27/09/2026
WHAT'S CHANGING IN OCTOBER 2026? ⚖️
October brings a number of legal changes in NSW that could affect workers, businesses, young people and healthcare providers.
Here are a few worth knowing about 👇
đź’ł BUSINESS OWNERS
October also brings changes to card payment surcharges, with Visa, Mastercard and eftpos moving to no-surcharge rules from 1 October 2026.
If your business currently adds a card surcharge, it's worth checking your payment arrangements and pricing now.
🚨 CRIMINAL LAW & YOUNG PEOPLE
A temporary NSW bail provision applying to certain 14–17 year olds charged with specified serious offences while already on bail is scheduled to be repealed on 1 October 2026.
This doesn't mean young people automatically get bail — the ordinary bail laws continue to apply — but the additional temporary restriction will end.
🏥 CHILD SAFETY
From 1 October, eligible private health facilities in NSW that provide services to children will come under the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Scheme.
This means new obligations around child-safe practices, reporting and responding to certain allegations involving children.
đź‘· WORKERS COMPENSATION
From 1 October, the test for certain medical treatment and domestic assistance under workers compensation changes.
The test will move from “reasonably necessary” to “reasonable and necessary”.
There are also new rules around commutations - where a workers compensation claim can be settled for a single lump sum. Once a commutation is accepted and paid, the worker generally has no further entitlement to payments for that injury, including weekly payments and medical expenses.
The law doesn't stand still - and neither should your legal documents, policies or business practices.
If you're unsure how these changes affect you, speak to a lawyer.
Maguire & McInerney Lawyers — 4228 5911