2024-25 federal budget set to ‘alleviate pocket pressures’ amid cost-of-living crisis

As the leaves turn golden and the air cools, Australians are not just preparing for the change of seasons but also the federal budget announcement.

It's a time when the government lays out its financial plans for the year ahead, and it's crucial to understand how these decisions will affect everyone’s pockets.

With the cost of living continuing to be a hot topic nationwide, many are eager to see what measures will be introduced to ease the financial burden.



Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been managing expectations, clarifying that Australians shouldn't expect 'big cash splashes' this time.

However, with the cost of living eating into budgets, the 2024-25 budget is anticipated to include policies to alleviate pocket pressures many are feeling.

Here's what we can look forward to on 14 May—and how it might make life a little easier for you.


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What should we expect from the 2024-25 federal budget? Credit: Shutterstock


Stage 3 Tax Cuts

The government's revised tax policy is set to be a cornerstone of this year's budget.

Initially announced in January and passed by parliament shortly after, the policy aims to provide more tax relief to low- and middle-income earners while still offering benefits to those on higher salaries.

The tax cuts are designed to address cost-of-living pressures and bracket creep.

The changes will lower the tax rate for the lowest two brackets and raise the threshold for the two highest brackets.



This is a shift from the original stage 3 tax cuts proposed by the previous government, which did not include lowering the tax rate for the first two brackets and would have abolished the 37 per cent bracket entirely.

From 1 July, every taxpayer will see a cut.

For example, someone earning an average income of around $73,000 will receive a tax reduction of $1504.

The exact amount you'll save depends on your earnings, but the policy's cost to the budget is estimated to be around $105.7 billion by 2027–28.

Stage Three Tax Cuts by Income.jpg
Energy Bill Relief

Hints from the government suggest that energy bill relief will continue to be a theme in this year's budget.

An existing policy provides up to $500 off power bills for eligible families and up to $650 for eligible small businesses.

‘Our government understands that for small business—as for Australian families—energy bills remain a source of financial pressure,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.



‘That's why the energy bill relief package I negotiated with the states and territories delivered up to $650 in savings for around 1 million small businesses, along with 5 million families.’

‘And as we put together next month's budget, small businesses and families will again be front and centre in our thinking.’

With energy bills expected to decrease or stabilise from 1 July for much of the country, the current relief package might be extended for another year, providing continued support for those feeling the pinch.

The rest of the plans will be revealed on 14 May, 7:30 pm at budget.gov.au.
Key Takeaways

  • The upcoming federal budget will address cost-of-living pressures with policies like Stage 3 tax cuts targeting low- and middle-income earners.
  • The Stage 3 tax cuts passed by parliament will lower tax rates for the lowest two brackets and raise the threshold for the two highest brackets, benefiting all taxpayers.
  • The government has hinted at continuing energy bill relief for families and small businesses in the forthcoming budget.
What are your hopes for the upcoming budget? Are there specific areas where you feel the government should focus its financial support? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
 
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And what about those of us in supported independent living houses who get nothing. I'm one of three in a SIL house. Only I pay taxs, and get the tax cuts, my house mates don't we still have to pay our provider, $925 and we get $130 a week for food, but you've still got to pay your chemist bills and mine was $1270 last month. Plus additional food, if you don't eat what is provided. Plus like everyone else our doctors and specialists bills, maybe like everyone else, it would be nice to get a little something. I personally think those at the top end should miss out and those at the lower end get more. Just because I live in a SIL house, we're not entitled to any cost of living help.
 
Relief for aged
pensioners, it’s disgusting how the rent assistance doesn’t even come near the rises in rent , for example I was paying $240 per week now I’m paying $540 per week that leaves me with an average of $180 per fortnight to live on and I’m not the only one there’s 1,000’s of us
 
Relief for aged
pensioners, it’s disgusting how the rent assistance doesn’t even come near the rises in rent , for example I was paying $240 per week now I’m paying $540 per week that leaves me with an average of $180 per fortnight to live on and I’m not the only one there’s 1,000’s of us
anyone on a pension and pays for accommodation via lease arrangements they cannot claim rent assistance.
so, it does not help us. We only get the small rise in the old aged pension every 6 months
 
Exactly has trillions of dollars to buy yank weapons of war but screams poverty when it comes to supporting pensioners and other people tryng to get by on benifits
I tried everywhere to get some help the only way to get help is to be in arrears and no money in the bank , which will be me very shortly, disgusting you have to lose everything you have earned in your working life to get help 😡the system is so wrong ,if I was an alcoholic or drug addict and living on the street help is there
 
What am hoping for? In three words Truth, Recognition, Accountability.
I know, fat chance
Staples like milk, bread, butter, eggs have risen by between 45% and 60% in our local IGA since this time last year (milk 3L bottle $4.50 to $6.90 = 53.3%). Don't quote ABS numbers to me. I can do the math myself and Albanese's got no gag order on me.
Our council rates are going up at rate 10% a year (compounding) for the next three years. No we don't get more services and yes that is by agreement with the NSW government.
I don't want to wait another 6 months for another 3% increase to the pension for which I paid a 6.5% levy above my PAYE tax each fortnight over my 52 year working life.
I want recognition with a corresponding appropriate adjustment and if that's too hard for Chalmers, I'm happy to show him where to make the necessary cuts elsewhere.
 
This Government knows that without doing " something " to try and buy votes it will be a failed one term a Government. Its too late.. They have failed on too many levels and pushed their Communist agenda too strongly. Most Australians are counting down the days to when we can remove them from office. The domestic and international damage they have done, the domestic damage will take years to repair, the international standing will take decades to repair.
 
anyone on a pension and pays for accommodation via lease arrangements they cannot claim rent assistance.
so, it does not help us. We only get the small rise in the old aged pension every 6 months
Actually I pay rent via a lease agreement and I do get rent assistance- perhaps you can look into it further. It’s not a huge amount but I do get it.
 

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