What changes can be expected in 2024 with the new rules? Here’s a breakdown of what will be different starting from New Year’s Day

As the clock struck midnight last night, signaling the start of the new year, a slew of new laws, guidelines, and official increases in Centrelink payments came into effect. Here’s a brief overview of some of the changes that the beginning of 2024 brings.

The disposable vape importation ban has begun

Effective January 1, the importation of disposable vapes is prohibited, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) allowing only “very limited exceptions.” This applies even to vapes ordered prior to January 1 that have not yet reached Australia.

However, there are specific regulations governing the lawful supply of disposable vapes imported before January 1 in Australia:

• Disposable vapes containing nicotine that adhere to TGA requirements can still be lawfully supplied in Australia. This is restricted to pharmacy settings and must be provided to a patient with a prescription, in accordance with state and territory laws governing prescription medicines.
• For disposable vapes lacking nicotine or any medicinal content, and not making therapeutic claims, retailers, including vape stores, may lawfully supply them. This is subject to compliance with relevant state or territory laws.

Centrelink payments will go up

Social services payments undergo regular indexation to align with inflation, which is determined by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In the latest adjustment, payments are set to increase by 6 percent.

The specific rates of increase vary depending on individual circumstances, but here’s a generalized example of the increases:

• Youth Allowance payments: A rise ranging from $22.40 to $45.60 per fortnight.
• Austudy payments: An increase between $36.20 and $45.60 per fortnight.
• Disability Support Pension for individuals under 21 years: An increase ranging from $31.10 to $44.90 per fortnight.

For a comprehensive list of the updated payment amounts, you can refer to the Department of Social Services website. The indexation changes take effect on January 1.

You’ll have to spend more to qualify for higher Medicare rebates

The thresholds for the Medicare Safety Net are being adjusted to account for inflation, with increases in two key components of the scheme:

1. Original Medicare Safety Net:

• When your out-of-pocket expenses reach the threshold in a calendar year, Medicare will reimburse 100 percent of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee instead of the standard 85 percent.
• The Original threshold has increased by $28.70.

1. Extended Medicare Safety Net:

• This provides an increased rebate for individuals incurring out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-eligible out-of-hospital services.
• Once the threshold is surpassed, Medicare will cover up to 80 percent of any future out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital Medicare services for the rest of the calendar year.
• For concession card holders, the Extended threshold has risen by $41.50.
• For non-concessional individuals and families, the Extended threshold has increased by $130.30.

These adjustments ensure that the Medicare Safety Net remains in line with inflation, providing enhanced coverage and support for eligible individuals and families.

And PBS medications will increase slightly

The cost of medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has increased slightly. In the previous year, the maximum cost for most general prescriptions under the PBS was $30 for patients on Medicare and $7.30 for concession card holders.

As of today, there’s a slight adjustment:

• General patients on Medicare will now pay up to $31.60, an increase of $1.60.
• Concession card holders will pay up to an additional 40 cents, with the new maximum being $7.70.

These adjustments are attributed to inflation, and the PBS patient co-payment amounts are updated annually on January 1 to align with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The 50 per cent pass rule has been scrapped for uni students

Until today, university students were required to pass a minimum of half of their units to remain eligible for Commonwealth assistance, including university loans. However, this requirement has now been eliminated.

This change is part of the government’s “support for students” policy, which will soon mandate universities to formulate policies aimed at assisting students in successfully completing their degrees. The shift reflects a broader approach to support students in their academic pursuits.

More occupations have been added to the Apprenticeships Priority List

The Apprenticeships Priority List comprises occupations with a strong and anticipated demand for skilled workers. Individuals undergoing training for employment in these roles may qualify for financial support.

Eligible full-time apprentices can receive up to $10,000 throughout their apprenticeship to alleviate living expenses, while employers may receive support of up to $15,000 during the apprenticeship duration.

For this year, 19 occupations have been newly added to the list, including:

1. Ambulance officer
2. Animal husbandry technician
3. Aquaculture or fisheries technician
4. Architectural draftsperson
5. Boatbuilder and repairer
6. Earth science technician
7. Fire protection plumber
8. Flight attendant
9. Furniture maker
10. Graphic pre-press trades worker
11. Irrigation designer
12. Irrigation technician
13. Light technician
14. Mine deputy
15. Nursing support worker
16. Out-of-school-hours care worker
17. Pharmacy technician
18. Shipwright
19. Sound technician

Individuals pursuing apprenticeships in these fields may benefit from the outlined financial support to encourage and assist them in their training and development.

Non-trade trainees eligible for apprenticeship loans

The federal government has implemented changes to a program that previously provided interest-free loans to apprentices for the purchase of trade tools and supplies. Originally known as Trade Support Loans, as of today, they are now called Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans.

Under the previous structure, apprentices could borrow up to $24,492, and similar to university student loans, repayment was deferred until they earned above a certain income threshold, with the loan subject to indexation.

Initially limited to specific qualifications, with categories including trade, horticulture, and agriculture as of October, the program has been expanded. As of today, it now includes non-trade apprentices and trainees in sectors such as early childhood education, aged care, and disability care. This broadening of eligibility aims to provide support to a wider range of individuals pursuing apprenticeships and traineeships in various fields.

Gas connections will be banned for new homes in Victoria

Starting January 1, new gas connections will be prohibited for new dwellings, apartment buildings, and residential subdivisions that require planning permits. This ban will affect the construction of new dwellings with planning permits, excluding:

1. New dwellings that do not require a planning permit.
2. Existing homes with existing gas connections.
3. Renovations and extensions to existing dwellings.

Additionally, any permit application lodged before January 1 will not be subject to these restrictions. This measure is part of the state’s initiative to transition towards clean energy, emphasizing a move away from new gas connections in certain residential developments.

Mobile phone ban extended to Queensland and ACT schools

Mobile phone bans in public schools have been implemented in several Australian states. As of now, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia have already instituted such bans. Additionally, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Queensland are set to implement mobile phone bans in their public schools beginning at the start of term 1. This policy aims to regulate and limit the use of mobile phones among students during school hours to promote a focused and productive learning environment.