Every year, as the clock ticks towards fiscal renewal, the anticipation swells, echoing through the hallowed halls of parliament and beyond. It’s a moment when aspirations intersect with realities, when dreams are allocated their share of currency, and where the pulse of a nation finds its rhythm in financial plans. Join us as we delve into the heart of the Budget, where policies are penned and destinies defined, in a tale of allocation, ambition, and the intricate dance of economics.
$300 energy rebates for every household
The Government is providing $3.5 billion in energy bill relief for all Australian households and around one million small businesses.
From 1 July 2024, more than 10 million households will receive a total rebate of $300 and eligible small businesses will receive $325 on their electricity bills throughout the year.
For renters & home buyers
Over the span of five years starting from July, there’s a commitment to construct 1.2 million new homes, accompanied by $6.2 billion in fresh investments, all under the expansive Homes for Australia initiative, totalling a budget allocation of $32 billion. Additionally, $1.9 billion is earmarked to facilitate loans for the construction of 40,000 social and affordable homes.
More housing for students
To deliver more accommodation for students and to reduce pressure on the private rental market, the Government will work with the higher education sector to develop regulations requiring universities to increase their supply of student accommodation.
Strengthening Medicare
The Government is investing $2.8 billion to continue its commitment to strengthen Medicare. This includes the $1.2 billion package to address pressures facing the health system, which provides:
$882.2 million to support older Australians avoid hospital admission, be discharged from hospital earlier and improve their transition out of hospital to other appropriate care.
$227 million to deliver a further 29 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and boost support for regional and remote clinics. This will increase the total number of clinics across Australia to 87. Since commencing last year, existing clinics have already provided almost 400,000 bulk‑billed visits.
$90 million to address health workforce shortages by making it simpler and quicker for international health practitioners to work in Australia.
The Government is investing $3.4 billion for new and amended listings to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which means eligible patients can save on treatment costs.
Mental health support
$888.1 million mental health package over eight years will help people get the care they need, while relieving pressure on the Better Access initiative and making it easier to access services.
A free, low‑intensity digital service will be established to address the gap for people with mild mental health concerns. From 1 January 2026, Australians will be able to access the service without a referral and receive timely, high‑quality mental health support. Once fully established, 150,000 people are expected to make use of this service each year.
Empowering Indian graduates and young professionals
The MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme) aims to draw 3000 Indian graduates to Australia. As part of this initiative, students and individuals with a HECS debt will see $3 billion of debt erased, equating to $1200 each, impacting approximately 3 million Australians.
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The #Budget allocates $3.5 billion for energy rebates, $32 billion for #housing, $2.8 billion for #Medicare, & $888.1 million for mental health support. #MATES aims to draw Indian graduates to #Australia. 🏠💰💉🇦🇺🇮🇳 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/ULfIsdMntX
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) May 15, 2024
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