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New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills
PBS co-payment cut to $25 saving over $200 million annually; 24/7 telehealth service to reduce emergency visits by 250,000, supporting cost-of-living relief measures.
- On Thursday, the federal government implements multiple new measures, including cutting the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment to $25 and launching 1800MEDICARE, a free 24/7 telehealth service.
- After reporting a large cost blow-out, the federal government will cap the home battery subsidy program and tighten eligibility, reducing its exposure from $2.3 billion to $4.9 billion.
- From Thursday, grocers and petrol stations must accept cash for essentials, with businesses with annual turnover of at least $10 million required to take payments of $500 or less between 7am and 9pm, while small businesses with turnover under $10 million are exempt.
- With energy rebates ending, households face higher bills as Commonwealth energy subsidies will cease in 2026, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the $300 power bill subsidy won't be extended beyond December 31, costing $2 billion.
- Indexation lifts some payments even as apprenticeship payments are halved from $5,000 to $2,500, with Youth Allowance and Austudy increasing by up to $17.60 and youth disability pension up to $17.20.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Subsidies, sweeteners and price hikes: What changes on January 1
Long-promised changes in force in the new year include protections for cash, passport price hikes, and the arrival of Australia’s first Centre for Disease Control.
·Sydney, Australia
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At the start of the new year, adjustments to various welfare payments and policies by the Australian government will affect millions of households. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) deductible will be reduced, but electricity costs will rise.
leadertoday.com.auReposted by 
Central Queensland Today
Central Queensland TodayPBS medicine prices to drop 1 January
The cost of of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicine for those without a concession card is reducing to $25 from […] Subscribe or Login to see the rest of the content. The post PBS medicine prices to drop 1 January appeared first on Leader Today.
·Longreach, Australia
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Left
80% Left
L 80%
C 20%
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