Australia’s Big Changes on 1 January 2025: The new year i.e. 2025 is just a few days away and with this new year, many new laws will come into force that can directly affect your life. In this article, we will tell you about these important changes in detail, so that you can be prepared.
Increase in Centrelink payments
As happens every year, Centrelink payments will be increased in 2025 too, which will help many beneficiaries. Payments to various Centrelink schemes such as Youth Allowance, Abstudy, Austudy, and Disability Support Pension (received by people under 21 years of age and without children) will increase. For example, if you are 18 years or older, without children and live away from home, your Maximum Basic Rate will increase by $24.30 per fortnight.
If you want to know more about this increase, you can get complete information by visiting the Department of Social Services website.
Higher fuel efficiency standards for new cars
A major change is set to take place in the Australian car market. From 2025, car manufacturers will have to set average CO2 emission targets for the vehicles they manufacture. Companies that meet these targets will receive credits. The aim is to improve the environment and promote less polluting cars. However, this does not mean that you can buy whatever car you want, companies will just have to maintain a balance in their car models, so that there is less pressure on the environment.
Passport fee hike
From 2025, passport fees for people aged 18 years and above will increase to $412, which is $14 more than last year. This increase has been made by the government to deal with inflation, so that the process and expenses of making a passport can be balanced.
Ban on the price increase of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
There will be no increase in the prices of medicines under PBS in 2025. This change was made as part of the 2024 Budget, which announced that the price increase for PBS medicines in 2025 has been postponed. There is also additional relief for concession card holders, as the price of medicines for them will not increase for four more years. This will allow pensioners and concession card holders to get essential medicines for just $7.70.
Deliberately underpaying employees will now be a crime
From 2025, if an employer deliberately underpays their employees, it will now be considered a serious crime. Previously it was only considered a civil matter, but now employers can face jail time and heavy fines for this. This change has been implemented under the ‘Closing Loopholes’ Bill, which aims to crack down on cases of wage theft.
Pay rise for aged care workers
Wages for aged care workers will be increased in 2025. Employees who are part of the Aged Care Award, such as nursing assistants and general care workers, will benefit from this increase. This pay rise is an important step for employees who play a vital role in caring for the elderly.
Mandatory climate reporting for large carbon emitters
Large companies and carbon emitters with annual revenue of $500 million or more will have to report annually on climate-related risks and opportunities. This move will come into effect from 2025 and aims to hold companies accountable for climate change.
Short-stay levy comes into effect in Victoria
From 2025, property owners in Victoria who rent out short-stays for less than 28 days will be subject to a 7.5% levy. However, if you are renting out your primary residence, this rule will not apply to you.
Federal election 2025
Australia will have a federal election in 2025, where we will elect our next government. Although the date of the election has not been announced yet, it is certain that this election will be held in 2025.
FAQs On Australia’s Big Changes on 1 January 2025
Q. When will the Centrelink payment hike come into effect?
A. The hike in various payment plans under Centrelink will come into effect from 2025.
Q. Will car prices rise in 2025?
A. No, but car manufacturers will have to adhere to higher carbon emission standards for their vehicles.
Q. How much will passport fees increase?
A. Passport fees will increase by $14, and will now be $412.
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