Australians will soon be able to pay less to have their passport applications fast-tracked under a new system. Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled the changes as part of the 2024 Federal Budget on Tuesday night. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: 2024 Federal Budget delivered Currently, an eligible applicant can pay a priority processing fee of $252 to … Read more
Addressing cost-of-living pressures was at the forefront leading into the federal budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down his third budget on Tuesday night, describing it as a budget that helped struggling Australians while investing in the country’s future. Cost-of-living relief and inflation were the hot topics, as the government promised measures to ease pressures while … Read more
Every Australian household and more than one million small businesses will receive $300 off their power bills, as the federal government tries to ease bill shock fuelled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The package is part of cost-of-living measures in Tuesday’s federal budget, with the government planning to spend $3.5 billion in the 2024/25 financial … Read more
When university graduate Nariman Dein started studying, she felt privileged to access Australia’s student loan system. Bright-eyed and eager to jump into university after finishing high school, Dein said the messaging around Australia’s university fee program, HECS-HELP, was it was “basically like free university”. “I was told you don’t have to worry about it because … Read more
Renters under pressure will be given a helping hand, as Australia’s housing woes played a key focus in the federal budget. The government has committed $1.9 billion to increase the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 10 per cent. Under the supplement, welfare recipients who rent receive up to $250 a fortnight. The increase … Read more
Workers will see their pay packets grow in real terms for at least the next five years, flying in the face of ingrained inflation fears, the federal government predicts. Continuing strength in the Australian labour market is expected to result in a four per cent rise in wages growth in the 2023/24 financial year, outstripping … Read more
Australian households will benefit from a new power bill relief payment unveiled in the federal budget, as the government focuses on helping those struggling under cost-of-living pressure. In the lead-up to the federal budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers hammered home his commitment to providing “responsible relief” that eased pressure on Australian households while decreasing inflation. This … Read more
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is preparing to hand down his third federal budget on Tuesday, as he promises more cost-of-living relief while managing inflationary pressures. Speaking to 7NEWS on Sunday, the treasurer confirmed it would be a budget for “mums and middle Australia … families and pensioners and students and young people”. “It will be a … Read more
The WA government will stump up an extra $762 million to help families battling with the soaring cost of living. Handing down its eighth budget, the Labor government said it was delivering a record assistance package to reduce the cost of electricity, education and transport. Premier Roger Cook said the budget looked after Western Australians … Read more
Passengers will have to wait until 2033 to take a train to Melbourne Airport, as the Victorian government takes an axe to major project spending to curb spiralling debt. Unveiling his 10th state budget on Tuesday, Treasurer Tim Pallas revealed Melbourne Airport Rail was set to be completed at least four years later than its … Read more
