Australia Introduces Key Policy Changes for January 1, 2025

Welfare increases, wage theft penalties, and new bans are among the significant updates set to take effect in the new year.

Welfare payments, including Youth Allowance and Austudy, will rise by 3.8% to align with inflation, benefiting over one million Australians.
Employers who deliberately underpay workers will face criminal penalties, including fines up to $8.25 million and potential prison sentences of up to 10 years.
Aged care workers will receive pay increases ranging from 2.3% to 13.5%, with some raises implemented in two stages across 2025.
The importation of engineered stone products will be banned to protect workers from silica dust exposure, following earlier domestic restrictions.
Large companies will be required to include climate-related disclosures in their financial reports starting January 1.