A wave of changes will sweep through the country, set to affect nearly every aspect of daily life as we move through 2025.

What may seem like routine updates will soon reveal far-reaching shifts in policies, payments, and regulations that are poised to impact millions.

The upcoming reforms are bound to stir both excitement and concern across the nation, and the full scope of these changes might just surprise you.

Major changes ahead for Australia in 2025. Image source: Pexel/Andrea Piacquadio

Centrelink Payments Get a Boost

Youth allowance, Austudy, and carer allowance will rise in line with inflation. Youth allowance for those over 18 living at home will increase to $477.10 a fortnight, up from $459.80.

Those living away from home will receive $670.30, up from $646.

Austudy recipients without dependants will get $670.30. On the other hand, those with children will see $845.80.

Finally, the carer allowance will increase by $5.80 to $159.30 a fortnight.

Wage Underpayment Becomes Criminal

Employers intentionally underpaying workers will face fines up to $7.8 million for corporations and $1.6 million for individuals, along with possible jail time of up to 10 years, for any underpayments from 1 January onward.

Engineered Stone Import Ban

Australia has banned the import of engineered stone products to protect workers from silicosis, continuing measures to safeguard their health.

Changes to Gambling Regulations in NSW

New laws in NSW will relocate ATMs away from gaming areas in hotels and clubs. Gaming machines and areas will also no longer be visible from ATMs.

Medicare Safety Net Thresholds Rise
Out-of-hospital medical costs eligible for higher rebates will increase, with concession holders now facing a threshold of $834.50, and others reaching $2,615.50.

Pay Rise for Aged Care Workers

Aged care staff will see pay rises, with direct care workers receiving half of their increase in January, and the rest scheduled for October.

New Queensland Electrical Safety Rules

Laws will extend protection to those working near electrical equipment or in roof spaces, focusing on reducing arc flash risks.

Victorian Land Tax Expands

Victoria’s vacant residential land tax will now apply to regional areas. Exemptions are available for holiday homes used for at least four weeks per year.

NSW Single-Use Plastics Ban

NSW’s ban on certain single-use plastics, launched in 2022, has been fully enforced.

Updated Minimum Pay Rates

Changes to 20 awards will introduce new rules for entry-level positions and adjusted pay rates for workers.

South Australia Expands Concessions

South Australia has removed the co-resident income assessment, making more residents eligible for cost-of-living concessions.

Rights to Inspect Wills in SA Expand

Former spouses and those named in previous versions of a will will now have the right to inspect it before it’s validated by the supreme court.

Mandatory Climate Reporting for Large Companies

Starting 1 January, large companies must report their climate-related data, including emissions, as part of their annual financial disclosures.

Cuts to Legal Aid in NT

Due to funding cuts, Legal Aid Northern Territory will scale back services, including adult criminal representation and remote court services.

Payroll Tax Waiver in NT

Employers in the NT with taxable wages under $2.5 million will not have to pay payroll tax for liabilities incurred between 1 January and 30 June 2025.

New Vehicle Emissions Standards

New emissions caps for vehicles will incentivize the supply of low- and zero-emissions cars.

Passport Fees Rise

Adult Australian passport costs will jump by 3 per cent, with 10-year passports now at $412 and children’s five-year passports at $208.

Our full report on this topic is available here.

Key Takeaways

• Centrelink payments such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Carer Allowance will rise to match inflation, providing some financial relief.
• Passport fees are set to increase by 3.5 per cent, with the cost of adult and children's passports seeing a notable uptick.
• Employers who intentionally underpay workers will face severe penalties, including substantial fines and the possibility of jail time.
• Australia is introducing a ban on the importation of engineered stone products as a protective measure against diseases like silicosis among workers.

What do you think of these updates—will they have a big impact on your daily life, or are they more about big-picture shifts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Singomate]

Yes, once again aged pensioners miss out, yes I am bloody having a winge, served armed forces started paying tax at 13 am now 76, raised a family, payed taxes super was not about in my early years, when I used super to try and maintain a decent lifestyle it lasted 3 years. Well as they say there's always someone worse off.

 

[Jancgr]

I can read nothing for those receiving aged pensions. To me, these handouts resonate as hopeful election boosters for the Government.

 

[darylfoxcroft]

The Aged pensioners miss out again. Have to wait another 3 months. Even when you do get an increase it is pathetic. Last increase was $37.10 per fortnight. My next rent increase will be over $200 per fortnight. Reality is that the pension etc are kept unrealistically low to force people to keep working regardless of how pathetic the wages are or how the poor working conditions are. Meanwhile politicians, corporate senior executives etc receive very generous increases. Politicians are seriously out of touch with the reality most people in Australia are living. More concerned about what thier major financial donors want.

 

[Auswallaby]

The Aged pensioners miss out again. Have to wait another 3 months. Even when you do get an increase it is pathetic. Last increase was $37.10 per fortnight. My next rent increase will be over $200 per fortnight. Reality is that the pension etc are kept unrealistically low to force people to keep working regardless of how pathetic the wages are or how the poor working conditions are. Meanwhile politicians, corporate senior executives etc receive very generous increases. Politicians are seriously out of touch with the reality most people in Australia are living. More concerned about what thier major financial donors want.

 

[Kay51]

What about the Aged Pensioners? These peoples lives matter too. They have to live, and are struggling to meet their electric bills among other rising costs of living. Shame on this government for ignoring the very people that have worked hard all their working lives to make this country great.

 

[Zoeshipscat]

I can read nothing for those receiving aged pensions. To me, these handouts resonate as hopeful election boosters for the Government.

They must have forgotten that aged pensioners also vote.

 

[Monks]

The Aged pensioners miss out again. Have to wait another 3 months. Even when you do get an increase it is pathetic. Last increase was $37.10 per fortnight. My next rent increase will be over $200 per fortnight. Reality is that the pension etc are kept unrealistically low to force people to keep working regardless of how pathetic the wages are or how the poor working conditions are. Meanwhile politicians, corporate senior executives etc receive very generous increases. Politicians are seriously out of touch with the reality most people in Australia are living. More concerned about what thier major financial donors want.

the Government dose not give a dam about us pensioners we are looked at as a drain on the money belt, being money they cannot bullshit to be spending in some way to say look at me this is what I have built how good am I they are not good look at our electricity system now owned by over sea's companies our gas also so no they have not done a thing but rip the country off

 

[Trina G]

My god when will you pensioners ever stop whinging. We got an increase just recently. Different areas of social security get increases at different times. You need to think outside the square sometimes.

 

[Singomate]

My god when will you pensioners ever stop whinging. We got an increase just recently. Different areas of social security get increases at different times. You need to think outside the square sometimes.

So do you your comments Stink of a capilist poison

 

[Choff5]

Just shows your'e NOT a pensioner.probably on easy street.

 

[Catherines]

Just shows your'e NOT a pensioner.probably on easy street.

You may not have read every word in that post! So perhaps you can read the following words from that post. It said, and I quote “We got an increase just recently.”

 

[Trina G]

So do you your comments Stink of a capilist poison

Sorry but I do not understand. What is capilist poison?

 

[Gayle66]

Wow, under Labor, bludgers still get more than carers. What a joke they are. Sooner they are vote out the better.

 

[Trina G]

Just shows your'e NOT a pensioner.probably on easy street.

You are wrong there. I am a pensioner.

 

[Trina G]

They must have forgotten that aged pensioners also vote.

Do you seriously believe that Dutton will give a shit about you?

 

[Beverley-May]

The Aged pensioners miss out again. Have to wait another 3 months. Even when you do get an increase it is pathetic. Last increase was $37.10 per fortnight. My next rent increase will be over $200 per fortnight. Reality is that the pension etc are kept unrealistically low to force people to keep working regardless of how pathetic the wages are or how the poor working conditions are. Meanwhile politicians, corporate senior executives etc receive very generous increases. Politicians are seriously out of touch with the reality most people in Australia are living. More concerned about what their major financial donors want.

With my income I never get a raise.

 

[Trina G]

Wow, under Labor, bludgers still get more than carers. What a joke they are. Sooner they are vote out the better.

Do you really think that is any different to what it’s always been? Seriously it has never been any different regardless of which party is in power.

 

[Bill MacL]

They must have forgotten that aged pensioners also vote.

Yes, we do, and let's keep reminding everyone that Albo promised us $275 cheaper electricity to get elected. He's a blatant liar. JUST BUYING VOTES.

 

[Cozza60]

The safety net rise to over $2000is a bit much