January 1 brings some good news for savings on childcare, cheaper medicines, help for homeowners who are looking to downsize and a boost in welfare payments. Here's what else you need to know about what's changing from today.
abc.net.au/news/new-rules-in-2023-this-is-what-you-need-to-know/101817388New Year's Day introduces some good news, including savings on childcare, cheaper medicines, help for homeowners who are looking to downsize, plus there is a boost in welfare payments.Centrelink payments for many, including carers and students, will have their payments boosted from January 1.This means the Youth Allowance rate will go up by at least $19 a fortnight. Austudy will increase by between $32.40 and $41.
From New Year's Day, the maximum cost of medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is $30, down from $42.50. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia says it will be the first time in the history of the PBS that the general co-payment for medicines has come down and not gone up.
High-risk groups — including the elderly, First Nations people, people with a disability and the immunocompromised — can still access free tests through state testing sites and GP-led respiratory clinics without a GP referral.From January 1, the federal and state governments will be handing out 180,000 fee-free TAFE, vocational education and training places. The federal government has contributed $493 million towards the scheme with state and territory governments matching the contribution.
The places will be held for study areas that have been identified as a 'national priority', these include: