ll also discuss the key challenges, risks, and ethical considerations. You’ll walk away with tangible steps to take as both a firm and an individual, with time for an open Q&A to address your questions. |
Fahim Khondaker |
| Closing remarks | Helen Newman Partner, Business Restructuring, BDO |
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Networking event |
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Disclaimer: Correct at time of publishing. May be subject to change.
