The federal government recently announced a $7.8 billion cost-of-living relief package, aimed at easing the financial pressures felt by many Australians. Treasurer Jim Chalmers reassured the public, stating that "more help is on the way," as part of the September rollout. This package is designed to offer immediate support to those most impacted by the rising cost of living, while also addressing some of the root causes of financial strain.

Understanding the Cost-of-Living Crisis

It's no secret that many Australians are feeling the pinch due to the rising cost of living. From increasing energy bills to higher mortgage repayments and everyday expenses, households across the country are under financial pressure. This strain has only been exacerbated by the lingering effects of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, and interest rate hikes. In response, the government has pledged to provide targeted assistance to those who need it most, ensuring that relief reaches the people and communities most affected.

What's Included in the Relief Package?

The September relief package includes several key measures to support Australians during this challenging period. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

1. Increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance: Starting September 20, those receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance will see a 10% increase in their payments. This increase is aimed at helping approximately one million households, including those on Centrelink payments like Jobseeker or the Age Pension. For many renters, particularly low-income earners, this additional support will provide much-needed relief from escalating rental costs.
2. Expanded Eligibility for Jobseeker Higher Rate: While the government has not raised the base rate of Jobseeker, it has expanded the eligibility for a higher rate of payment. This adjustment will benefit those who are unable to work more than 15 hours a week, providing an additional $54.90 per fortnight. This move is intended to offer greater financial support to those facing barriers to full-time employment.
3. Cheaper Access to Prescription Medicine: The cost of prescription medications will be reduced for many Australians through an expansion of the 60-day prescription program. This initiative aims to cut down on the number of doctor visits required to renew scripts for common conditions such as asthma, depression, and glaucoma. The result is fewer trips to the pharmacy and lower out-of-pocket expenses, which should help ease the financial burden on households.
4. Annual Indexation of Welfare Payments: To keep pace with inflation, the government will increase various Centrelink payments through annual indexation. This means that recipients of payments such as Jobseeker, the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, and Parenting Payment will receive a boost to help offset the rising cost of goods and services.

Additional Measures to Support Australians

Beyond these primary relief measures, the government has outlined further initiatives to help Australians manage the rising cost of living:

• Freeze on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Co-Payments: For everyone with a Medicare card, the maximum co-payment for medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be frozen for one year. For pensioners and concession card holders, this freeze will extend to five years. This measure is designed to keep essential medicines affordable and accessible, especially for those on fixed incomes.
• Inquiry into Supermarket Pricing: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will investigate pricing and competition within the supermarket sector to ensure fair pricing for consumers. This inquiry aims to address concerns over the rising costs of groceries and other essentials.
• Support for Carers and Superannuation on Paid Parental Leave: The government is allocating $18.6 million to remove barriers to employment for Carer Payment recipients, offering more flexibility around work commitments. Additionally, $1.1 billion has been set aside to pay superannuation on government-funded Paid Parental Leave, supporting parents who take time out of the workforce to care for their children.
• Waiving of Student Debt and Increased Emergency Relief Funding: In a move to make student loans fairer, the government is waiving $3 billion in student debt, benefitting over three million Australians. Additionally, $138 million is allocated to boost funding for emergency food relief and financial support services, providing immediate assistance to those in urgent need.

Impacts on Inflation and Economic Outlook

While the relief package offers significant support, there are differing views on its potential impact on inflation. Some economists argue that by putting more money into the hands of Australians, the relief measures could contribute to higher underlying inflation if the additional funds are spent on discretionary items. On the other hand, if these funds are used to pay down debt or save, the impact on inflation could be more controlled.

According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), electricity prices have already dropped by 5.1% in the 12 months to June, partly due to government rebates. However, without these rebates, electricity prices could have increased by 0.9% in July. This shows that targeted government intervention can help moderate inflationary pressures.

Treasurer Chalmers emphasises that the government’s relief measures are designed to strike a balance between providing immediate assistance to those in need and maintaining economic stability. The annual rate of headline inflation has already decreased from 3.8% in June to 3.5% in July, which Chalmers argues is a sign that the government’s policies are having a positive effect. However, he acknowledges that inflation is still higher than desired and that more work is needed to achieve sustainable economic growth.

What Does This Mean for You?

For many Australians, these measures will provide some immediate financial relief. Whether you are a renter, a pensioner, a Jobseeker recipient, or someone who requires regular medication, there are several forms of assistance available that may help ease the burden of everyday expenses. It’s important to stay informed about these changes and consider how they might benefit your personal situation.

If you have any questions about how these relief measures might affect you, or if you need personalised financial advice, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you navigate these challenging times and make the most of any available support.