Big changes hit Australia this year–find out how they affect you
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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