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Major Changes in Australia from 1 January 2025 for Migrants and Visa Holders

Major Changes in Australia from 1 January 2025 for Migrants and Visa Holders

Australia’s upcoming reforms, effective 1 January 2025, bring changes across various sectors, impacting millions, including migrants and visa holders.

From financial support increases to stricter workplace regulations and environmental policies, these updates could have significant implications. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and practical solutions for migrants and visa holders to navigate them effectively.

 

Table of Contents

  1. Increased Centrelink Payments
  2. Medicare Safety Net Adjustments
  3. Stricter Penalties for Wage Underpayment
  4. Wage Boosts for Aged Care Staff
  5. Ban on Imported Engineered Stone
  6. Updated Electrical Safety Rules in Queensland
  7. Land Tax Expansion in Victoria
  8. Single-Use Plastics Ban in NSW
  9. Climate Reporting Requirements for Businesses
  10. Vehicle Emission Standards: What It Means for Migrants
  11. Summary

Increased Centrelink Payments

Centrelink payments, including Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Carer Allowance, will rise with inflation. Youth Allowance payments for single recipients over 18 living at home will increase to $477.10 per fortnight, while those living away from home will receive $670.30. Austudy recipients will receive the same amounts, and carers will see their allowance increase to $159.30 per fortnight.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: If you’re an international student or temporary visa holder, check if you qualify for Centrelink support through specific agreements or residency status. Visit the Services Australia website to explore eligibility.

Medicare Safety Net Adjustments

Medicare Safety Net thresholds will rise, meaning individuals will need to spend more on out-of-hospital medical costs before accessing higher rebates. For concession cardholders, the threshold will increase to $834.50, while for others it will rise to $2,615.50.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Ensure you have private health insurance to cover additional costs. Check if you qualify for Medicare access under reciprocal healthcare agreements or permanent residency pathways. Learn more on the Medicare website.

Stricter Penalties for Wage Underpayment

Employers who intentionally underpay their workers will now face harsher penalties. Corporations could be fined up to $7.8 million, while individuals face up to $1.6 million in fines or 10 years in prison. Wage theft, a common issue for migrants and visa holders in industries like hospitality and construction, is being targeted by these measures.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Know your workplace rights by visiting the Fair Work Ombudsman. Migrants experiencing wage theft can seek free legal advice and file complaints confidentially.

Wage Boosts for Aged Care Staff

Aged care workers will see significant pay increases, with direct care staff receiving up to a 13% cumulative rise. Half the increase will apply from 1 January, with the remainder in October. Indirect care staff will receive increases between 3% and 7%.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Migrants on employer-sponsored visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, can benefit from these wage increases if employed in aged care. Skilled workers in healthcare may find expanded job opportunities due to improved pay conditions.

Ban on Imported Engineered Stone

To combat silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, Australia will ban the importation of engineered stone products, including benchtops and slabs. This follows a domestic ban on the use and manufacture of these products introduced in July 2024.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Migrants working in construction or trades may need to retrain or transition to safer materials. Explore government-supported upskilling programs and alternative career paths within construction.

Updated Electrical Safety Rules in Queensland

New laws will expand protections for workers exposed to electrical hazards. These include those working near energised electrical equipment or in roof spaces. The changes aim to reduce the risk of accidents caused by arc flash.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Migrants in trades or construction should undertake additional safety training to comply with the new rules. Employers are required to provide proper training and equipment. Check with the Electrical Safety Office Queensland (for QLD residents as an example) for detailed safety requirements.

Land Tax Expansion in Victoria

Victoria’s vacant residential land tax, which applies to properties left vacant for more than six months, will now include regional properties. However, holiday homes used by owners or close relatives for at least four weeks annually may be exempt.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Permanent residents or migrants investing in regional properties should evaluate their property use to avoid the tax. Consider renting out vacant properties to comply with the rules and generate income.

Single-Use Plastics Ban in NSW

NSW will fully enforce its single-use plastics ban, targeting items like straws, cutlery, and polystyrene containers. This policy aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Entrepreneurs and business owners can explore opportunities in manufacturing or supplying eco-friendly alternatives. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable products.

Climate Reporting Requirements for Businesses

Large companies will now be required to disclose climate-related information in their annual financial reports, starting in the 2025 financial year. This measure encourages businesses to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Migrants with skills in sustainability, auditing, or accounting may find growing demand in this sector. Consider specialising in climate-related financial reporting to enhance career prospects.

Vehicle Emission Standards: What It Means for Migrants

Australia will introduce vehicle emission standards to incentivise the supply of low- and zero-emission vehicles. This policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid cars.

Solution for Migrants and Visa Holders: Migrants planning to buy vehicles may find more affordable low-emission options. Those working in automotive manufacturing or repair may see new job opportunities in servicing electric and hybrid vehicles. Skilled migrants can explore roles linked to these emerging technologies through visas like the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa.

Summary

Australia’s 2025 reforms mark significant progress in social, workplace, and environmental policies. For migrants and visa holders, these changes bring opportunities to improve financial stability, advance career prospects, and adapt to stricter regulations. Staying informed and proactive is key to navigating these updates effectively.

 

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