If you’ve been feeling the pinch at the checkout, the petrol station, or when opening your latest electricity bill, you’re not alone. The cost of living has been a hot topic for many of us, and it’s no secret that every little bit of help counts.

Well, we’ve got some good news: starting tomorrow, a raft of new government measures is set to put more money back in the pockets of millions of Australians—including many of our Seniors Discount Club members!

What’s Changing on July 1?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government are rolling out a suite of cost-of-living relief measures designed to help everyday Aussies.

'The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more real, practical and ongoing help with the cost of living for Australians, with more support set to roll out a week from today,' said Treasurer Jim Chalmers. 'This is more responsible, meaningful hip-pocket help for households.'

Whether you’re working, retired, supporting a family, or helping out with the grandkids, there’s a good chance you or someone you love will benefit from these changes.

Let’s break down what’s coming your way.

Aussies on the minimum wage and those on awards will receive a 3.5% pay rise from 1 July, outpacing inflation and lifting the hourly minimum wage to $24.95. Image source: Anthony Albanese MP / Youtube.

1. Electricity Rebates and Other Relief
While the $75 quarterly electricity rebate is set to continue until the end of 2025, it’s worth noting that this is just one of several ongoing supports designed to help with rising utility costs.

If you haven’t already, make sure you’re receiving all the rebates and concessions you’re entitled to—especially as a senior!

2. Family Tax Benefit Increases
Families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A will see the maximum payment for children under 13 rise to $227.36 per fortnight, and for those aged 13 or over, up to $295.82 per fortnight.

Family Tax Benefit Part B is also increasing, with the maximum rate now $193.34 per fortnight (or $134.96 for families with a youngest child aged five or over).

3. Superannuation Boosts
Compulsory employer super contributions are rising from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent. This means more money going into your retirement savings—great news for those still working or with family members in the workforce.

Plus, superannuation will now be paid on top of paid parental leave, helping new parents build their nest egg even while taking time off to care for a new bub.

4. Paid Parental Leave Improvements
Paid parental leave is increasing from 22 to 24 weeks, giving new parents more time at home with their little ones.

The income limits for eligibility are also rising, with the individual cap now at $180,007 and the family cap at $373,094. This means more families will qualify for this important support.

5. Minimum Wage Increase
Australia’s 2.9 million workers on awards or the minimum wage will see a 3.5 per cent pay rise from July 1. That’s a bigger bump than the current inflation rate of 2.4 per cent meaning real-world gains for those who need it most.

The new minimum hourly rate will be $24.95, translating to a full-time weekly wage of $948, or $49,296 a year. For the 200,000 Aussies on the minimum wage, that’s an extra $1,669 a year in your pocket. 'The Albanese Labor Government is delivering what we said we would at last month's election, rolling out billions of dollars' worth of responsible support from 1 July,' Chalmers said.

Paid parental leave is increasing to 24 weeks (up from 22), with superannuation now included, and income limits for eligibility rising to benefit more families. Image source: Anthony Albanese MP / Youtube.

6. Tradie Apprenticeship Incentives
Know a young person considering a trade? New apprentices in housing construction will receive up to $10,000 in incentive payments over the course of their apprenticeship.

Payments are staggered at $2,000 after six months, one year, two years, and three years—helping to ease the financial burden as they learn their trade.

In earlier news: Millions of Aussies set for a cash boost—here’s what it could mean for you

7. Student Debt Relief
For those with children or grandchildren at university, there’s more good news: the government is cutting student debt by 20%, averaging a $5,520 reduction per person. This is a significant saving for families supporting students, and it’s backdated to June 1.

8. Tax Cuts on the Horizon
While most of the immediate relief starts tomorrow, there’s more to look forward to.

From July 1, 2026, the tax rate for workers earning $18,201 to $45,000 will drop from 16% to 15%, saving $268 a year. In 2027, it drops again to 14%, bringing total relief to $536 over two years. Every taxpayer earning above $45,000 will also benefit from these cuts.

Also read: ‘The new super tax has been designed to excuse long-serving politicians': And it’s causing outrage

With so many changes happening, it’s a great time to review your entitlements. Are you getting all the rebates, supplements, and concessions you qualify for? If you’re unsure, reach out to Services Australia or your local Centrelink office, or ask in the comments below—our community is always happy to help!

Related story: ‘Many Australians continue to experience financial challenges’: Meanwhile, MPs just scored a $15k raise

Key Takeaways

• Aussies on the minimum wage and those on awards will receive a 3.5% pay rise from 1 July, outpacing inflation and lifting the hourly minimum wage to $24.95.
• Paid parental leave is increasing to 24 weeks (up from 22), with superannuation now included, and income limits for eligibility rising to benefit more families.
• New apprentices in housing construction will pocket up to $10,000 in incentive payments during their apprenticeship, with other family payments such as Family Tax Benefit Part A and B also set to rise.
• Further income tax relief is on the way, starting from July 2026, but university student debt will be cut by 20% (on average $5,520) as part of Labor’s promised cost-of-living support.

We’d love to hear from you! Are you or your family set to benefit from these new measures? Do you think the government is doing enough to help with the cost of living? Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below. Let’s support each other and make sure everyone gets the help they deserve!

 

[Robynann]

When the hell is FALL?

Whenever she loses balance

 

[Miss Chris]

I think it’s unconscionable that pensioners get less money to live on than a worker on minimum wage. Minimum wage to me, means a living just above the poverty line, which means that pensioners who rely totally on their pension, are living below the poverty line. Okay, the low waged people have to be working to get their minimum wage, but pensioners have already worked and earned their pitiful pension…….that really is not fair….they have earned the right to a pension that at least matches the poverty line, but would be great if they gave at least an amount that to the average pensioner , to take away the constant worry that they live with on a daily basis. I’d like to see how that massive raise given to the politicians was justified…..I mean, could they really not pay their mortgages, or are they running out of ‘Expenses’ faster than they thought……in these days of Transparency I’d really like to know how this amount came about…..

 

[relljube]

I agree. They should ban "How to Vote" flyers and educate all the dumbos that have no idea about the way preferential voting works and gives us more power in voting in who we really want in power or rather who we really don't want in power. I learnt about preferential voting in year 6 at school. They don't teach it at school any more. They prefer us to be dumb.

Better still - get rid of the stupid preferential voting and make it 1st past the post

 

[midgemills]

Better still - get rid of the stupid preferential voting and make it 1st past the post

Not going to happen.

 

[brockfan]

Pleased to see so many people getting increases in their payments, however for aged pensioners the increase of $4.60 was insulting. Our insurances electricity food and other expenses are also increasing far more than $4.60 will cover. Polititions giving themselves a massive increase both state and federal have not helped. Obviously aged pensioners don’t count any more when they are after votes

Try paying a mortgage on the Disability Support Pension, we had no increase in our payments either.

 

[glazer]

Yeah, this government doesn’t give a toss about pensioners. They all brown nose their way into politics and pretend to be caring people, ready to help and make changes for the best, but at the end of the day, all they do is collect their huge wages, sit back smugly and have a “I’m alright Jack” attitude. Smug little bubble life.
There isn’t one or anybody with authority that can help us pensioners to make changes, so we could at least live a better life with a few extra dollars coming our way. After paying taxes all our lives and going to work, real hard work, not the sooks of today that complain about having to go into the “office” 5 days a week and actually be accountable for a 38 hour week.
Pathetic, weak promises made every election time, it sucks to have to vote for these morons. No choice at all. A selection of the human race has no respect or understanding of what it takes to help people in need.

 

[cazza64]

I voted for Albanese and proud to admit it.

How many in this thread voted for Peter Potatohead?

Nowhere near enough, according to the polls!

Anybody else prepared to state their political leanings?

Yep voted for Dutton.
Albo got in on the ever always preferences.
Dutton behaved as if he was told to not do anything.

 

[rose1208]

Ian angered that people are still whining about cost of living, but they had a chance to get rid of Airmiles Albo, and still voted him in. There’s a lot of morons in Australia, who are probably regretting voting for him, but they didn’t like the Coalition leader’s personality. Blame these idiots, and expect the lies to continue coming out of Albo’s mouth. He was caught in so many lies during the campaign, and he still got voted in! I hope all those idiots enjoy paying more taxes! Watch out, I will be he raises the GST next! Baby boomers are paying the most tax, because we worked hard and saved, so apparently, we’re rich. Albo should be ashamed of himself. As for his ignorance in defence policies, I pray to God, that next time China circumnavigates Australia, we don’t have to rely on a Virgin Airlines pilot to raise the alarm. Gezzabel.

Totally agree with all your points. I love how everyone says they didn't vote for Albo, worst PM ever!!

 

[June E]

Another article which promotes the bashing of the current government.

Where would you be with Spud Dutton at the helm?

Looking at well over $100 for a medical consultation with no Medicare rebate?

Savagely reduced tax rates for businesses and individuals at the high end of town, while Average Joe wallows in the mire of the increased cost of living.

The brown nosing of the Orange Felon Trump by Dutton, appeasing to his ever changing tariff stance.

And the list goes on and on and on....

We would have been no better off under Dutton maybe even worse off ! aussies need someone to blame for everything and it’s usually the gov. Things have been going bad in this country for a long time, hardly Albo’s fault.

 

[June E]

Just remember who introduced the Baby Bonus in 2002. Peter Costello under the Howard Government.

This resulted in a generation of "baby factories" across the country, getting $3000 per newborn which rose to $5000. I knew of a girl who had six children before she turned 21, just to get the handout, not for the reason of wanting children.

I think there were many who were like the girl you knew of. Then after they spent the money on the big tv or whatever still couldn’t afford to raise their kids.

 

[BruceC]

My 'predicted' electricity bill will be over $800 for 3 months and sue mid August

Rebates not yet applied but I expect it will still be over $600.

For a 2 age pensioners with no other income , that's not going to work, so I'm trying to get a job.

Australia has plenty of rain ( hydro? ) and sun ( solar? ) so why are we succumbing to Electricity price hikes?

Love to know how your electricity bill is $800 a quarter?
Our combined Gas and Electricity bill has never been more than $400 a quarter and that was when we had 3 kids living with us.
Our gas heater runs all day 3 days a week while minding the grandchildren!

 

[Cheezil]

Election promise 2022, was a decrease in electricity costs. Did it happen? No!
A promise was made in election 2025 to decrease electricity. Will it happen? No! A notice from a provider gave price increases from today, 1 July.
One grocery staple I have noticed: 375gr Mainland Buttersoft was $7.50 beer the May 2025 election. It’s now $9.50 a tub! Instead of helping the workers, this Government has put our money into payouts for a minority.

Spot on! Disgraceful!

 

[Skeeta22]

Power bill relief is helpful but it would be great to see the Aged Pension increased to the minimum wage. Nothing else here helps me though

 

[Bianca]

Lets wait & see, trust has gone from me.

 

[Monty M]

Having multiple friends in the USA who have just had many of the financial and medical supports for those who need it cancelled outright, I have a different view to most comments here. Yes, people will always want more from this government but where is the gratitude for the increases that are given? It seems that there is nothing but an endless demand that governments should pay our way through life. More and more items are added to the list of benefits which has to be paid for, but it is never enough. And, before any of you suggests it, I am not a wealthy person. I was raised in a large family with almost nothing and was taught that it is MY responsibility to pay my own way through life. I worked FT for 49 years in the retail and community sector, neither of which pay staff high wages. I did without extravagances and saved for the future. Yes, there are people who fall on hard times and they should be helped back on their feet but what we have now is the expectation that ALL of the basic costs of living is the responsibility of others, ongoing. I am grateful for any government benefits, even if temporary, that help alleviate the significant cost of living for those of us who are less well heeled than others.

Further to the above, do you think a LNP government, who are the equivalent to the Conservatives in both the UK and USA will give you any more?
Indeed, think for one minute which government gave you most, if not all, of the current benefits....it wasn't the LNP. If it was left to them you would have a cap in hand as do the average Americans now. And, for them, it doesn't just stop at support benefits and medical assistance being scrapped.
Thirteen children under ten (possibly another 20) have died in Texas flooding 2 days ago, not specifically because there has been a flood but due to the Weather Forecast department having had its funding slashed by Trump, there isn't enough staff to be able to give timely warnings of extreme weather events.

Australia is STILL the lucky country, it's just that some Aussies don't realise how lucky they really are!

 

[HelenB55]

Albo was only voted back in because other parties gave their preferences to Labor…. & also through corruption from unions & big companies.

Hate is such a horrible word ,& I very rarely use it, but I absolutely hate this Government.

Australia is sinking….& at a fast rate.

(But China will save us….just wait & see)

Albo is just waiting to make it happen.

 

[Still Ebby]

Albo was only voted back in because other parties gave their preferences to Labor…. & also through corruption from unions & big companies.

Hate is such a horrible word ,& I very rarely use it, but I absolutely hate this Government.

Australia is sinking….& at a fast rate.

(But China will save us….just wait & see)

Albo is just waiting to make it happen.

l think the Indians have taken over here with Chinese second . Just too many they are into everything

 

[Rotty]

I'm so happy for all the recipients of this good fortune, apart from the politicians' pay rise which was disgusting in the extreme. But the people who needed it the most received an embarrassing $9.20/month!!! My rent alone went up by $60/month. They halved the electricity rebate so the pensioners are going so far backwards, we will all be going without the essentials soon. Surely being able to get paid to live should be our lowest expectation, but even our lowest expectations are not being met. It's a shameful situation.

I think politicians forget who worked hard in year gone by, and who paid taxes for all those many years. We didn't get many tax benefits all those years ago. The lucky boomers!!!!!!

 

[Milica]

I think it's disgusting that pensioners got a 25c payrise a day and the Prime Minister gets $15,000 a year pay rise. You can't buy anything for 25c. I'm a pensioner and finding it very hard financially, as so many of us, are. Is that what they think we're worth?

When the hell is FALL?

Has a Fall

 

[Milica]

surely $42 per day is good value for polies wages (perhaps wages is the wrong word 'gifts'would be better)...thats $588 per fortnight..RISE...versus $4.20 pension rise wow!

And it doesn't affect them whatsoever - the thought of the difference in the fortnightly rise, infact
some entitled ones have that smug look on their faces - but surely all of them have aged parents,
seniors who would be on an aged pension or even part age pension - more than pathetic, they don't have too worry about applying for a pension when they retire!