Millions of Australians will receive tax cuts, higher wages and expanded family and health benefits from 1 July as the Albanese Government implements a broad package of cost-of-living measures aimed at easing household pressures.
The reforms include another round of tax cuts for more than 14 million taxpayers, an expansion of Paid Parental Leave to six months, higher minimum and award wages for around three million workers, and major investments in Medicare and public hospitals.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the measures reflected the government’s commitment to delivering practical support for Australians.
“My Government is focused on delivering real change for Australians – that means a full six months paid parental leave for new parents, making it easier for first home buyers to get into a home, and major investments in Medicare including making Urgent Care Clinics permanent,” Albanese said.
“From 1 July we’re cutting taxes again for over 14 million taxpayers, and our combined tax cuts mean an Australian worker on average earnings will be up to $2,800 better off every year.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the package would help Australians keep more of what they earn while supporting businesses and first-home buyers.
“We’re delivering cost-of-living relief and we’re delivering real change in the tax system to help first home buyers,” Chalmers said.
“We are cutting taxes five times in three ways, helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn.”
Among the measures taking effect are the permanent extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses, the introduction of payday superannuation to ensure workers receive super contributions sooner, and a mandatory Food and Grocery Code aimed at preventing supermarket price gouging by major retailers.
The government is also making Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of Australia’s healthcare system while committing an additional $25 billion to public hospitals.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the reforms would improve access to care and reduce pressure on hospitals.
“From July 1 under our Government, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are here to stay, women have greater access to Menopause and Perimenopause support, and Australian patients can more freely access their pathology results through My Health Record,” Butler said.
Services at Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics will also be expanded to include menopause and perimenopause care, while pathology and diagnostic imaging providers will be required to upload results to My Health Record to improve patient access.
Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s wage increases, noting that the national minimum wage would exceed $1,000 a week for the first time.
“From today, millions of Australian workers will see a real boost to their pay with the minimum wage rising above $1,000 a week for the first time.”
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the expansion of Paid Parental Leave would give families more time together following the birth or adoption of a child.
“It was a Labor Government that introduced Paid Parental Leave in this country, and now it’s the Albanese Labor Government expanding it to a full six months of leave.”
Other reforms commencing on 1 July include the establishment of Australia’s first National Environmental Protection Agency and a new Veteran Wellbeing Agency to improve services and support for former defence personnel.
The government said the package forms part of its broader agenda to reduce cost-of-living pressures while strengthening the economy, healthcare system and workforce participation.
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