The federal budget will include new energy bill rebates for every Australian household and some small businesses , as well as an increase to Rent Assistance payments and changes to paid parental leave. These measures form part of the government's effort to provide support with the rising cost of living, which treasurer Jim Chalmers has described as his "number one priority.
This saw tax refunds increase by around $1,000 in previous years. The budget has also revealed the costings for superannuation payments as part of government-funded paid parental leave. Around 180,000 families a year receive government-funded paid parental leave, and for parents of babies born or adopted on or after 1 July 2025, this will include an extra 12 per cent paid to a superannuation fund. The $1.