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!

 

[Isis]

Looks like another election year. Promises promises and very little for senior pensions

 

[Isis]

Aged pensions get indexed and increased twice a year. April and Sept/Oct.

Darn it, you are right, had to do a rethink. But have to say the few dollars extra I got didn’t match the rise in food costs. Whinging has ceased.

 

[Frida1944]

With my income I never get a raise.

Perhaps you should consider yourself fortunate then as your income must exceed the limits of qualification for a pension.

 

[Isis]

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

They do forget that we still spend , no matter how little we have it still goes into the coffers.

 

[Veggiepatch]

All these pensioner replys should be sent to the PM each week on this topic. BOMBARD Him with the messages (it will work ) ....CHEERS .

You forgot to put ....nt on the end of your username....

 

[Merrimac]

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.

No lies! Everyone in Australia received the $300 energy rebate. Didn’t you? Don’t expect any concessions if - heaven forbid- Dutton wins!

 

[Rustyas]

Surprise, surprise, there must be an election due. Most gains will not eventuate until after the election, things such as passport increased costs immediately, the scumbags are up to their usual tricks; for goodness sake don't let the mongrels back in, and that goes for crossbenchers and an ex-army corporal they are only there for the money.

 

[Isis]

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

Looks like auto spell took over on that one. Lol

 

[Isis]

Surprise, surprise, there must be an election due. Most gains will not eventuate until after the election, things such as passport increased costs immediately, the scumbags are up to their usual tricks; for goodness sake don't let the mongrels back in, and that goes for crossbenchers and an ex-army corporal they are only there for the money.

Ripper thread really set the cat among the pigeons with this one.

 

[Thurston]

My fellow Seniors, just remember that it was Abbott/Dutton partnership that was instrumental in rolling over Malcolm Turnbull that gave us Morrison. And will you ever forget Treasurer Hockey. Be careful what you wish for. I am in the ever increasing voters that have had enough of both major Political Parties and look for increasing the number of Independents who are not bound by factions and who more energetically represent their constituents and all Australians. And to conclude I believe the ordinary Back bencher now receives around $225,000 p.a. basic salary plus extras (?). Would they really understand what the present housing/cost of living is all about? The question of housing shortages dates back years but neither party seriously took it up so don't try and put the blame for this on the present Government.

 

[Susie999]

I hope people will finally wake up and not vote for labor /Albanese's flat out lies.

The guy doesn't even have any people skills so I don't know why everyone is being fooled all the time.

 

[Isis]

My fellow Seniors, just remember that it was Abbott/Dutton partnership that was instrumental in rolling over Malcolm Turnbull that gave us Morrison. And will you ever forget Treasurer Hockey. Be careful what you wish for. I am in the ever increasing voters that have had enough of both major Political Parties and look for increasing the number of Independents who are not bound by factions and who more energetically represent their constituents and all Australians. And to conclude I believe the ordinary Back bencher now receives around $225,000 p.a. basic salary plus extras (?). Would they really understand what the present housing/cost of living is all about? The question of housing shortages dates back years but neither party seriously took it up so don't try and put the blame for this on the present Government.

Good comment, but as it is now there is nobody else we can blame but those currently in charge. Yes sure can remember the horrors of the past.

 

[Ghola181]

Darn it, you are right, had to do a rethink. But have to say the few dollars extra I got didn’t match the rise in food costs. Whinging has ceased.

Abd my pension is dropping from $541 today to $537 on 20 Jan, why's that?

 

[Packo]

YES GETTING THERE BUT STILL NOT GOOD Enough who BLOODY cares about passbooks pensioners need money to pay there bills not lining up 4 bloody hand outs its a disgraces, You work most of your life and still getting treat like a 2nd class person.

 

[Retiree46]

All you PENSIONERS remember you have a vote on election day to let this Government know and the incoming Government that we won't be silenced by feeding us crumbs.

 

[BWP]

so as perusal us aged pensioners are ignored our expenses also keep rising too... should I mention we also vote... not happy at all

 

[Heathclyff]

How many whingers p!ssed their money away while young paying rent and having a good time in stead of buckling down and buying a house. Now rent is taking up your age pension and what the owners charge for rent is not the government's fault regardless whose in power. I along with so many others are on the age pension and doing OK because we live within our means and because we did look into the future we set ourselves up. There are countries that don't have age pensions at all so they have real problems while we should be grateful that we do get it and not left for families to be left to care for you or be left on the streets.

Not everyone has had the same chances or opportunities . Some people have had trauma in their life that has greatly impacted their ability to save, or their confidence in the future (as it once was back then) and their self efficacy can be greatly impacted. Others come from families that, due to their dysfunctional environment, they do not perceive the future as you and others may perceive it. Life is not as easy as you think and remember, you are evidently speaking from a platform of relative peace and not one of anxiety. Maybe your family upbringing entailed the mindset to save up and buy a house. People come in all shapes and sizes and with good and bad histories which is why some did save and others may not or did not do so. I can fully appreciate why there are people who do not own a house and are now finding it difficult on the pension. I indeed am one of those people though I am not a bludger nor did I smoke or drink, I simply came from a family that did not encourage us in that direction and this has been a generational mindset. Trauma has also been a part of my history. As such, I do pay rent but I likewise still pay taxes as I work Far too many homeowners take the moral high ground at the expense of showing some compassion.

 

[Phantom55]

and nsw age pensions....

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.

 

[Phantom55]

and nsw age pensions....

recent increase was followed by an increase dissolving, prices hike thus dissolving any increase ...I dont want an increase I want to see prices come down but as wages etc go up so do prices. the way were going we will need a increase every fortnight following the usual price hikes ea month... cant anyone see that one causes the other

 

[Luckyus]

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.

Pensioners get two increases every year neither are any particular help when you are continually behind the eight ball? The first thing this government did when it got into power was raise the cost of prescription medicine up to $7.20 now it doesn't look much a mere dollar or so, but when your Meds scrips are substantial. Any rises in pensions outway the cost of medications.