All the changes coming to Australia on 1 January, 2025: Centrelink increases, import bans and pay rises
All the changes coming to Australia on 1 January, 2025: Centrelink increases, import bans and pay rises
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Bigger Austudy and carer allowance payments, higher Medicare safety net thresholds and mandatory corporate reporting on climate also ahead. With the new year comes new policies, laws, taxes and reforms. Here’s everything to know about changes on 1 January, 2025 that could affect you.
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Centrelink payments, including youth allowance, Austudy and carer allowance, will increase in line with inflation. Youth allowance payments to single recipients over 18 who live at home will increase by $17.30 a fortnight from $459.80 to $477.10. Those living away from home will receive $670.30 instead of $646. Recipients with children will get an extra $30.60 a fortnight, totalling $845.80 a fortnight.
![[An aged care worker holding a woman’s hand during a home visit]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/718419ece8906fe36c2980a1ffacfdd67a16958b/0_0_3840_2160/master/3840.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Austudy recipients with no dependent children will receive $670.30 a fortnight, while those with children will get $845.80. Those on carer allowance will get an extra $5.80 a fortnight, totalling $159.30 a fortnight. Employers who intentionally underpay their employees can be fined up to $7.8m (corporations) or $1.6m (individuals). Individuals can also face up to 10 years in jail.
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The offence will only cover underpayments made on or after January 1, including when they are part of conduct that started prior to 1 January. The importation of bench tops, slabs and panels made from engineered stone will be banned, to protect workers from silicosis, a lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust.
