March 2025 | Newsletter 23
Energy bill relief extension The Government has announced the extension of energy bill relief for eligible Australian households and small businesses until 31 December 2025. This measure, which provides $150 in relief paid as $75 over two quarters, aims to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures.
From 1 January 2026, it’s proposed the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) general patient co-payment will be reduced from $31.60 to $25.00, with concession card holders continuing to pay $7.70 for PBS-listed medicines.
The Government proposed the introduction of new personal income tax cuts from 1 July 2026. The tax rate for taxable income between $18,201 and $45,000 will be reduced from 16% to 15%, and further to 14% from 1 July 2027. This will result in tax cuts of up to $268 in 2026-27 and up to $536 in 2027-28.