More motorists will get discounts on their car registration and self-funded retirees will get help paying their power bills under changes rolling out in NSW from the beginning of the new financial year.
NSW will also become the first state or territory to peg the price brackets that determine how much stamp duty is paid to inflation, from July 1.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, announcing the stamp duty reform last year, said it would "reduce the tax burden on homebuyers allowing them to put more money towards a deposit".
For motorists, an expansion of the toll relief program will mean drivers who spend $15 or more a week on tolls will be eligible for half-price vehicle registration, while those who spend $25 or more a will continue to receive free registration.
The state government says this will more than double the amount of people who can receive toll relief.
Also from July 1, around 130,000 self-funded retirees will be able to claim $200 a year to help with power bills under a new rebate available to holders of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Families will have access to a second $100 voucher per child to encourage them to become involved in sport under the active kids program.
The second voucher will be available for the six-month period between July 1 and December 31.
Up to 40,000 businesses will also get some relief under tax cuts introduced in 2018, with the point at which they start paying payroll tax set to rise from $850,000 in 2018-19 to $900,000 in 2019-20.
Federal government policy changes from July 1
* Prime Minister Scott Morrison, other federal MPs and public servants get a two per cent pay rise, taking the pay packet of the top public servant Martin Parkinson to $914,000.
* Minimum wage to lift by three per cent to $19.49 per hour. Australia's 2.2 million award-dependent workers get an extra $21.60 per week.
* Penalty rates cut for more than 700,000 retail, fast food and hospitality workers.
* A new Banking Code of Practice, which includes rules meaning people will get more information about changes to their accounts and small businesses will receive simpler contracts with fewer conditions.
* Superannuation reforms to mop up 10 million unintended multiple accounts, which the Productivity Commission found were being eroded by $2.6 billion in unnecessary fees and insurance premiums a year.
* A one-year window starts for small businesses impacted by financial misconduct as far back as January 1, 2008, to lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. Successful claims could net $1 million for most of them, and $2 million for a primary producer.
* A new Electricity Retail Code for retailers in southeast Queensland, NSW and South Australia, making it easier for consumers to compare prices and offers. Also includes a cap on 'standing offer' prices.
* Businesses tendering for Commonwealth contracts over $4 million will need to provide a statement from the ATO proving they have a satisfactory tax record. Provides small businesses, particularly subcontractors, more security.
* Aged care providers face new regulations to minimise the inappropriate use of restraint.
* Permits will be required for all tobacco imports (except for tobacco imported by travellers within duty free limits). This will make it easier for Border Force to take enforcement action and seize tobacco where no duty has been paid, increasing the deterrent against illicit tobacco smuggling.
* 30 cents in the dollar income test taper for Family Tax Benefit Part A families with a household income in excess of the Higher Income Free Area (currently $94,316).
* Broader criteria for waiting periods for newly arrived migrants before they can access certain welfare benefits.
* Cashless debit card trial extension and expansion.
* The government will apply a final 30 per cent withholding tax rate to income and capital gains from agricultural and residential property (other than certain affordable and disability housing) held in a Managed Investment Trust (MIT)
- Paul Osborne
AAP
