Minimum Wage Increase
About 2.8 million Australians on award and minimum wages will receive a 4.75% pay increase from 1 July 2026. The lowest-paid workers—approximately 100,000 people on minimum pay and entry-level rates—will get a 5.97% bump. The national minimum wage rises to $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week before tax. These changes apply from the first full pay cycle in July.
Payday Super Begins
Superannuation must now be paid at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly. This reform targets the more than $3 billion in unpaid super each year. Contributions must reach funds within seven business days of payday, making it easier for workers to track retirement savings.
Expanded Paid Parental Leave
Government-funded paid parental leave (PPL) increases from 24 to 26 weeks, providing a full six months at the national minimum wage. Days reserved for partners also rise from 15 to 20.
Tax Cuts
The lowest marginal tax rate drops from 16% to 15% for income between $18,201 and $45,000. The government says a person earning $45,000 or more will save $268 annually. Pending legislation, a proposed $1,000 instant work-expense deduction will benefit 6.2 million workers.
Anti-Price-Gouging Measures
New laws targeting price gouging will be enforced by the ACCC. Supermarkets with revenue exceeding $30 billion—currently only Coles and Woolworths—cannot charge an excessive price compared to the cost of supply plus a reasonable margin. Breaches face financial penalties.
SMS Sender ID Changes
Businesses sending branded text messages must register their sender ID. From July, messages from unregistered senders will be labelled “unverified” and grouped in one thread, aiming to protect against scam texts.
Anti-Money Laundering Laws Expanded
Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism laws now apply to real estate, law, accounting, conveyancing, and jewellery sectors. These businesses must register with Austrac, verify customer IDs, and report certain transactions.
NDIS Changes
Providers in support roles—including supported independent living and NDIS digital platform providers—must register with the NDIS quality and safeguards commission.
Centrelink Indexation
Payments for Centrelink recipients will increase slightly due to regular indexation, though advocates say the high cost of living far outpaces the extra money.
Medicare Levy Surcharge Thresholds Increase
The base income thresholds for the MLS rise by $4,000 to $105,000 for singles and by $8,000 to $210,000 for families. The surcharge applies to those without private hospital cover.
Instant Asset Write-Off for Small Businesses
An instant write-off for assets under $20,000 continues permanently for small businesses with annual turnover below $10 million.
Country of Origin Seafood Labelling
Businesses serving seafood for immediate consumption must label it: Australian (‘A’), Imported (‘I’), or Mixed origin (‘M’).
Child Safety Reforms (Queensland)
The Reportable Conduct Scheme (RCS) starts in Queensland. Organisations caring for children must notify the Queensland Family and Child Commission when handling allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Energy Consumption Labelling for Light Vehicles
Updated energy consumption labelling is mandatory for new light vehicle models supplied from 1 July 2026.
No More Double Rental Bonds (Victoria)
The portable rental bond scheme allows renters to move their existing bond to a new property, avoiding being out of pocket while waiting for a refund.
10 Cent Refund for Wine and Spirit Bottles (WA)
The Containers for Change program in Western Australia expands to include wine and spirit bottles, cask wine, flavoured milk, cordial, and concentrated fruit and vegetable juices.
Fuel Support Payments (WA)
Fuel support payments of $100 are available for all WA driver’s licence, learner’s permit, and provisional licence holders via the ServiceWA app.
Food Waste Mandates (NSW)
Large NSW premises—including supermarkets, hospitals, and hospitality venues—must implement food organics and garden organics waste services. Smaller businesses and households follow by 2030.
New L and P-Plate Motorcyclist Rules (NSW)
Learner and provisional riders must wear protective gloves; learners must also wear an approved hi-vis vest or jacket. Non-compliance results in a fine and at least two demerit points.
Stamp Duty Axed for First Homebuyers (ACT)
The ACT becomes the first Australian jurisdiction to completely abolish stamp duty for first home buyers. Homebuyers who have not owned property for at least five years, pensioners, and eligible NDIS participants also benefit from expanded exemptions.
Default Electricity Prices Reduced (Victoria)
The Essential Services Commission announced a reduction in Victoria’s default electricity prices from 1 July 2026. About 512,000 households and 62,000 small businesses on the Victorian default offer will save $84 and $241 per year respectively.
New E-Rider Laws (Queensland)
Speed limits for e-bikes, e-scooters, and personal mobility devices are capped at 12 km/h on footpaths and when passing pedestrians, and up to 60 km/h on roads and bike lanes. From 1 July, parents can be fined for under-16s riding illegally. After 31 August, e-riders must be at least 16 and hold a licence; 12 to 17-year-olds require parental supervision.
Solar Sharer Offer (NSW, Queensland, SA)
Households in NSW, south-east Queensland, and South Australia with a smart meter can access at least three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day via an opt-in program. No rooftop solar panels required.
