Queensland legislation changes for 2023

The new year will usher in a raft of new laws and benefits. Here’s what changes in Queensland on January 1. SEE THE LIST

New laws 2023. Picture: Supplied

New legislation set to benefit Queenslanders will come in from January 1. We’ve outlined what these changes will mean for you.

Voluntary assisted dying becomes legal

Queenslanders diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to cause death within 12 months will now have the option to ‘die with dignity’. The new legislation allows terminal patients to end their life through medical intervention rather than wait for the illness to take away their mobility.

Medication cost relief

The maximum cost for prescriptions on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme moves from $42.50 to $30.00 per script.

Teachers get pay rise

Queensland’s teachers will get a massive 4 per cent pay increase back dated to 1 July 2022. This will be paid to teachers before the end of January.

New laws 2023. Picture: iStock

Free or discounted kindergarten

Queensland families will see a reduction in their kindergarten fees or get access to kindergarten for free. Queenslanders can see how much they can save through an online tool.

Cut to payroll taxes for small businesses

Small businesses in Queensland will get a deduction on payroll tax if annual taxable wages are less than $6.5 million. Businesses can calculate their new deduction amount using an online tool.

0.25 per cent mental health levy on large businesses

In a major win for mental health industry, large businesses in Queensland will pay a 0.25 mental health levy to support calls for greater mental health funding.