What changed for Australian hospitality equipment buyers in 2026?

Key takeaways

The short answer: Between Q2 and Q3 2026, award wages rose 4.75%, super became payable every pay cycle, the cash rate held at 4.35% and freight costs jumped. Electricity standing offers fell for small businesses in three states, and card surcharging ends on 1 October. For equipment buyers, the practical result is simple: compare labour time, running costs and delivered price, not just the price tag.

Written as at 23 September 2026, with Q3 still incomplete. The ten changes below are ordered by how directly they affect an equipment decision.

1. Finance stayed at 4.35%

The Reserve Bank of Australia held the cash rate at 4.35% on 11 August, after increases in February, March and May. The Board said further increases remained possible, and its next decision is due on 29 September.

What it means for buying: For a financed purchase, the question is whether the equipment earns or saves more each month than the repayment costs. Your rate depends on the lender, term, balloon and your business's position, not the cash rate itself.

Buying question: What is the monthly repayment, the total repaid over the term, and how many months until savings or extra sales cover it?

2. Award wages rose 4.75%

Modern award minimum wages rose 4.75% from 1 July 2026, according to the Minister for Employment. The ABS noted the award increase as one factor behind higher meals out and takeaway prices in July.

What it means for buying: When labour costs more, equipment that saves staff time is worth more. A commercial combi oven can batch-cook and hold without constant attention, and a commercial dishwasher with a shorter cycle can reduce time at the pass. Whether either saves labour in your kitchen depends on your menu, volume and roster. The commercial combi oven prices and buying guide covers the capacity and steam options that shape that answer.

Buying question: How many staff hours a week will this machine actually save, and what are those hours worth at your current award rates?

3. The $20,000 write-off is legislated, but it is a deduction

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 2) Act 2026 received assent on 26 August and commences on 1 October 2026. It makes the $20,000 threshold permanent for eligible assets first used or installed ready for use on or after 1 July 2026. It applies to small businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million using simplified depreciation, for assets costing less than $20,000 each, according to the ATO.

What it means for buying: A deduction reduces taxable income, not the price you pay. Eligibility depends on your business, the asset and how the purchase is arranged, so confirm with your accountant before choosing a model or timing a purchase around it.

Buying question: Is this asset eligible, and when will it be installed ready for use?

4. Freight costs jumped

Road freight transport prices rose 15.5% in the June quarter, driven by fuel surcharges. It was the largest quarterly rise since the series began in 1997, according to the ABS.

What it means for buying: Delivery, installation and removal of old equipment can make up a noticeable part of the final cost, especially for heavy or regional deliveries. Two quotes with similar list prices can differ once freight is added.

Buying question: What is the delivered and installed price, including connection, commissioning and removal of the old unit?

5. Small business electricity standing offers fell

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Energy Regulator's default market offer for small businesses on flat-rate plans fell in every region it covers: 9.1% for Ausgrid, 9.0% for Endeavour and 11.3% for Essential Energy in NSW, 10.4% in south-east Queensland and 6.8% in South Australia. The default market offer caps standing offers, so your own bill depends on your plan and usage.

What it means for buying: Lower tariffs do not change which appliance uses less energy. Refrigeration runs around the clock, and cooking and dishwashing equipment run for most of the trading day, so rated energy use still separates similar models over their working life.

Buying question: What is the rated energy use of this commercial fridge, oven or dishwasher, and what would it cost to run at your actual tariff and hours?

6. Takings rose, but prices rose too

Household spending at hotels, cafes and restaurants rose 1.1% from June to July in current-price terms, according to the ABS Monthly Household Spending Indicator. Meanwhile, meals out and takeaway prices in July were 4.5% higher than a year earlier, per the ABS Consumer Price Index.

What it means for buying: Higher spending partly reflects higher prices, so it does not necessarily mean more meals sold or stronger margins. Size equipment to your actual covers and peak volumes rather than to headline sales growth.

Buying question: How many covers, trays or racks per hour do you need at peak, based on your own sales records?

7. Cafe and restaurant closures stayed high

CreditorWatch reports that 12.03% of cafes and restaurants closed in the 12 months to July 2026, almost double the national average, according to its August analysis.

What it means for buying: In a tight market, downtime is expensive and cash is limited, so repair-versus-replace decisions deserve care. A repair may make sense for a young machine with parts readily available. Replacement may make more sense where breakdowns are frequent, parts are scarce or the warranty has expired. When buying used, check service history and whether a local technician can support the brand.

Buying question: What warranty applies, who services this brand locally, and how quickly can they attend a breakdown?

8. Payday Super changed payment timing

From 1 July 2026, employers must pay super at the same time as wages so it reaches the fund within 7 business days, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

What it means for buying: The amount owed is unchanged, but businesses that previously paid quarterly now pay each pay cycle. That can reduce the cash on hand between quarters that some operators used for other costs.

Buying question: Does an upfront payment or monthly repayment still fit your cash flow once super leaves the account every pay run?

9. Card surcharges end on 1 October

From 1 October 2026, surcharges on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa debit, credit and prepaid card payments are being removed, and interchange caps on debit and consumer credit cards are being lowered, according to the RBA. Weekend, public holiday and service charges are not covered by the change.

What it means for buying: Venues that surcharged will absorb card costs or build them into prices, while lower interchange caps may offset part of that cost. The effect will vary by business. The same rules apply business to business, so equipment suppliers on these networks cannot add a card surcharge to your invoice either.

Buying question: Does the quoted price change with the payment method, and are there any deposit or payment fees?

10. New buildings are heading all-electric from 2027

In Victoria, all new commercial buildings, including commercial kitchens, must be built all-electric from 1 January 2027, according to Energy Victoria. Existing venues are not required to replace gas appliances.

The City of Sydney rules are narrower. From 1 January 2027 they cover new residential buildings, larger offices, and hotels and serviced apartments with more than 100 rooms or units. Food and beverage premises in mixed-use developments may still use gas, provided there is adequate space and electrical capacity for future electrification. Existing buildings are not covered.

What it means for buying: If you are fitting out a relevant new Victorian venue, choose electric cooking from the start. Elsewhere, gas remains an option, but the electrical capacity of the site matters if you expect to switch later.

Buying question: Does the site have enough electrical capacity for electric cooking equipment now, or will it need an upgrade?

What to compare before requesting quotes

• Capacity: Size to your actual peak covers, trays or racks per hour.

• Labour time: Estimate the staff hours saved and value them at current award rates.

• Energy use: Compare rated consumption at your tariff and trading hours.

• Delivered cost: Compare the installed price, including freight, connection and removal.

• Service support: Confirm warranty terms, local technicians and response times.

• Tax eligibility: Confirm write-off eligibility and timing with your accountant.

• Cash flow: Check that payments fit alongside Payday Super and card cost changes.

• Site readiness: Confirm gas or electrical capacity for the equipment you choose.

If you plan to finance a purchase, eligible businesses can compare equipment finance options through EasyAsset. Approval depends on the lender's assessment of your business.

Know what your kitchen needs? Describe your requirements and compare quotes from Australian combi oven suppliers here.