New year, new measures. Legal measures, that is. With law changes come everyday life changes, even if they’re small, so it’s never a bad idea to be up to date with what measures are taking effect at the start of year, and be aware of how they may impact you. Here are some of the biggest changes coming to Australia today, January 1, 2025:
1. Medicare Safety Net thresholds
Set every year on January 1 and increased to keep up with inflation, Medicare Safety Net thresholds are going to increase, which means patients will have to spend more in out-of-pocket costs before qualifying for higher benefits.
The Original Medicare Safety Net (OMSN) threshold will increase from $560.40 to $576 and the Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) threshold will increase from $2544.30 to $2615.50.
Read more about the thresholds for 2025 here.
2. Centrelink payments
Various payments are increased every three months to keep up with inflation, and starting today, welfare payments will rise for more than 1 million Australians in one way or another, as a number of payments see an increase including Youth Allowance, Austudy, Youth Disability Support Pension, Carer Allowance and ABSTUDY Allowance.
You can check all new rates here.
3. Passport prices
From today, January 1, the cost of a 10-year passport is rising again, from $398 to $412, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), making it the most expensive passport in the world.
On the other hand, starting January 8, Aussies travelling to the UK will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) unless they hold an eVisa. The process can be done online and costs around $20.
4. Climate reporting for big companies
Companies that emit a significant amount of carbon will be required to submit detailed reports on their climate-related risks and opportunities once a year.
This new measure will affect companies that have a consolidated revenue of $500 million or more,
consolidated gross assets of more than $1 billion, or more than 500 employees.
5. Underpayment of wages
Employers who intentionally underpay wages could face jail time starting today, January 1. Individuals intentionally underpaying staff could be jailed for up to 10 years or fined $1.65 million, while companies found to have breached the new laws will be fined up to $8.25 million.
The new measure does not apply to employers who unintentionally underpay their employees, or pay incorrect amounts by mistake, pending an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Read more on it here.