When the clock strikes midnight on a new year, amid the fireworks and champagne, new and updated laws quietly come into effect. Here’s what’s set to hit your hip pocket.
Some updates are small, like higher ASIC fees through indexation. Some are big, like the upcoming Super Tax. You can read our full explainer on Chalmers’ new version of that Bill here.
Let’s get into it.
Energy And Utilities
Federal energy bill rebate ends
The federal energy bill rebate ends on 1 January. For most households, this means higher electricity bills without any change in usage. The rebate had been cushioning quarterly bills rather than eliminating them, so its removal appears as a sudden jump rather than a gradual lift.
Electricity prices continue to rise
Electricity prices face ongoing upward pressure from higher wholesale prices and rising network charges. These are structural increases baked into the system rather than short term spikes, and they feed directly into household bills.
Healthcare
PBS medicines capped at $25 per script
From 1 January, the maximum general co payment under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme falls to $25 per prescription. For people managing chronic conditions or regular medications, this delivers compounding savings over the year.
Medicare Safety Net thresholds increase
Medicare Safety Net thresholds rise through indexation. Many families will need to spend more on medical care before higher Medicare rebates apply.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule expands
The annual cap under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule increases, allowing eligible children to receive more basic dental care before hitting the limit.
Welfare, Payments And Support
Youth Allowance indexed
Youth Allowance rates increase through routine indexation. The change offsets inflation but does not materially lift purchasing power.
Carer Allowance indexed
Carer Allowance rises through indexation, helping carers manage higher living costs without delivering a real increase in disposable income.
Austudy and ABSTUDY indexed
Student payments including Austudy and ABSTUDY rise from 1 January through routine indexation.
Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY income thresholds adjusted
Income and parental income thresholds are indexed, reducing the risk of payments being cut purely due to inflation driven wage increases.
Child Care Subsidy minimum entitlement expands
From early January, eligible families are guaranteed at least three subsidised days of childcare per week, regardless of work or study hours.
Transport And Travel
Toll road prices increase
Toll prices rise across NSW, Victoria and Queensland under existing indexation arrangements, adding to weekly commuting costs.
Free weekend public transport expands in Victoria
Victoria expands free public transport on weekends for under 18s and eligible concession card holders.
Passport prices increase
Passport application and renewal fees rise through indexation, increasing the upfront cost of overseas travel.
Housing, Rates And Local Government
Council rates reset
Council rates and local government charges reset for 2026, with increases varying by council but affecting most households.
Victorian congestion levies and land tax changes
Victoria increases congestion levies and introduces changes to vacant residential land tax, lifting holding costs for some property owners.
Money, Tax And Superannuation
ATO penalty units increase
Commonwealth penalty units rise through indexation, lifting the dollar value of fines and penalties such as late lodgement fees.
Statutory thresholds indexed
Income cut offs, caps and reporting thresholds across tax and social security law are indexed, affecting eligibility and compliance outcomes.
Superannuation compliance settings reset
ATO administered superannuation compliance settings update for the calendar year, increasing the cost of errors for employers.
Superannuation contribution caps indexed
Contribution caps and related thresholds are indexed, affecting retirement planning and salary packaging arrangements.
Business And Regulation
ASIC company fees increase
Company registration and annual review fees charged by ASIC rise through routine indexation, increasing fixed costs for businesses.
Retail And Payments
Mandatory cash acceptance introduced
Large supermarkets and petrol stations must accept cash for in person purchases up to $500, protecting access to essential goods for cash reliant customers.
