We’re getting closer to releasing our new reporting portal. Testing is progressing smoothly, and we remain on track for the planned launch on Monday, 16 February 2026.
There’s already a lot underway for the Regulator in 2026. In this issue, we’re sharing details about the improvements you’ll see to streamline your experience in the new portal – designed to make your reporting experience simpler and more efficient. You’ll also learn what’s changing in how you manage information about your reporting entity.
Plus, the first edition of the Regulator’s Update for 2026 is almost ready. Keep reading to find out when you can download your copy and how to register for the next online Stakeholder Liaison Forum in March.
Your portal experience: easier navigation, better accuracy
You’ll notice several new features aimed at making your reporting process faster and more intuitive.
A step‑by‑step progress guide
Each form, whether for entity details, reports or applications now features a clear progress guide at the top of the screen.
Forms are broken into logical steps (for example, Entity details → Mailing address → Nominated contact → Declaration → Review and submit), making it easier to complete tasks in stages and track your progress. The step you’re up to will be highlighted, and it’s just a click to jump back to a previous step.
No more lost reporting work
The new portal automatically saves your progress as you complete each step of your report.
When you are ready, you can pick up where you left off if:
- your internet connection drops out
- your session times out or
- you need to step away before completing a report.
A new summary view of your information
You’ll be able to see your completed form in a clean, summary format to review before submitting. This sectioned layout makes reviewing your information faster and more manageable. You can also print this easy‑to‑read summary and save it as a PDF for your records.
What you need to know about managing the information for your entity
Simplified management of your entity information
The new portal is smarter and makes managing your entity information easier by pre‑filling, as well as connecting directly to the Australian Business Register (ABR).
For example, instead of re‑entering your controlled entities each time, you’ll simply need to check and confirm that the information you previously provided is correct before submitting your report. If any details are out of date, you can edit them. If you do need to add more controlled entities, simply paste the ABNs into the search field. The portal will automatically populate key details from the ABR, including the registered business names. There’s no need to upload separate documents, improving both accuracy and consistency.
We’ve also removed the user profile step to reduce the amount of information you need to manage.
Updated consent for electronic communications
We’ve simplified the wording of this question to make it clearer. It asks whether you agree to your entity receiving all written documents that the Regulator is required to provide them under legislation via electronic means (such as email).
All users will need to answer this question for their entity when they log in to the new portal for the first time.
Reminder: register to attend an online portal demonstration
Register now for a short online demonstration of the new reporting portal. We are hosting several sessions at different times in the weeks around the release. Each session covers the same content, so you can simply choose the time that best suits you.
Event details
Date: 29 January 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 11:15 am AEDT
Platform: Microsoft Teams webinar
Date: 5 February 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm AEDT
Platform: Microsoft Teams webinar
Date: 12 February 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 11:15 am AEDT
Platform: Microsoft Teams webinar
Date: 19 February 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm AEDT
Platform: Microsoft Teams webinar
Coming soon
Fast Small Business Payer List
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Fast Small Business Payer List. The Regulator will publish the List on the Payment Times Reports Register soon.
This List highlights the businesses leading the way in prompt payment practices. To qualify for the List, a reporting entity or nominee must pay 95 per cent or more of its small business invoices in 20 days or less for 2 consecutive reporting periods, with the end date of the most recent reporting period not being more than 9 months old.
The Regulator will also publish a factsheet that will outline eligibility criteria and reasons why the Regulator may exclude entities from the List.
Keep an eye on the Regulator’s website and Register to see which businesses are setting prompt payment standards supporting small business suppliers.
January 2026 Regulator’s Update
The first edition of the Regulator’s Update for 2026 will be available to download from our website on Monday, 2 February 2026. It’s packed with in‑depth insights, information about the Fast Small Business Payer and Slow Small Business Payer incentives, a detailed look at the performance of the Commonwealth entities and more.
Save the date: online Stakeholder Liaison Forum
Join us for the Regulator’s next online Stakeholder Liaison Forum on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
In this session, you will:
- hear more on the latest insights in the Regulator’s Update
- learn about the new Fast Small Business Payer and Slow Small Business payer incentives
- have the opportunity to ask questions
- stay informed about our regulatory work in the year ahead.
The registration link opens on the Regulator’s website on Monday, 2 February 2026.
Need help or have questions
If you have any questions about the new portal or upcoming changes, we’re here to help. In the next issue of this newsletter, we’ll cover reporting and using the Small Business Identification Tool (SBI Tool) in the new system.
- Email us with your questions about the transition to the new portal at engagement@paymenttimes.gov.au
- For questions about reporting, the SBI Tool, or compliance with the Scheme, contact us at support@paymenttimes.gov.au