From new workplace laws to welfare payment hikes, here are some key changes taking effect on 1 January:

Wage theft penalties

Small businesses complying with the new Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code will be exempt from penalties for unintentional underpayment.

ADF opens to foreign nationals

Welfare payments growth

Passport fees

This would further solidify Australia’s status as having one of the most expensive passports in the world.

Banned debit card surcharges

A broader review could see surcharges banned nationwide by January 2026.

Gambling harm minimisation

Additionally, signage for gaming areas must not be visible from ATMs or entryways.

Mandatory climate reporting

From 1 January, large Australian businesses and financial institutions will be required to prepare annual sustainability reports under new regulations aimed at improving climate accountability.

Changes to entry-level work

This is expected to help prevent employees from being paid under the minimum wage.

Engineered stone ban

The material, which is commonly used for kitchen bench tops, was found to correspond with an uptick in lung diseases related to silica dust.

Foreign resident capital gains withholding (FRCGW) rules

But from 1 January, the withholding rate will increase from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent and the $750,000 property threshold will be removed, with the withholding rules applying to all property sales.

Centrelink medical exemptions

The change applies to those in select welfare recipient groups and will mean fewer trips to the doctor for medical certificates if you find you’re sick or injured and unable to work.

Onshore student visa applications

This change aims to ensure a stronger commitment to study from prospective international students. Onshore applications without a CoE will now be deemed invalid.

Closing the Gap PBS expansion

This expansion improves access to affordable medications for First Nations people living with, or at risk of, chronic disease.

Medicare updates

The PBS co-payment will remain frozen for 2025. The co-payments are $31.60 for general patients and $7.70 for concessional patients.

Pay rise for aged care workers

Aged Care Award workers will receive a 3 per cent increase to their minimum pay rate starting next year.

Health insurance extras reset

Check with your health fund for details.

New vehicle efficiency standards

The emissions of new cars will be capped under a credit scheme to incentivise companies to supply low-emissions vehicles under a credit scheme.

Short-stay levy in Victoria

Those renting out their principal place of residence will be excluded.

Land tax extended in Victoria

Some holiday houses will be exempt if used for at least four weeks a year.

Household concessions expanded in South Australia

South Australia will ditch the co-resident income assessment so more people will be eligible for greater cost of living relief.