From welfare payments and price increases to new laws and regulations, here are some of the biggest changes starting on January 1, 2025.
- Increased welfare payments: Several Australian welfare payments will rise in line with inflation. Youth Allowance will increase by $15 to $30.60 per fortnight, with changes to the parental income test threshold. Austudy recipients will receive up to $30.60 more, while Carer Allowance increases by $5.80. ABSTUDY Living Allowance for postgraduate students rises by $54.
- Wage theft criminalised: Employers who intentionally underpay workers face penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $7.825 million. Small businesses with fewer than 15 employees may avoid prosecution if they comply with a voluntary wage compliance code.
- ATM rules for pokies: In New South Wales, ATMs and cash facilities must no longer be visible from gaming areas. Cash facilities must also be placed at least five metres from gaming entrances or exits, with exemptions granted only in exceptional cases.
- Medicare safety net thresholds: Medicare Safety Net thresholds are increasing. Patients will need to spend more on out-of-pocket medical costs before qualifying for higher rebates, with thresholds rising to $576 for the Original Safety Net and $2615.50 for the Extended Safety Net.
- Foreign property tax changes: Property sellers in Australia must provide clearance certificates to avoid buyers withholding 15% of the sale price. The previous $750,000 exemption threshold is removed, and all property transactions are now subject to the rule.
- Passport price increase: Australian passport fees will rise in January, following a mid-2024 increase. The estimated increase is $11 for a 10-year passport and $6 for a five-year passport.
- UK travel visa requirement: Australians visiting the UK must apply for a £10 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for stays under six months, starting January 8.
- Ban on engineered stone imports: Engineered stone imports will be banned due to links to silicosis, a life-threatening lung disease. This follows a domestic ban on its use and manufacture in mid-2024.
- Mandatory sheep e-tags: Electronic ID tags become mandatory for all sheep and goats born in Australia from January 1 to enhance biosecurity and traceability. By 2027, tags will be required for all sheep, regardless of age.
Source: The Advertiser
