Building a sustainable lifestyle…

While there have been no tax cuts for individuals in the Budget, the Government has introduced concessions in several areas addressing the cost of living.

Downsizing retirees

From 1 July 2018, Australians over the age of 65 can contribute the proceeds of downsizing into their superannuation. A non-concessional contribution of up to $300,000 can be paid to their super using proceeds from the sale of a principal residence that has been held for a period of at least 10 years. Contributions will not be subject to any age or work tests.

Affordable housing

To assist Australian households, in particular first home buyers, the Government will support households building deposits by providing access to their superannuation. This will be implemented from 1 July 2017 and will allow access to voluntary concessional contributions and non-concessional contributions to super of up to $15,000 per annum; $30,000 of which will be concessionally taxed. Withdrawals on these contributions can be made from 1 July 2018.

The Budget also imposes a $5000 annual levy that must be paid by foreign owners of Australian residential property that is underutilised or not available for rent in an effort to contain the cost of rising rent.

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Medicare

The establishment of the Medicare Guarantee Fund (MGF) from 1 July 2017 will provide funding to the existing Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to ensure Australians have continued access to affordable health care. The MGF will attain revenue generated from the Medicare levy as well as a small portion of personal income tax.

The Government will provide $1 billion towards the reintroduction of indexation on specific areas of the MBS, including specialist procedures and diagnostic imaging fees. Bulk billing of under 18-year-olds and concession cardholders will be encouraged through incentives introduced to general practitioners from 1 July 2017.

Higher Education

From 2018, fees for university students will increase by 7.5 per cent. More repayment options through the Higher Education Loan Program will be offered to assist students with this. For 2018 and 2019, universities will pay a 2.5 per cent dividend and will also be subject to measures creating greater accountability and transparency.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The Medicare levy will be increased by 0.5 per cent from 1 July 2019 with one-fifth of its revenue going towards the NDIS Savings Fund to ensure all Australians with significant and permanent disability have adequate support and lifetime care. An Independent NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has been funded through the budget, allowing for improved quality of safe services for those using the NDIS.

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