Event Recap: Turning federal policy shifts into business growth requires a structured, multi-dimensional response. From tax planning and R&D innovation to digital capabilities, South Australian SMEs must move beyond passive compliance to proactive long-term strategic positioning.
Seminar held on 14 July 2026 in Fullarton, South Australia — Co-hosted by Ignition Research and the Australia Adelaide Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc. (AACCI), with support from DW Johns & Co and DDDI Group.
Thank you to all guests, speakers and partners who joined us for the event.
Co-hosted by Ignition Research and the Australia Adelaide Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc. (AACCI), with support from DW Johns & Co and DDDI Group, the seminar “Who Benefits from the Budget? Opportunities and Action Strategies for South Australian SMEs under the 2026–27 Federal Budget” was successfully held in Fullarton on the evening of 14 July.
Centred on the 2026–27 Federal Budget, the event focused on three key areas: tax policy changes, government support for research and development, and business digital transformation. The seminar aimed to help South Australian business owners better understand how upcoming policy changes may affect their operations and consider how they can respond through tax planning, innovation investment and long-term growth strategies.
Focus Area
Key Topics Covered
Speaker & Organisation
1. Tax Policy
Business tax concessions, loss carry-forward arrangements, instant asset write-offs, CGT & trust structures
Rex Li
DW Johns & Co
2. Innovation & R&D
R&DTI policy trends, advance activity planning, compliance processes & record-keeping
Joy Fang
Ignition Research
3. Digital Transformation
Brand positioning, digital transformation, AI adoption, operational efficiency & capability building
Lin Yuan
DDDI Group
1. Tax Policy: Understanding the Impact of Budget Reforms
During the event, Rex Li from DW Johns & Co provided a structured overview of proposed reforms under the 2026–27 Federal Budget from a taxation perspective.
His presentation covered key areas including business tax concessions, loss carry-forward arrangements, instant asset write-offs, as well as potential changes relating to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and trust structures.
Business Tax Measures: An overview of business tax concessions, loss carry-forward arrangements and instant asset write-offs.
Asset & Structure Considerations: Potential implications relating to Capital Gains Tax and trust structures.
Practical Impact: How future tax reforms may influence business operations, investment planning and long-term asset structuring.
Rex also explored how these policy developments may affect business operations, investment planning and asset structuring, helping business owners better understand the practical implications of future tax reform.
2. Innovation and R&D: Preparing for New Government Support Priorities
Joy Fang, Director of Ignition Research, shared insights into the future direction of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI).
Drawing on policy trends and practical case studies, she discussed how government support for innovation may evolve in the context of upcoming budget reforms.
Policy Direction: Understanding how government priorities around innovation support may evolve alongside broader budget reforms.
Advance Planning: Businesses can strengthen their position by planning R&D activities and project structures before implementation.
Compliance & Records: Stronger documentation, record-keeping and compliance processes can support more effective use of available government innovation programmes.
The presentation also highlighted how businesses can better prepare by planning R&D activities in advance and establishing stronger compliance and record-keeping processes, enabling them to make more effective use of available government innovation support.
3. Digital Transformation: Turning Policy Opportunities into Business Growth
Lin Yuan, Marketing Manager at DDDI Group, explored how businesses can turn policy opportunities into practical capabilities for long-term growth.
Covering topics from brand positioning and digital transformation to the practical adoption of AI tools, the presentation used real-world examples to demonstrate how SMEs can strengthen their digital capabilities, improve operational processes and enhance management efficiency.
Brand & Digital Positioning: Building a stronger digital presence and market position in response to changing business conditions.
Practical AI Adoption: Applying AI and digital tools to streamline workflows, improve operational processes and enhance management efficiency.
Sustainable Capability: Moving beyond short-term policy responses by embedding digital capabilities into long-term business strategy.
The discussion also highlighted how businesses can move beyond simply responding to policy changes and instead use digital transformation to build sustainable competitive advantages.
From Understanding Policy to Planning for the Future
From tax planning and R&D innovation to digital transformation, the seminar was designed to help businesses develop a more structured understanding of how policy changes may influence future decision-making and strategic planning.
In an increasingly dynamic business environment, staying informed about policy trends, reviewing business structures and planning ahead for innovation, efficiency and sustainable growth will continue to play an important role in maintaining long-term competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: Ignition Research will continue to collaborate with professional organisations and industry partners to deliver practical seminars and knowledge-sharing events covering business management, innovation and R&D, digital transformation, property investment and other relevant topics.
Through these initiatives, we aim to provide South Australian businesses with ongoing, professional and forward-looking insights that support better decision-making and long-term growth.
Once again, we sincerely thank all attendees for their participation and our guest speakers and partners for sharing their professional insights.
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