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!

 

[IAN3005]

I live in an aged care facility and the three CPI rises we get each year, the facility takes 85% of that and gives you sweet stuff all. Basically, buy whatever you want as long as the cost is zero. We are left with little to live on each day/week. Thanks for paying taxes all of your life now hear are the crumbs, be happy and go away.

I refuse to go into an aged care facility. I will euthanise myself first. They are nothing but a rip-off. I had experience for 5 years and my mother. I know......

 

[Johnnie boy]

Again WA doesn’t figure. We need more concessions for medical issues. Very rare for bulk billing here. It’s becoming impossible to find nowadays. Also concessions for necessary services or rates and rent

 

[Johnnie boy]

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.

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.

Just think your response is so disrespectful to the aged who have paid taxes all their lives. I think an understanding needs to predominate that everyone hasn’t gone through life without having to deal with unforeseen difficulties. Please show a little compassion for all members of our community instead of being so callous and smart

 

[Burton49]

What about the aged pension that’s not mentioned as usual

 

[willietel]

But nothing for those on a pension

 

[Sasha2016]

What about all the pensioners out there struggling to make ends meat. They get forgotten again

 

[RHEWSON1]

Any relation to John Hewson, the Prime Minister who never was, due his much despised GST policy?

No Veggie Patch NO RELATION to John Hewson… I can work out GST and other financial issues. But unfortunately no one in government circles I have contacted appears to care about Senior Citizens even though we have contributed significantly over our working years..

 

[RHEWSON1]

Ha!my thought also when I read the name

NO RELATION..THANK GOODNESS. I understand GST and my finances..

 

[deni67]

Where were you it was the card that morrison put in place in,which people on government payments had it put into an account held by a third party and then you had to beg for it back,to buy your food your kids clothes to be able to give your kids money for school. Your lucky I guess you didn't have to worry about it entitled I guess but those of us who did had some worrying times before Labor came to power and stopped it . An example for you, you were told what you could or could not buy on your groceries and you had so much money to spend if things had gone up,from one fortnight to another and you didn't have enough, you had to ring the firm holding your money to beg for more in front of everyone and if they said no you had to decide what had to go back. I didn't believe there was anyone in this country that did know about,this read up to get informed.

That card didn't go to everyone on a centrelink benefit, I didn't get one and neither did any of my friends get one. We never even heard of one of them, why would we, it didn't concern us!
It was used mostly for indigenous and poorly run communities that lived in either fear of violence, or drinking/drugs etc.

Why spread s*** around when it's not true?

 

[Littleboy8]

That card didn't go to everyone on a centrelink benefit, I didn't get one and neither did any of my friends get one. We never even heard of one of them, why would we, it didn't concern us!
It was used mostly for indigenous and poorly run communities that lived in either fear of violence, or drinking/drugs etc.

Why spread s*** around when it's not true?

Yes your right Deni

 

[deni67]

What about the aged pension that’s not mentioned as usual

But nothing for those on a pension

What about all the pensioners out there struggling to make ends meat. They get forgotten again

Do you read other posts in here before you comment, several times one member has mentioned that all pensions get a raise twice a year, one in March and one in September!

 

[IAN3005]

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

Anyone who thinks Dutton is thinking about anyone else is delusional...

 

[mylittletibbies]

Again WA doesn’t figure. We need more concessions for medical issues. Very rare for bulk billing here. It’s becoming impossible to find nowadays. Also concessions for necessary services or rates and rent

WA has excellent concessions, Google them. We get 50% off rates, water rates and usage, free licence for aged pensioners, $675/year fuel for rural pensioners and that's just the start.
Pensioners get bulk billed at most surgeries.
As stated at least a dozen times already March and September are when pensioners get their rise. These minor payments are paid on alternate three months.
Renters receive rent assistance.
.
Where have you been hiding???

 

[mylittletibbies]

What about the aged pension that’s not mentioned as usual

For heavens sake, don't you read previous posts.

 

[mylittletibbies]

What about all the pensioners out there struggling to make ends meat. They get forgotten again

Read previous posts.

 

[jay2]

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

So you think pensioners are going to be better off under Dutton.

 

[IAN3005]

So you think pensioners are going to be better off under Dutton.

Think again... he has a hidden agenda. Mongeral.....

 

[Wires]

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

OH NO Not another capitalist voting tory the party that set you into debt

 

[Johnnie boy]

WA has excellent concessions, Google them. We get 50% off rates, water rates and usage, free licence for aged pensioners, $675/year fuel for rural pensioners and that's just the start.
Pensioners get bulk billed at most surgeries.
As stated at least a dozen times already March and September are when pensioners get their rise. These minor payments are paid on alternate three months.
Renters receive rent assistance.
.
Where have you been hiding???

I haven’t been hiding anywhere. As I said it is extremely rare to get a practice that bulk bills. Rises twice a year hardly keep up with inflation and what are you talking about $676 for fuel? I am not eligible for that - I live about 30 km outside the boundary which I can claim from. Get your facts right and I don’t know how I’d manage if I didn’t own my own home. And that is because I was prudent in knowing I would need to when I retired because the pension wouldn’t be enough to provide me with a roof over my head

 

[Johnnie boy]

I haven’t been hiding anywhere. As I said it is extremely rare to get a practice that bulk bills. Rises twice a year hardly keep up with inflation and what are you talking about $676 for fuel? I am not eligible for that - I live about 30 km outside the boundary which I can claim from. Get your facts right and I don’t know how I’d manage if I didn’t own my own home. And that is because I was prudent in knowing I would need to when I retired because the pension wouldn’t be enough to provide me with a roof over my head