Pension payments, fast-tracked pathways to citizenship and a welcome payrise to entry level and essential workers are all part of new laws coming into place throughout 2025. Most began on Wednesday, 1 January, make sure to see what the changes mean for you and your family.
WELFARE PAYMENTS
Those receiving Centrelink payments will benefit from a modest increase in payments to match inflation. Youth Allowance and Austudy recipients could see their payments rise by up to $30.60 each fortnight, from 1 January. Students on ABSTUDY, completing their Masters or PhD will receive $54 more each fortnight.
Across the board, income thresholds have also risen with inflations, to prevent payments being cut to those working and also receiving welfare payments.
Disability pensioners will receive increases of up to $30.10 each fortnightly, and medical exemptions have been increased from 13 weeks to two years, for those on unemployment benefits or other welfare payments which require proof of work or study.
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DEBIT CARD SURCHARGES
If you have a debt to pay to the tax office or Centrelink, surcharges have been banned from the New Year. The move is part of a broader review which could see all debit card surcharges banned from January 2026. ServiceNSW is also reviewing illegal surcharges to customers paying for their vehicle registrations, fines and more.
PAY RISE FOR AGED CARE WORKERS, NURSES
Some of our most essential workers will enjoy a well-deserved pay rise from the New Year, including aged care workers, nurses, social and community workers, disability service and home carers.
Aged care workers will receive a 3 per cent pay increase, with employees encouraged to check their pay slips to ensure the extra dollars land in their accounts.
PBS ACCESS EXPANDS FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS
All PBS medicines dispensed by public hospitals will be covered under the Closing the Gab PBS Copayment Program, helping to increase access to essential medication for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The program, available at pharmacies, approved medical practitioners and private and public hospitals hopes to address chronic illness and disease in First Nations communities.
FOREIGN NATIONALS CAN JOIN THE ADF
Ex-pats from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom will be able to join the Australian Defence Force, as part of an ongoing campaign to boost numbers.
The ADF hopes to attract about 350 successful applicants over the current financial year, offering citizenship after 90 days of service. Prospective applicants must have lived in Australia for at least 12 months before applying. New Zealand citizens have been able to join the ADF since July last year.
GAMBLING LAWS CHANGE
Across New South Wales, it will be that little bit harder to get cash out for a turn at the pokies, after new laws declared no ATM and cash withdrawal facilities will be allowed within five metres of gaming areas.
Any signs for gaming areas must also not be visible from ATMs or entryways, and no ATMs can be visible from gaming rooms or entry areas.
PAY RISE FOR ENTRY LEVEL WORKERS
Minimum wage and entry level workers on the first stage of their job will only need to cop lower pay for a maximum of six months, under changes to introductory classifications in awards.
From 1 January, entry-level or trainee employees must progress to a higher award, with higher pay, after a six month training or induction period. The change was passed to help prevent workers from being paid under the minimum wage.
WAGE THEFT CRIMINALISED
Employers who try to dodge higher payments, not pay superannuation, or refuse to pay overtime and time in lieu could now be charged under anti-wage theft laws.
The change is part of the ‘Closing the Loopholes’ reforms, and could see companies fined up to three times the underpayment amount, or up to $7.82 million. Small businesses complying with a new Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code will be exempt for unintentional underpayment.
Individuals convicted of wage theft could also face up to ten years in prison, and be hit with up to $1.56 million in fines.
NEW VEHICLE EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
Fuel-guzzling farm utes may soon become a thing of the past, with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards coming into place from 1 January. Only applicable to new cars, the laws will force manufacturers to supply Australia with better quality cars, finding a balance of fuel efficiency with Aussie-tough vehicles.
UPDATES TO MEDICARE
Hospital visits will cost more before rebates kick in, rising with indexation and the Safety Net threshold will increase from $560.40 to $576. The Extended Safety Net will rise to $2,615 for general recipients and up to $834.50 for concession holders.
Co-payments for the PBS are frozen for the year, at $31.60 for general patients and $7.70 for concession card holders
PASSPORT COSTS
One of the most expensive passports in the world has copped another increase, rising to $412 for a standard 10-year Australian passport.
