Change might be a New Year’s resolution, but a slew of new taxes, benefits, rules and regulations starting 1st of January 2025 might have you thinking otherwise.
A host of changes will be implemented in the New Year, from social services to job reforms and harm reduction efforts. Here's a taste of things to come.
Welfare payments are regularly indexed and linked to price changes such as the Consumer Price Index, a key measure of domestic inflation.Welfare payments are regularly indexed and linked to price changes such as the Consumer Price Index, a key measure of domestic inflation.
In 2025, Youth Allowance recipients will receive an increase of $15 to $30.60 a fortnight depending on their family status. The parental income test limit for the Youth Allowance will increase by $2555 to $65,189 a year.
Of the 26,125 people making Austudy payments across Australia, the biggest increase is $30.60 a fortnight, which goes to single parents with children. Singles and partners, but no children, will get a $24.30 increase and ABSTUDY Living Allowance payment changes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians while studying or training see master's or PhD holders get the biggest increase with a $54 increase to $1285.40 a fortnight.
The remaining fortnightly ranges from $1.50 to $30.60 per child under 16 (tertiary) The biggest increase in the Disability Support Pension is for independent, single people under 16 and Australians aged 16 - 21 with a dependent child. For independent singles under 18, independent singles and couples from 18-20 $30.10 per fortnight for a member.
