We wish to inform all beneficiaries about modifications to reporting and payment schedules due to the upcoming Australia Day public holiday on Monday, 27 January 2025. Please read this notice carefully to ensure you understand how these changes may affect your payments and reporting obligations. Service Centre Closures All service centres and the majority of … Read more
A substantial amount of unclaimed money, totaling billions of dollars, currently awaits retrieval by Australian citizens. This encompasses various financial sources, including dormant bank accounts, unclaimed Medicare benefits, and lost superannuation funds. ASIC’s Unclaimed Money Holdings The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) currently maintains custody of approximately $2.3 billion in unclaimed funds. These assets … Read more
The start of a new year brings opportunities to review and enhance our financial well-being, particularly regarding retirement planning. Understanding upcoming changes to retirement benefits helps you make informed decisions about your future. Age Pension Updates for 2025 Bi-annual Pension Rate ReviewsThe standard Age Pension rate undergoes systematic reviews twice yearly, with adjustments taking effect … Read more
Relief may be on the horizon for Australian homeowners as financial experts predict the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will reduce interest rates at its February meeting. This potential change comes after the RBA maintained its highest rate in 13 years at 4.35 percent since November 2023, a measure initially implemented to control rising prices. … Read more
In a landmark development for Australian consumer protection, Allianz Insurance has agreed to a substantial $170 million settlement regarding the controversial sale of car dealer add-on insurance products. This settlement, which ranks among the largest consumer class action settlements in Australian history, addresses practices spanning from June 1, 2006, to September 27, 2021. Background and … Read more
The Department of Social Services has announced significant operational changes to Centrelink services during the upcoming Australia Day public holiday period. These modifications will affect payment schedules and reporting requirements for millions of Australian welfare recipients. Centrelink offices and phone lines will be closed on Monday, January 27. Some people will get their money early, … Read more
The City of Stirling has launched the Safer Suburbs Rebate program. It offers residents up to $500 for eligible security equipment. This initiative aims to fight crime and boost community safety, with $42,000 in total funding. The rebate covers various security devices. These include CCTV systems, security screens, locks, home alarms, and sensor lighting. Residents … Read more
The Australian Government acknowledges the ongoing financial challenges faced by households across the nation. In a recent media appearance, Treasurer Jim Chalmers addressed the current economic situation and potential policy considerations. The Treasury has noted encouraging signs in the latest economic indicators, particularly the reduction in underlying inflation. While monetary policy decisions remain under the … Read more
As the holiday season gets closer, over 70,000 Australian students are getting ready to claim Youth Allowance. This is from Services Australia before Semester 1 starts next year. It’s a government payment that can give up to $455.20 every two weeks to those over 18 living at home. This amount will go up to $472.50 … Read more
Over 1 million Australians will get more money from Centrelink starting January 1, 2024. This change helps keep up with the cost of living. Payments like Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Carer Allowance will go up. The government wants to make sure everyone has enough to live on. They’re making these changes to help those who … Read more