As we count down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, several new laws and fees are set to take effect from 12:01 am on January 1, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:
Centrelink Payments Get a Boost
Good news for over 1 million Australians who receive welfare allowances! From January 1, you’ll see a rise in your payments. If you’re supported by Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, or Carer Allowance, you can expect a hip-pocket boost.
- Carers will now receive $159.30 a fortnight
- Single Youth Allowance recipients aged 18 and over living at home will get an extra $17.30 a fortnight, bringing their payment to $477.10
- Single parents with dependent children will see their Austudy payments increase to $845.80
- Those undertaking a Master’s degree or Doctorate with ABSTUDY will receive $1,231.40 a fortnight
Australian Passport Fees Take Off (Literally)
Planning a trip overseas in 2025? Be prepared to pay more for your Australian passport. The price of a 10-year passport will increase from $398 to $412, while five-year passports for children and seniors will rise from $201 to $208.
This means an average Aussie family of four will now fork out $1,240 for two adult and two child passports – that’s an extra $42 compared to July 2024. Many of you took to social media to express your frustration, with some pointing out that Singapore’s passport offers visa-free access to 15 more countries for a fraction of the cost.
Wage Theft Now a Criminal Offence
From January 1, intentional underpayment of wages by Australian employers will be a criminal offence. Those found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of $1.65 million. Companies breaching the law will be slapped with a fine of up to $8.25 million.
This new legislation comes after high-profile pay scandals involving major employers like Woolworths, Qantas, the ABC, and 7-Eleven.
Vehicle Emissions Laws Take Effect
Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which caps pollution from new cars, kicks in from January 1. The goal is to drive down emissions and help the Government meet its net zero targets. While the legislation caused controversy earlier this year, it follows similar schemes in Europe, New Zealand, and Canada.
Stay ahead of the game and know what’s changing in 2025!