News
The Australian Federal Budget announced on May 14, 2024, has changes that will impact various segments of society differently, but it certainly will impact each of us. We thought it worthwhile giving you a brief breakdown of some of the key winners and losers from the budget as we viewed it.
The below is designed to be a snapshot, so if you’re wondering how any of the below changes might impact you this coming tax year, reach out to the Attune team for a chat.
Low and Middle-Income Earners: The budget provides considerable relief to low and middle-income earners through Stage 3 tax cuts. These cuts reduce the tax rates for incomes up to $135,000, increasing take-home pay from July 2024.
Some changes to the previously proposed stage 3 tax cuts means that the outcome is a reduction in the 19 per cent tax rate to 16 per cent, a reduction in the 32.5 per cent tax rate to 30 per cent, and a raising of the threshold at which the 37 per cent tax rate applies.
Households: Significant measures have been introduced to ease the cost of living. Over 10 million households will benefit from a $300 rebate on electricity bills. Additionally, there's a freeze on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payments and increased support for renters, with the Commonwealth Rent Assistance maximum rates increasing by 10%.
Healthcare: The budget allocates $5.7 billion to strengthen Medicare, including higher bulk billing incentives and funding for new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. This will particularly benefit pensioners, children under 16, and concession card holders.
Students and Recent Graduates: The government will cut $3 billion in student debt, impacting over three million Australians. The annual indexation of HECS-HELP debts will now be limited to the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Wage Price Index (WPI), easing financial pressure on graduates.
Veterans: Veterans will see improved support with $64.1 million to address the backlog of claims and $250 million to upgrade veteran services' IT systems. An additional $4.8 billion is allocated for future compensation and support payments.
Small Businesses: Small businesses will benefit from a $290 million support package, including an instant asset write-off of $20,000 for eligible assets, helping to boost cash flow and investment in new equipment.
Environmental Initiatives: Tradies specialising in eco-friendly upgrades will see increased demand, thanks to the $1.3 billion Household Energy Upgrades Fund. This initiative offers low-interest loans for households to install energy-efficient measures like solar panels and double-glazed windows.
High-Income Earners: The budget does not favour high-income earners as much as first suggested in the Stage 3 tax-cuts announced earlier this year, but there are other areas high-income earners will be impacted. Those with superannuation balances over $3 million will lose the ability to make concessional contributions at a reduced tax rate. This move aims to ensure that tax benefits are more evenly distributed.
Vapers and Smokers: Smokers face a 5% annual increase in tobacco taxes over the next three years. Recreational vaping is also being heavily regulated, with new national campaigns highlighting the dangers of smoking and vaping.
Alcohol Consumers: Drinkers will see higher prices for alcohol due to increased taxes on beer and spirits, impacting those who frequently purchase these products.
To conclude, the 2024 Federal Budget is a bit of a mixed bag, offering significant support to lower and middle-income Australians, students, small businesses, and those in need of healthcare improvements, while imposing more stringent measures on higher-income earners, smokers, and alcohol consumers.
If you’d like to discuss how any of the above changes will impact you this year, reach out to the Attune team on 1300 866 113 or contact us via email.
