Latest News May 2026

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

Sentiment vs. Statistics – Is The Industry Slowing Down?

When the news cycle is dominated by talk of recessions and global instability, it’s easy to attribute a quiet afternoon at the clinic to the “general economic environment.” It is a natural human response to seek external reasons for internal shifts.

However, making strategic decisions based on a “gut feel” regarding the economy can be risky. Here is what the actual data is telling us right now:

According to our Industry Health Tracker, we have not yet seen a significant drop in veterinary business performance. Across the board, both client visits and average spend trends are tracking in the same way as they have been for the last 3 years with a small and persistent drop in pets visiting clinics (yes this is a concern), but this is being offset by an increase in spend per patient – the current fuel crisis does not appear to have made this 3 year trend any worse.

If your clinic is experiencing a genuine downturn, it’s important to recognise that this is not an industry-wide trend. While that might sound daunting, it’s actually good news. It means that the issue is likely internal and, more importantly, solvable.

If your clinic’s performance isn’t aligning with our industry benchmarks, it may indicate a temporary quirk, a local shift or an operational bottleneck rather than a macroeconomic collapse. Decisions rooted in specific data will always serve a practice better than those made in response to general market sentiment and gut feel.

If your data confirms a drop in performance, let’s identify the specific cause. At APL, we specialise in cutting through the noise to find the “why” behind the numbers. If you aren’t currently a client, feel free to contact us by replying to this email to find out how we can help.

Or contact us on our website here:

We are able to compare your clinics performance against the industry trends month by month! This means we can tell you if your drop in performance is really related to the general econony or something specific to your practice.

For those of you using Profitdiagnostix software, you can check on this whenever you want in a dashboard called ‘My Veterinary Industry Tracker’.

Payday Super

From 1 July 2026, the “Payday Super” reform will officially begin, representing one of the most significant shifts in Australian payroll since Single Touch Payroll (STP).

For many businesses, this marks the end of the “quarterly buffer” that has traditionally assisted with managing working capital. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know and how to prepare.

The Big Change: Payday = Super Day

Currently, many businesses pay superannuation quarterly, up to 28 days after the end of the period. From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super at the same time as salary and wages.

^{The 7-Day Rule: Contributions must be received by the employee’s super fund within 7 business days of payday. Because “received” means the money must actually land in the fund’s account, you will likely need to initiate payments through your software or clearing house within 1-2 days of your pay run to avoid penalties.}

^{Key Technical Details You Need to Know} 

Beyond the timing change, several other structural shifts are occurring:

• Calculation Base: Currently, super is calculated on Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE). Under the new rules, this shifts to Qualifying Earnings (QE), which includes OTE plus salary sacrifice amounts and other specific payments. Note that commissions will need supaerannuation paid even if they are for overtime work. Remember to check the Pay Items in Xero are correctly set up and the “Report as Qualifying Earnings” box is ticked.

• Reporting Requirements: You currently report OTE via Single Touch Payroll (STP). From July 2026, you will be required to report both QE and your total super liability through STP every payday.

• Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH): If you currently use the SBSCH, please note it will be permanently closed on 1 July 2026 as payroll software takes over the heavy lifting.

• Tax Deductibility of Missed Payments: Currently, if you pay super late and incur the Super Guarantee Charge (SGC), it is not tax-deductible. To encourage honesty, the new rules make SGC payments tax-deductible.

• Interest on Late Payments: The current 10% per annum penalty is being replaced by daily interest based on the General Interest Charge (GIC), making even short delays more expensive.

How to Get Ready Now

• Transition Early: You don’t have to wait until 1 July 2026. Transitioning to monthly or fortnightly super payments now will help you “stress test” your cashflow before it becomes a legal requirement. 

   

• Update Employee Data: Rejected payments will be a major risk under the 7-day rule. Ensure you have the correct Super Fund and TFN details for all staff to prevent delays. 

   

• Review Contractor Agreements: Under the new “Qualifying Earnings” definition, some contractor payments may fall more clearly into the superannuation net. 

A Unique New Addition to Our Pack!

At APL Accountants, we pride ourselves on providing advice that works in the real world. That’s why we’re so excited to welcome James to our advisory team. He brings a perspective that is a rare find, he has years of experience as a vet and a successful track record as a clinic owner. Currently he is pursuing his accounting qualifications. Having navigated the unique challenges of running a practice firsthand, he is now combining that “on-the-ground” experience with formal accounting studies. He understands your world – not just the numbers on the page, but the daily reality of managing staff, patients, and a bottom line. We are excited for our clients to benefit from his dual expertise.

Dog Tales! Do you have backup?

What a month! Daddy took me trail running and stupidly tripped on a rock and dislocated his shoulder. I thought he might need to be resuscitated so I jumped on top of him and gave him mouth to mouth until he managed to get up, I must have done a good job. He was groaning and carrying on like a baby and took me on a shortcut to the main track to seek help. After making slow progress (he didn’t seem to want to run – humans are so weak) he handed me to a stranger who frog marched me along the path until mom appeared as the rescue party. 

She dumped dad and I in the car very unceremoniously, then threw dad out at the hospital emergency so she could bring me home.

Now dad isn’t running me! He runs with us but is not allowed to hold my lead. Mom is handling/running me and she’s SO slow. 

What have I learnt this month – train somebody else to do the job properly! I relied on dad for all my running and now I am stuck with second best and it’s not quite good enough. I should have put some time into training mom to run faster so I had a backup running buddy.

Lesson for you – make sure you have two people that can do the job well in case one is sick or away. Thankfully its only one more week for me and I’ve been told I can have dad back as my running buddy, I can’t wait!

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Latest News April 2026

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

Connect with Caution

Three Ways Your Data Could Be Used Against You

If a software provider is more interested in your data than your subscription fee, you aren’t the customer – you’re the product. Here are the three primary risks:

• Direct-to-Consumer Marketing: Your database is a goldmine. These tools can identify exactly which of your clients own a senior dog or a kitten and market products (like parasiticides or prescription diets) directly to them, cutting your pharmacy out of the loop entirely.

• Predictive Market Research: By seeing which product lines are moving in your clinic, these companies can determine which brands are “hot.” They use your hard work to decide what they should stock and promote in their own direct-to-consumer channels.

• Data Onselling: Even if they don’t sell a product themselves, your “anonymized” industry trends are worth a fortune. They may be onselling your clinic’s performance data and client habits to big-box retailers or pharmaceutical conglomerates.

Protecting Your Practice

Just because a company has a booth at every conference doesn’t mean they have your best interests at heart. Before you sign a data-sharing agreement or integrate a new app, ask the hard questions:

1. Who is your parent company, and what else do they sell?

2. Does your privacy policy explicitly forbid the use of my client data for direct marketing?

3. Will my data be sold, in any form, to third-party market research firms?

If you aren’t getting straight answers, cut to the chase with this question: “Does this software have any shared ownership, business relationships or shared staff with companies that sell directly to pet owners?” If the answer is yes, don’t look back. No legal contract can fully shield you from the inherent conflict of interest. Currently, two reporting systems with major retail ties are aggressively targeting the veterinary market—save yourself the trouble and steer clear.

Your database represents the trust your clients place in you. Don’t let a “free” or “low-cost” dashboard be the backdoor that allows a competitor to walk away with your business.

Why Trimming the Fat Shouldn’t Mean Cutting Your Marketing

In a tightening economy, the natural instinct for any business owner is to hunker down and slash the “non-essentials.” Often, the marketing budget is the first thing on the chopping block. After all, when the cost of medical supplies and utilities is rising, marketing can feel like a luxury we can’t afford.

However, viewing marketing as an “expense” rather than an “investment” is a trap. In reality, marketing is the engine that keeps the lights on. The goal isn’t to spend less it’s to ensure that for every dollar you put in more comes back out.

If a campaign brings in more than it costs, cutting it doesn’t save money it costs you growth. Here is where to focus your marketing for the best ROI.

1. The Power of “Social Proof” (Client Reviews)

In an anxious economy, pet owners are more cautious about where they spend. They aren’t looking for the flashiest ad, they are looking for the most trusted hands.

• The Logic: A steady stream of 5-star Google and Facebook reviews is the most effective “passive” marketing you can have.

• The Investment: Minimal. It might involve a small fee for a software tool that automates the request after an appointment.

• The Payoff: High. Reviews bridge the “trust gap” for new clients without you having to spend a cent on traditional advertising.

2. Retention is Cheaper than Acquisition

It is a well-documented business fact that acquiring a new client costs five to seven times more than keeping an existing one.

• The Logic: Your current database is a goldmine. These people already know, like, and trust you.

• The Strategy: Focus on “Revisit Marketing.” Use email newsletters or SMS to educate clients on the importance of mid-year check-ups or dental health.

• The Payoff: You aren’t “selling”, you are providing ongoing care to a community that already values your expertise.

3. Healing the “Lapsed” Gap (Vaccinations)

Life gets busy, and when money is tight, non-urgent appointments like annual boosters often slide. A “lapsed” patient isn’t just a lost invoice, it’s a pet at risk.

• The Strategy: Targeted outreach to clients whose vaccinations have lapsed by 3, 6, or 12 months.

• The Focus: Emphasize preventative health. Remind them that the cost of a vaccine is a fraction of the cost of treating a preventable disease like Parvovirus or Lepto.

• The Payoff: This creates additional clinical work and ensures these patients remain tied to your practice rather than drifting away.

Don’t go silent when things get tough. A quiet clinic is far more expensive than a well-placed reminder. Be consistent and focus on the maths.

Dog Tales – Enjoy Your Easter Egg Hunt!

I’ve heard the rumors about this “Easter Bunny,” and I have some serious questions. First of all, a giant rabbit that doesn’t immediately bolt when I bark? That sounds like a challenge. Second, why is he hiding eggs in the tall grass? That’s my favourite spot for naps, and now it’s a high-stakes scavenger hunt. I’ve been practicing my “stealth-wiggle” all week just in case I spot him. If he’s actually bringing ME treats, he’s officially the only rabbit allowed on my turf – but if he brings chocolate to poison my pack, all bets are off. Happy Easter to my fellow hunters, may your noses be sharp and your zoomies be legendary!

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Latest News March 2026

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

2026 Workshop dates are live!

One of the highlights of our year is hitting the road to connect with our Advisory community. The 2026 Workshop schedule is officially set, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Because we keep these sessions small to allow for tailored strategy and high-level networking, spots fill up fast. Please reply to this email with your preferred venue and date to lock it in.

The Main Event:

• 15 September: Sunshine Coast

• 18 September: Coogee Beach

Top Dogs (you know who you are):

• 14 September: Sunshine Coast

• 17 September: Coogee Beach

Note: These sessions are included in the package for our Advisory tier clients. Curious about what goes on behind closed doors? Reply to this email to learn more about joining our community.

Vet Prescription Fees: Unraveling the profit puzzle

For the last few years, prescription fees have been a hot topic – specifically, the fee charged when a vet writes a script so a pet owner can buy medication elsewhere (usually a pharmacy).

Many practices are asking: Are we writing too many prescriptions, and how much revenue are we losing to online pharmacies?

As a result, a lot of strategic planning time is spent trying to manage this perceived threat. We decided it was time to test whether prescription fees are actually a significant factor affecting the profitability of private veterinary practices. We’re doing that right now – and the early results are surprising.

Over the last two months, we’ve been collecting data from hundreds of veterinary practices and analysing:

• How much prescription fees have increased over the last three years

•  Whether there is an “acceptable” volume of written prescriptions where profit is protected and pet owners remain happy  
• How common it is in multi-vet practices for some clinicians to write far more scripts than others  
• How frequently clients complain about paying a prescription fee  
• What the average practice charges for a prescription, and how much that has increased over three years  
• What practices can do to reduce the risk of losing business to online providers under their current prescription policies  

Even from the preliminary data, we can see we’ll be able to answer all these questions.

As a practice owner, you need clear, evidence-based answers to challenges like this. By leveraging thousands of customer feedback surveys and millions of invoices from veterinary practices through our software partner Profitdiagnostix (http://profitdiagnostix.com), we can turn complex issues like prescription fees into practical guidance.

Within the next two months, we expect to have enough insight to run a dedicated webinar for all our clients on this topic.

Note: Automated reporting and strategic planning on prescription fees is available free of charge to all APL Accountants advisory tier clients. Reporting on prescription fees is also available to all Profitdiagnostix (http://profitdiagnostix.com) software users on request.

Why New Grads Stay and Why They Leave! Join our Web Masterclass 

We know the financial benchmarks of a first-year vet, but do we know the human side? On 4 March, we’re mapping out the “New Graduate Journey” with a real-life case study.

We’ll analyze a graduate’s journey from interview to exit, identifying the specific “green flags” they looked for and the avoidable issues that caused them to move on. Don’t miss this interactive session on realistic performance and mentorship strategies that work.

• 📅 Wednesday, 4 March, Midday QLD

• 🔗 Secure your spot here

Dog Tales! Stop Sniffing the Poo: A Tracker’s Guide to Not Being a Distracted Human

Listen, I love you humans. I really do. You’re great at opening cans and providing belly rubs, but watching you try to focus is like watching a puppy try to fight its own tail: it’s adorable, it’s chaotic, and ultimately, nobody gets anywhere.

As a human tracker, I spend my days with my nose to the dirt, filtering out the “white noise” of the bush to find a very specific human whose sweaty socks I smelled 5 minutes ago. If I can learn to stay on mission, you can too.

Here is some unsolicited advice from the creature who literally works for treats.

1. Identify Your “Possum Poo”

In my line of work, there are distractions, and then there are distractions. A kangaroo hopping by? That’s a level-one diversion. But fresh possum poo? That is the siren song of the forest. It is irresistible. It demands a snoot-poke.

Your world is full of “possum poo.” That notification ping? The “outspoken” colleague who wants to vent about the fridge? That’s the poo, Brenda. It smells interesting, but it isn’t the goal. Acknowledge the poo exists, appreciate its aroma, and then move the heck on.

2. Trust the Data (The “Sniff-Test”)

When I’m tracking, I don’t rely on “vibes.” I rely on hard data:

• Scent particles per million.

• Wind direction and velocity.

• The specific “eau de toe-jam” signature of the target.

If the scent gets weaker, I’ve made a bad call. If it gets stronger, I’m winning. Running a business is the same. Don’t base your next move on what some “guru” said on Fecebook or what your cousin thinks about the economy. Follow the data – change in customer numbers, accurate profit calculations etc. If the “scent” of your profit is weakening, you’ve lost the trail. Pivot back to the facts.

3. Tune Out the “Barking”

The human world is incredibly noisy. You’ve got social media, 24-hour news, and thousands of customers all “barking” at once. If I stopped to bark back at every bird that chirped, I’d never find the gal lost in the woods, and I’d certainly never get my post-mission liver treat.

It took me two years of intensive training to ignore a literal jumping marsupial. It won’t happen for you overnight, but you have to work at it. Filter the noise. Most general conversation is just static—it’s not the scent you’re looking for.

4. Visualize the “Pounce”

Why do I work so hard? Why do I ignore the urge to roll in something dead? Because I know that at the end of this trail is a human I get to pounce on for a tickle. That is the “Why.”

What’s your pounce?

• An increasing customer base?

• Enough cashflow to be comfortable and pay off your loans?

• Getting home after your last consult on time?

Keep your nose on the trail, ignore the kangaroos of life, and stay disciplined. The “socks” are out there – you just have to stop sniffing the wrong things.

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Latest News January 2026

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

Why We Recommend Hitting “Pause” on Xero JAX

You may have noticed—or will soon notice—a new feature popping up in your accounting software: Xero JAX (Just Ask Xero).

JAX is Xero’s new generative AI assistant. One of its most touted features is the ability to automatically code and reconcile your bank transactions. The promise is enticing: fully automated bookkeeping that saves you hours of admin time.

However, while the technology is impressive, we strongly advise against using the fully automatic coding features at this stage.

Here is why relying on JAX for your bank reconciliation could cost you more in the long run.

The Problem with “High Confidence”

JAX is designed to handle “high-confidence” matches, aiming to automate roughly 80% of your bank lines. In accounting, less than 100% accuracy isn’t enough to keep the tax office happy.

If you turn on “hands-off” automation, you face two distinct risks:

• Silent Errors: If you stop reviewing the “Reconciled” page because JAX is doing it for you, incorrect matches will sit unnoticed. This leads to misstated revenue, wrong expense categories, and incorrect GST claims.

• The Complexity Trap: AI struggles with nuance. JAX is prone to making mistakes or skipping items entirely when dealing with:

  • Refunds and chargebacks

  • Partial payments

  • Multi-invoice settlements

  • Mixed personal and business spending

The Hidden Cost to Your Business

The most dangerous aspect of automated coding is that the issues usually don’t show up until month-end, year-end, or (worst case scenario) during an audit.

Cleaning up messy data is significantly more expensive than entering it correctly the first time.

If JAX miscodes your transactions throughout the year, your accountant will need to spend considerable time unpicking and fixing the file before they can lodge your tax return. This additional labor will inevitably lead to higher accounting fees for your end-of-year work.

Our Recommendation

Technology is moving fast, and AI will eventually be a massive asset for small businesses. But for now:

1. Do not enable fully automatic reconciliation/coding without consultation.

2. Maintain human oversight: Even if JAX suggests a match, cast a human eye over it to ensure the GST and account codes are correct.

3. Stick to Bank Rules: Traditional Xero “Bank Rules” that you set up are still the safest way to automate recurring transactions because they follow strict logic, not guesses.

We want to help you keep your accounting fees down and your data accurate. “Set and forget” is not a strategy that works for bookkeeping just yet.

“Total Cost of Labor”: A Change to How We Track Wages

As part of our commitment to providing you with the most accurate financial insights, we are making a slight adjustment to how we categorize data in your benchmarking reports.

Moving forward, we will be grouping Specialist Fees into the Wages category.

Why are we doing this? In the past, we separated employees (Wages) from external help (Specialist Fees). However, for many businesses, specialists and contractors perform the same essential functions as employees. Whether you pay a salary or a contractor invoice, the cost represents the same thing: the human effort required to generate your revenue.

By combining these, we are shifting the focus from “Wages” to a broader “Total Cost of Labor.”

What to expect on your next report You will notice that your Wages % will appear higher than in previous reports.

• Don’t panic: This does not mean your actual payroll costs have increased.

• It’s a reclassification: We have simply moved the specialist costs into the wage bucket to give you a single, comprehensive figure for your labor expenses.

The Benefit to You This change allows for much sharper benchmarking. It ensures that when you compare your business to industry standards, you are comparing “apples with apples.” It prevents the data from being skewed if one business hires full-time staff while another uses heavy reliance on specialists.

This new consolidated view will help you make better decisions about staffing efficiency and team structure.

Dog Tales! – here’s to a Pawsitive New Year!

I’ve been watching my team work all of last year. I see them staring at the glowing squares (screens), talking about “profit,” “margins,” and “growth.” While I don’t know much about spreadsheets, I do know a lot about loyalty, excitement, and the importance of a good reward.

So, from my furry perspective, here is what I am wishing for you in the New Year:

1. A Profitable Year (More Treats) I hope your business buries so many bones this year that you have trouble finding them all. May your revenue be high, your expenses stay low (like me), and your cash flow represent a steady stream of happiness.

2. Less Barking, More Wagging My wish for you is a year of smooth sailing. Let my human colleagues handle the stressful reporting stuff so you don’t have to growl at the team.

3. Remember to Chase the Ball Business is important, but have you tried chasing a ball in the park? It’s amazing. Remember that the whole point of a “successful business” is to give you the freedom to go for walks, take naps in the sun, and spend time with your pack.

Happy New Year!

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Latest News December 2025

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

Veterinary Industry Health Tracker

Many of you are familiar with Profitdiagnostix’s Monthly Veterinary Industry Health Tracker, which has long provided a valuable snapshot of general industry trends.

This tool has evolved and it’s no longer just a general report available to everyone—it’s now a powerful, personalized tool exclusively for Profitdiagnostix users.

The tracker has a new home and a new, crucial feature. You can find the “My Veterinary Industry Tracker” in your Dashboards section.

Here’s the powerful difference:

Instead of just seeing the industry average, you can now compare your clinic’s performance directly against the industry benchmarks, side-by-side.

This new dashboard maps your clinic’s data against the broader trends, so you can instantly see how you stack up. Stop guessing if a slow month was just you or a market-wide dip.

Track your key metrics versus the industry:

• Revenue growth or drop

• Number of invoices

• Number of animals

• Average spend per animal

• Number of consultations

This new, comparative insight gives you the context you need to make more confident business decisions.

Log in to your Profitdiagnostix account if you have one and click on the dashboard shown below to see where you stand.

Are You Fixing the Wrong Customer Problems?

For too long, understanding customers has been a matter of guesswork. Businesses often waste significant funds on “customer journey” improvements based on what decision-makers assume is important, not what customers actually want.

The High Cost of Guesswork

This disconnect is expensive. Consider a veterinary practice that spends thousands on a new cat waiting area, while the vast majority of its customer complaints are about an inefficient reception desk. Addressing the high-volume, low-cost reception issue would have provided a much greater return on investment.

The core problem is that customer frustrations vary significantly from one practice to another. Without data, you are blindly guessing whether the primary issue is cost, wait times, or something else. All too often, major decisions are based on the memory of a single, highly negative interaction, leading to inaccurate and costly “solutions.”

An AI-Powered Solution

Our business advisory team has long recognized this flaw. Now, leveraging the power of AI, there is a solution that replaces guesswork with certainty. It gets inside your customers’ heads to discover exactly what is annoying them—a level of insight that wasn’t possible even a year ago.

This is a system that:

• Consistently gathers feedback from every single customer.

• Automatically analyzes, categorizes, and flags all responses, notifying your team of serious issues in real-time.

• Benchmarks your performance against other practices in key service areas.

• Delivers regular summary reports that pinpoint exactly where your service is falling short.

• Identifies if complaints are related to specific team members.

Some real examples:

In the first example below, customer complaints are mainly about communication. Further analysis may reveal this this is restricted to only one or two team members.

In this second example, customer complaints are mainly about costs. Further analysis will likely reveal that it is only specific fees that are causing a problem.

In both of the above examples, the complaints are benchmarked against the averages of a large number of other practices in real time! So customer service can now have a tangible priority associated with it. No more guesswork!

Dog Tales – Festive Season Break!

We have big plans for late December – swimming, bushwalking and lots of yummy food. As a result the office will be closed 22 December – 5 January. We will see you back in the New Year with lots of fun photos.

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Latest News November 2025

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

Get Ready: ‘Payday Super’ is Changing How You Pay Staff

A significant change to how all Australian businesses handle superannuation is on the horizon. The government is proceeding with its ‘Payday Super’ plan, set to begin on 1 July 2026.

This new system will change the rhythm of your business finances, and preparing now is the key to a smooth transition. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Changing?

The new rules are designed to ensure employees receive their super more frequently. For employers, this means three major adjustments:

1. Super is Paid with Every Pay Run The biggest change is the end of quarterly super payments. Starting 1 July 2026, you will be required to pay your employees’ superannuation contributions at the same time you pay their wages, whether that’s weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.

2. Stricter, Faster Penalties The deadlines for payment will be much tighter. If a super payment is late, the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) will apply almost immediately. Penalties will include daily compounding interest, making it more costly than ever to fall behind.

3. The ATO’s Free Clearing House is Closing The Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH), a free service used by over 270,000 businesses, is being phased out. Current users will need to transition to a new commercial clearing house solution before the 2026 deadline.

The Two Biggest Impacts on Your Business

1. Cash Flow Management The biggest challenge for most businesses will be adjusting to the new cash flow cycle. Instead of preparing for one large super payment each quarter, you will need to have funds available with every single pay run.

Heads Up: Be prepared for a significant cash flow crunch in July 2026. You will need to pay your final quarterly super contribution for the April-June 2026 period (due 28 July) in addition to the new payday super payments for all pay runs that occur in July.

2. Payroll System Updates Your current payroll software and processes must be compatible with these changes. You will need to ensure your system can handle the increased frequency of payments and reporting, and you will need to select and set up a new clearing house if you currently use the ATO’s free service.

Stop Giving Your Client List to Your Biggest Competitor

Online pet pharmacies are not your partners. They are a direct threat to your practice, and many vets are unknowingly handing them their most valuable asset: their client list.

The Real Threat Isn’t Lost Medication Sales

Yes, online pharmacies drastically undercut your prices on medications. This frustrates clients and fuels demand for online-only prescriptions.

But the real danger isn’t the lost margin on drugs. It’s the loss of your profitable, essential repeat consultations, which are the backbone of your practice and the foundation of quality patient care.

The Trojan Horse in Your Clinic

The trap is sophisticated. Online pharmacies align with providers that offer you “helpful” business and marketing apps. By using them, you are handing over your entire client database: names, emails, phone numbers, and complete patient treatment histories. You are giving away your customer relationships to a company whose primary goal is to replace you.

Their Endgame is Your Business

Online pharmacies are already lobbying for laws to allow online prescribing (teleconsults where prescriptions can be given without physically seeing the pet). Once that happens, they will use the data you provided to market directly to your clients with texts, social media ads, and mailers offering their own online vet services.

How to Protect Your Practice Now

1. Audit Your Tools: If your reporting or marketing software is owned by an online pharmacy or a company with a potential conflict of interest, stop using it immediately.
2. Choose a Conflict-Free Partner: Your business tools should work for you, and only you.

That’s why Profitdiagnostix was built. Their system is secure and completely independent. They have no affiliation with any company that markets to pet owners. Their only mission is to make your practice more profitable. Don’t let a competitor use your own data against you.

A Warning of What May be Coming

An interesting article in VIN regarding the UK (and we know that Australia often follows the UK) https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12903735&f5=1 

In summary:

A major shift is underway in the UK’s veterinary industry that serves as a critical warning for what may be on the horizon for Australian practices. Regulators there have launched a formal, market-wide investigation, and the issues being targeted—and the remedies being proposed—could reshape our entire profession.

For Australian practice owners, this is a valuable glimpse into a potential future and a prompt to get ahead of the curve.

What’s Happening in the UK?

After an initial review raised serious concerns, the UK’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), is conducting a full investigation into the veterinary sector. The key areas under scrutiny are issues that resonate strongly within the Australian market:

• Pricing Transparency: Regulators found that consumers are often not given enough clear, upfront information about the cost of treatments, making it difficult to make informed decisions. The suggestion is that practices are compelled to publish a standard list of services price list on their website.

• Corporate Consolidation: A primary concern is the significant impact of corporate ownership. With a large percentage of UK vet practices now owned by a small number of large companies, the investigation is assessing whether this consolidation has led to reduced competition, limited choice, and higher prices.

• Prescription Practices and Fees: The rules around prescribing are under intense scrutiny. Regulators are questioning not only whether clients are made aware they can fill prescriptions elsewhere but are now considering capping the prescription-writing fee that vets can charge. This proposed cap could dramatically impact a clinic’s ability to cover the professional time and liability associated with prescribing medications.

Why Australian Practices Should Be Prepared

The Australian and UK veterinary markets are remarkably similar. We share a high rate of pet ownership, a passion for quality animal care, and an identical trend of rapid corporate consolidation. When a comparable country like the UK undertakes such a significant regulatory review, it often creates a blueprint that others, including Australia, may follow.

This is a clear signal to proactively review your own clinic’s practices. The “way we’ve always done it” may not be sufficient in the years to come. By learning from the UK’s experience now, you can ensure your practice is not only prepared for potential future scrutiny but is also building a stronger, more transparent, and resilient business.

Dog Tales! – Trick or treat?

It’s my favorite spooky night of the year. The tiny humans are walking themselves (finally!) and come right to our door to get the Good Stuff.

But I have to bark about a weird rumor I heard at the dog park.

Buster (the golden-doodle who chases his own tail, so you know, not the sharpest sniffer) was telling everyone that our house was giving out carrot sticks. Can you believe it? He said he “heard it from a guy who knows a guy” that we were a “no-treat zone.”

I just sniffed my human’s treat bowl. It is overflowing with the premium, sizzle-wrapped, drool-worthy BACON bites. Not a carrot in sight. We just deliver the quality that has the tiny humans wagging… I mean, walking… back to our door every single year.

Buster is telling everyone to go to the house down the street. I watched that house. You know what the tiny humans got? Stale, boring biscuits. I am not joking. Stale, boring biscuits. A total trick!

The moral of my tail: Don’t listen to the rumors from the tail-chasers. If you hear something that sounds suspiciously bad (or frankly, unbelievable), don’t just take their bark for it.

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Latest News October 2025

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

A web event not to be missed on 15 October midday Qld

How often does the veterinary industry have a 2 X TEDX speaker present just exclusively for you? Our guess is only once every 5 or 6 years! So we are very excited to be bringing you Masami Sato who will be speaking about “From Healing Pets To Healing the World”.

On the 15th of October we will be hosting this free lunch time inspirational web event that goes beyond business and delves into a sustainable culture of ‘feel good’ and giving that can be implemented easily into veterinary practice. This is an event that will be inspirational to business owners, managers and team members as Masami presents her views as one of the world’s influential female entrepreneurs. It does not matter what your role in a business is, she will inspire you all. So feel free to forward this email to anyone who wants inspiration in the veterinary industry – you are all welcome to attend.

And no doubt, the approachable Masami will stay on and answer any questions that you want to ask her.

Recent Notable Engagements (2025)

• World Chambers Congress (14WCC), 2025: Masami Sato was featured as a speaker, addressing chamber executives, entrepreneurs, and global leaders on the impact of business-led giving.

• Globinar: The Extraordinary Power of Small, May 2025: She headlined this virtual global session organized by the Global Chamber, focusing on how small daily acts can drive profound global change.

• Opening Day of the Cartier Women’s Pavilion at Expo Osaka: a globally recognized platform advancing the voices of women leaders and entrepreneurs.

Absolutely everyone and anyone in the veterinary profession is welcome! so register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HQvc4L-zQxyNDeGdpQEUWA

When: Wednesday 15 October 12 noon Brisbane time

Dog Tales!

Navigating a Hoopers course, every twist and hoop feels like a new adventure -challenging at first, but surprisingly enjoyable with good direction. 

You think I’m the only one jumping through hoops? You do it all day. Your hoops are just invisible. Here are a few lessons from my Hoopers class that might help with yours.

That first hoop is always the scariest. You need to face it – the one called “Payroll Week” or “Buying New Equipment.” You learn the only way is through. But it’s never just one hoop, is it? It’s a whole course. You clear the Staffing hoop, pivot to the Inventory hoop, then sprint through an Emergency.

The most important lesson is that I never run alone. I’d be lost on the course without my mom guiding me. She points, she encourages, she corrects. You need a handler, too. Your Practice Manager, your senior staff, your mentors – they are the ones keeping you on course.

So, when you feel you’re facing endless hoops, remember us dogs on the course. Every obstacle you clear makes you faster, smarter, and stronger for the next. The run is tough, but a happy team and healthy patients are worth it every time.

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Latest News September 2025

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

The Strategic Edge Only APL Clients Will Have

Invisible patients, why reminders alone are not enough

Dog Tales – Barking Up the Right Tree, Why Fetching Feedback Matters! 

Everyone knows my favorite game is fetch, but today we’re talking about fetching something even more valuable than tennis balls: feedback!

Just like I chase toys and proudly bring them back, your team should always be chasing after client feedback. Sometimes it’s a squeaky compliment, sometimes it’s a chewy suggestion, but every piece helps your clinic stay top dog!

Here’s how to play the feedback fetch:

• Wag and ask: Request reviews right after appointments while the experience is fresh.

• Sniff out opportunities: Make it easy for clients to share their thoughts through quick surveys or a “paws and reflect” comment box.

• Bring it back to the pack: Share feedback with your whole team so everyone can learn new tricks and improve care.

And here’s the best part, you don’t have to fetch alone! With Profitdiagnostix software, you can automatically request reviews from clients after their visits. It’s like having your very own feedback-fetching sidekick!

Every bit of feedback you fetch helps your clinic grow stronger and keeps clients coming back for more belly rubs (and excellent care!). So, let’s get fetching, set up automatic review requests in Profitdiagnostix and start wagging your way to more happy barks today! https://profitdiagnostix.com/get-customer-reviews/

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Latest News August 2025

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

Not all wages are on the rise!

This is interesting data from Seek showing that not all wages are on the increase.

It’s a common headline: wages are on the rise. While that’s true for some, a closer look at the numbers reveals a more complex picture. The reality is that wage growth in the past year has been far from uniform, with significant disparities across different professions.

The Winners’ Circle

Several sectors have seen substantial pay bumps. Roles in healthcare and banking, for example, have experienced double-digit growth. Medical Registrars and Banking Managers have seen a 12% increase in their earnings. 

Holding Steady… and Falling Behind

However, not everyone is celebrating a bigger paycheck. Some high-paying professions have seen no wage growth at all in the past year. General Practitioners, and Engineering Managers, for example, have had stagnant wages.

Even more concerning, some like software application developers have seen a pay cut.

The Takeaway

The story of wage growth is not a simple one. While some professionals are enjoying a significant financial boost, others are finding their earning power has stalled or even reversed. As the global economy struggles with balancing increasing wages with no increase in productivity, pay increases can no longer be guaranteed.

This is the time of year we put together our annual benchmarks for our clients which by September, will give us a full understanding of the specific trends within the veterinary industry and whether or not profits are being maintained in light of ever increasing wages.

Could your business sink like the Titanic just because of your shared inbox?

As a business owner, you juggle countless tasks. It’s tempting to simplify things by sharing your inbox with a team member or a few. But relying on this shared inbox for your most critical communications is like steering the Titanic straight for an iceberg. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Your business’s survival depends on secure, confidential communication. Giving multiple people the keys to your central inbox creates a massive, unnecessary risk that could sink your entire operation.

At the risk of being blunt – for many years as an accounting firm we have tolerated business owners telling us not to send emails to a business email address with their name on it. For example jane.doe@yourbusiness.com. Here is the blunt part – this is not the way the digital world works anymore. If a business email has a persons name on it, then the assumption is that this is a private inbox belonging to that person. If you have such an email that you are sharing with staff members, then don’t point the finger when something very personal gets emailed there, for example discussions of firing an employee – you have created the problem, not the sender of the email.

If you do intend to use shared inboxes, then they must clearly be named as such, for example: reception@yourbusiness.com.

The Danger of the Shared Inbox

When you use a shared email for owner-level correspondence, you expose the heart of your business. Think about what comes to your inbox:

• Financial Information: Bank statements, payment notifications and confidential financial reports.

• Legal & HR Documents: Contracts, legal notices and sensitive employee information.

• 2 factor authentication: 2FA via email is still used for very private log-ins such as access to various software and payment systems

If an employee leaves on bad terms, or a password is leaked, all of this critical data is instantly vulnerable. There’s no accountability; you’ll never know for sure who accessed, deleted, or leaked a sensitive message.

Your Digital Command Centre: The Private Owner’s Email

The solution is simple: a private email address at your own domain (e.g., jane.doe@yourbusiness.com) that only you can access. This isn’t just about looking professional; it’s about control and security.

This dedicated inbox becomes your secure digital command centre. Here, you can safely manage the core functions of your business without fear of prying eyes or accidental deletions.

More importantly, you can properly secure it.

Locking the Vault with 2FA

A private account allows you to enable crucial security features like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). You’ve likely used this for your banking—it requires both your password and a second code, usually from your phone, but sometimes to your email to log in.

It is the single best way to protect an account from being hacked.

You simply cannot implement effective 2FA on an inbox shared by multiple people. By its very nature, a shared account is fundamentally insecure. Securing your private owner’s email with 2FA is like adding a deadbolt to your digital vault.

Don’t let a simple oversight be the iceberg that sinks your business. 

Get Faster Answers: A Quick Guide to Our Expert Teams 

To help you get the answers you need as quickly as possible, here’s a simple guide to which expert to contact for your specific business needs. Reaching out to the right person directly will ensure a faster and more efficient response.

For Business Advisory & Strategy

If you’re asking questions like how is my business tracking?, are my staff performing well?, How can I improve profitability? your experts are:

Paolo, Anne and Renaei at APL Accountants

For Bookkeeping and Payroll

For all your day-to-day bookkeeping and payroll questions, please contact your dedicated bookkeeper at APL Accountants first. 

If they’re away, rest assured our team monitors their emails to ensure you’re always looked after. Donna oversees the bookkeeping team and is your point of contact if your usual bookkeeper is unavailable.

For Business Valuations – 

To understand the current value of your business for sale, succession planning, or any other purpose, please contact:

Renaei at APL Accountants 

Important Note on Tax and Tax Planning

For all matters related to tax returns, compliance, and strategic tax planning, please contact:

Kezah and Peter at James Noble Accountants. 

James Noble Accountants is a separate, specialist firm we partner with closely to provide you with expert tax advice. Please note that the APL Accountants team cannot directly assist with tax matters, so contacting Kezah and Peter directly is the best approach.

We hope this helps you get the support you need, faster!

Scam Alert: Annual Company Review Letters

We want to make you aware of a recent scam targeting business owners with registered companies. Several clients have reported receiving official-looking letters offering to conduct an “Annual Company Review” for a fee — typically ranging from $400 to $500. These letters appear legitimate but are not from ASIC and not from your accountant.

🕵️ What’s the Scam?

The letter usually:

• Refers to your legal obligation to complete an annual company review

• Offers to complete this review on your behalf

• Demands payment via card with a discount for early payment

• Uses formal language and formatting that mimics government correspondence

The catch? These services are unnecessary because your accountant already handles this as part of your compliance and ASIC requirements.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Emails or letters from unknown third parties. Check the email address of the sender

• Requests to make payment for “company compliance” or “review services”

• Urgent language or pressure tactics

• Letters with unfamiliar business names that appear official

Dog Tales – keep your personal data safe!

Technology has helped us in so many ways, but we do forget that it also comes at a cost. And one of these costs is that we have to be more careful about privacy and security. Things change so quickly and with amazing advances, sometimes something that was safe a few years ago might be really unsafe now. As the office dogs we often hear the accounting team worrying about having to try to remember that Dr X insists on not having anything sent to his work email box because he shares it with everyone.

Sharing passwords and email addresses is one of those things that was historically acceptable, but no longer safe.

In particular, Dr X, we strongly advise that if you have shared the password with the cat, you are in grave peril! You just cant trust that species.

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Latest News July 2025

http://www.aplaccountants.com.au

http://www.mytaxvet.com.au

Animal and Veterinary Services Award has increased by 3.5% from the first full pay run after 1 July 2025

July Web Event not to be missed, APL clients only!

Topic: Structuring veterinary surgeon wages to keep your business viable

There is some information that we can only share with our hands on advisory clients, and this webinar will have exactly that sort of information. Management of wages is certainly going to be one of the most challenging issues in the profession over the next year or two.

Our consultants have developed a predictable formula (not being used by anyone else) to calculate how much you can pay based on your veterinary surgeons productivity. Spoiler alert – if you are using a multiplier of sales to pay your vets you are doing this wrong!

We will be discussing:

• Precisely how much you can pay each vet to maintain 15-20% profit
• How to look at other criteria such as their ability to book in procedures
• How to assess it they are overservicing and annoying clients
• How to potentially structure this as a part wage, part bonus and the traps and the advantages of doing this

So APL Clients, keep this date and time free:

Wed, Jul 23, 2025 12:00 PM Brisbane time

We will be sending our clients an invitation over the next week.

Heads Up – Xero are increasing their prices in July

Please note that if we pay your Xero fees then your direct debit will increase in line with the fee increase from Xero. Xero has sent an email to all users regarding pricing. In simple terms:

• If you have xero with no payroll the monthly fee is going from $70 to $75
• If you have 5 employees on payroll the monthly fee is going from $90 to $100 
• If you have 6-20 employees on payroll the monthly fee is going from $145 to $162 
• If you have 21-50 employees on payroll the monthly fee is going from $200 to $222
• If you have 51-100 employees on payroll the monthly fee is going from $245 to $272

Dog Tales – Prices and wages are a tough balancing act!

Not that I really need to expand much on the article at the beginning of this newsletter about prices and wages that the humans wrote. But I can simplify it in this very unorthodox doggy photo of me climbing trees and my little brother Strudel living dangerously below me.

Imagine me as the business owner in a difficult balancing act trying to keep my team motivated, my business viable and my customers happy – virtually impossible! But then I am a dog, and I am sort of climbing a tree which is rather unusual.

The little brown sausage dog beneath me (Strudel) you can imagine as our fragile veterinary economy. If I get my balance wrong on those two wobbly logs and fall on Strudel, the question remains, will he survive………..

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