Labor Unveils Cost-of-Living Relief: Energy Rebates, Student Debt Cuts, and Childcare Protections

July 20, 2025
Labor Unveils Cost-of-Living Relief: Energy Rebates, Student Debt Cuts, and Childcare Protections
  • The Coalition plans to challenge Labor on foreign policy issues, especially concerning the repercussions of US trade policies under Donald Trump.

  • Education Minister Jason Clare will introduce legislation to strengthen protections at childcare centers, prompted by recent child abuse charges against a former worker.

  • Labor also intends to legislate a two-week increase in Paid Parental Leave and improve superannuation benefits linked to this leave.

  • The government aims to significantly reduce student debt, proposing a 20 percent cut and the eventual abolition of HECS and HELP debts following their electoral victory.

  • The repayment threshold for student debts will be lowered from $56,156 to $67,000, with reduced repayment rates for earners around $70,000, saving about $1,300 annually for some borrowers.

  • Despite opposition from the Coalition, education spokesman Jonno Duniam expects Labor’s education reforms, including the proposed Bill, to pass due to strong public support.

  • The Labor government has announced a series of cost-of-living relief measures, including a $150 energy rebate, discounts on home batteries, and financial support for essential workers like nurses, teachers, social workers, and midwives.

  • While the Coalition, now holding 43 seats in the Lower House, remains open to legislative collaboration, it cautions that their support will not be unconditional.

  • Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticized Labor's proposed superannuation tax on balances over $3 million and has called for greater transparency on new taxes proposed by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

  • Starting June 1, 2025, new policies will reduce the average HELP debt of $27,600 by approximately $5,520, easing the financial burden on students.

Summary based on 1 source


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Huge cost-of-living move coming this week

news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Jul 20, 2025

Huge cost-of-living move coming this week

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