Hi Bloom clients, colleagues and friends, welcome to the July edition of Bloom News.
As always, 1 July has brought a raft of HR and workplace changes, and there's certainly a lot for employers to get their heads around this year. Alongside the annual increases to minimum wages and award rates, we've seen changes to Paid Parental Leave, Payday Super and employer-sponsored visas, as well as ongoing developments in psychosocial safety obligations. We've included a summary of the key updates below, and if you're unsure what any of it means for your organisation, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
July has also been an exciting month for Bloom. We've welcomed our first team member within our Graduate Pathway program and launched our new Reflective Coaching & Supervision service, with our first clients now completing the program and providing some wonderful feedback. It's been great to see organisations investing in professional development, wellbeing and reflective practice as they continue to support their people through an increasingly complex operating environment.
There are also plenty of learning and networking opportunities available across the community housing and community services sectors at the moment. From free webinars and training programs to industry events and forums, there are some fantastic opportunities to build capability, connect with peers and stay informed on the issues shaping our sector.
All the best,
Natalie and the Bloom HR team
Bloom News
The journey begins: Welcoming our first Graduate Pathway team member
Following our recent recruitment process, we received an overwhelming response and are so excited to announce the appointment of our first-ever Graduate Pathway team member, Claudia Mohan.
Claudia joins Bloom HR on a part-time basis while completing the final few months of her Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resource Management and Finance.
We look forward to supporting Claudia as she continues her academic journey and begins to develop her practical experience with the team, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to Bloom HR.
Welcome to the team, Claudia!
Sector News
NSW Device Bank:
12 month pilot program launched
Congratulations to our longstanding client WorkVentures, who was recently appointed to partner with NSW Telco Authority to deliver the NSW Device Bank. The Device Bank is a 12-month NSW pilot program that will distribute thousands of refurbished government laptops to people facing barriers to digital access across New South Wales.
The initiative provides eligible recipients with the refurbished laptops, which are no longer in use by the government, but still in great condition. Working through community organisations and charities across metropolitan, regional and remote NSW, the program is designed to ensure support reaches those who need it most.
The NSW Device Bank also delivers strong sustainability outcomes by securely refurbishing and reusing decommissioned government devices, reducing e-waste while creating meaningful social impact.
If you would be interested in launching a similar device reuse or digital inclusion program in your workplace?
Contact the WorkVentures team to learn how they can help your organisation turn surplus technology into positive community impact.
Pro Bono Salary Survey
Pro Bono Australia's 14th annualSocial Sector Salary Survey has been released, providing one of the most comprehensive salary benchmarking resources available for the sector. The report analyses 1,876 roles from 2,575 survey submissions across 41 positions, offering valuable insights into remuneration trends by role, sector, organisation size, location and organisational budget.
At Bloom, this is one of the key resources used when supporting clients with remuneration reviews, recruitment strategies and salary benchmarking. The survey provides an excellent evidence base for understanding market rates and ensuring organisations remain competitive when attracting and retaining talent.
Designed to support Boards, CEOs, HR leaders and managers, the survey helps inform workforce planning, remuneration reviews and staff retention strategies. As workforce challenges continue across the sector, the findings offer valuable data to help organisations make informed and evidence-based remuneration decisions.
Webinar spotlight: The leadership skill driving sustainable change
The Pro Bono team is also hosting a free webinar on Thursday, 30 July exploring systems leadership and how leaders can successfully navigate complexity, influence organisational systems, and unlock better outcomes for their people and organisations.
In today's rapidly changing environment, many transformation efforts stall because organisations focus on changing individuals rather than the systems in which they operate. This thought-provoking session will examine why systems leadership is one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, leadership capabilities for driving sustainable change.
Date: Thursday, 30 July 2026 Time: 11:00 AM (AEST) Cost: Free
Designed for CEOs, CPOs and senior leaders, the webinar will provide practical insights for those managing organisational change, workforce challenges, or increasing complexity. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions live during the interactive Q&A session. Details via the link below and how to register.
Paid Parental Leave is expanding, with the Government-funded scheme increasing from 24 to 26 weeks. The changes also increase the partner allocation from 15 to 20 days.
A reduction in tax rate from 16% to 15% on income between $18,201 and $45,000, and a new $1,000 instant work-related deduction that removes the need to keep receipts when lodging a tax return.
Employer-sponsored visa changes took effect from 1 July 2026, with higher income thresholds and increased visa application charges.
Income Thresholds
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) are rising from $76,515 to $79,423, while the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increased from $141,210 to $146,576. These updated thresholds apply to a range of employer-sponsored visa nominations, including Subclass 482, 186, 187 and 494 visas.
Many visa categories have seen fee increases of around 25%, with student visa application fees also rising. The updated charges apply to all applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, while the Skilling Australians Fund Levy, Employer Nomination fees and Standard Business Sponsorship fees remain unchanged.
For full details on latest application costs, please see the two following resources from the Department of Home Affairs:
Recent changes to psychological injury workers compensation legislation are increasing the focus on workplace psychosocial safety and employer responsibilities. From 1 July 2026, compensation for primary psychological injuries will be linked to specific workplace events, including violence, bullying, sexual or racial harassment, vicarious trauma and excessive work demands.
The incoming legislation states that:
A worker can only be paid compensation for a primary psychological injury when all of the following apply:
the injury was caused by a relevant event or series of relevant events
there is a real and direct connection between the relevant event/s and the worker’s employment, and
employment is the main contributing factor to the injury.
These changes highlight the importance of proactive strategies that support employee wellbeing while helping organisations meet their legal obligations. In response, Bloom HR has developed our new Reflective Coaching and Supervision service, designed specifically for leaders, practitioners and frontline workers in the community services sector.
By providing a structured space for reflection, professional development and wellbeing support, Reflective Coaching and Supervision helps organisations strengthen psychosocial safety, build resilience and support employees working in complex and emotionally demanding environments.
Click below to learn about the legislative changes and how our new Reflective Coaching and Supervision service can support your organisation.
25-27 August 2026, Port Macquarie (Birpai Country)
This conference brings together practitioners, leaders, and community voices committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, and families. Across three days, the sector will come together for meaningful connection, shared learning, and cultural celebration - grounded in Aboriginal community-led solutions and lived experience.
12 month program starting August 2026, delivered in virtual workshops over one day each month (online). Next intake is starting on 25 August and 7 September.
This month, we're highlighting our Reflective Coaching & Supervision service, developed specifically for the community services sector. Designed to support practitioners, leaders and frontline workers, the program provides a structured space for reflection, professional growth, wellbeing support and strengthened practice in what can often be complex and emotionally demanding roles.
Our first cohort of Bloom HR clients has now completed the program, and the feedback has been incredibly positive. Participants shared that the sessions provided valuable opportunities to reflect on their experiences, explore challenges in a supportive environment, and develop practical strategies to enhance both their wellbeing and professional practice.
As organisations continue to respond to evolving psychosocial safety requirements, Reflective Coaching & Supervision offers a proactive approach to supporting employee wellbeing while fostering resilience, continuous learning and a positive workplace culture.
To find out more about the program and how we could bring this to your workplace, please contact our CEO, Natalie Carrington on 02 8114 4449 or via the linksbelow.
Bloom HR acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise it always was and always will be Aboriginal land.
