All the changes coming into effect from January 1, 2023 in Australia revealed

The new year is upon us and 2023 has brought with it a raft of changed rules – including one that could sting school students.

The New Year is here.

The first day of the year is actually a busy time when it comes to major rule changes such as new laws and regulations, fees and charges and taxes and benefits.

Here’s everything you need to know that’s coming into effect from January 1, 2023.

Cash boost for 1 million Aussies

Around a million Aussies on Centrelink payments will now get a cash injection, with payments rising by $20 a week via a 6 per cent increase.

It means Youth allowance has risen by between $19.10 and $41.40 per fortnight, while Austudy will has increased between $32.40 and $41.40 a fortnight.

People on the disability support pension aged under 21 and without children can also pocket between $27.40 and $40.70 a fortnight, and the ABSTUDY, isolated children assistance, mobility allowance, double orphan pension, carer allowance and pharmaceutical allowance has also increased as of today.

Mobile phones banned

Mobile phones have now been banned from public high schools in South Australia in 2023, in news that will no doubt distress countless teens.

As it’s now the new year, students are required to either leave their phones at home, or hand them over to be locked up for the duration of the day.

However, there are some extensions for pupils who legitimately require the use of their devices for certain reasons, such as for medical or translation reasons.

SA is the fourth Aussie state to roll out the rule, following the NT, Victoria and Western Australia, although NSW Labor has pledged to adopt the rule as well if it wins the state election in 2023.

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Phones have been banned in SA high schools as of the new year.

Major golf shake-up

There are some significant changes happening for golf lovers, with some rules changing globally.

In November, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) and the United States Golf Association announced several changes to the Rules of Golf, which have come into effect globally on January 1.

They include new modifications for people with disability, with four new sub-rules for players with disability that allow an “approved person” to perform certain actions that would result in a penalty if performed by a non-approved person.

Hard copies of golfing rules also no longer need to be printed, and will only be available online from now on.

New golf rules came into effect globally in 2023. Picture: Luke Walker/Getty Images

New marine rules ahoy

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has worked with the industry to come up with a national qualification framework for those working across the domestic commercial vessel industry.

A raft of changes have been rolled out for the new year, including five new certificates of competency, the phasing out of three old certificates of competency, which will no longer be issued.

There are also changes to supervisory definitions in order to clarify when a General Purpose Hand certificate of competency is required, a new standard for medical fitness assessments for masters and crew of domestic commercial vessels, the incorporation of some existing exemptions and the introduction of changes to sea service for some certificates of competency.

Changes have come for those working across the domestic commercial vessel industry. Picture: Twitter

More transparency for home care

Big changes have come to Home Care Package charges, aimed at bringing more transparency regarding care charges and prices.

From January 1 are set limits on what providers can charge for care and package management, and providers can no longer charge you exit charges, additional costs for third-party goods or services and package management charges in a month (except for the first month of care) where you do not receive services other than care management.

The changes are designed to help people compare prices between providers more easily.

The changes aim to bring more transparency.

Tax changes

From today, for annual Aussie taxable wages over the $1.3 million threshold, the deduction has reduced by $1 for every $7 of taxable wages over this amount.

Meanwhile, the deduction reduces to zero when your Australian taxable wages reach $10.4 million.

It’s important to note that because the change will come into effect during the financial year, your annual and final deduction amounts may be based on two different deduction calculations for the financial year ended June 30, 2023.

Some tax changes are coming our way. Picture: iStock

Cheaper medicine for cash-strapped Aussies

The maximum cost of a Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) prescription for general patients has dropped from $42.50 to $30.

That’s a pretty significant fall of 29 per cent, and is the first time in 75 years the general co-payment under the PBS has fallen.

According to the Australian government, the change will “help ease cost-of-living pressures for Australians” who are currently battling inflation.

Prescriptions are set to get cheaper. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

Childcare crackdown

A crackdown has begun on the types of inducements – incentives offered by providers in order to attract enrolments – which will be allowed.

From now, providers are no longer be able to provide inducements that are financial or not directly associated with the quality or provision of education or care services.

Under the new rules, things like cash or vouchers, iPads, tablets or other electronic devices and other gifts are banned.

Some ‘inducements’ will be banned in 2023.

Covid rule backflip

The Australian government has announced major changes in the way it tackles Covid under the new 2023 coronavirus management plan.

Medicare-funded PCR tests now require a referral from a medical practitioner or nurse.

However, state and territory-operated PCR clinics are still be able to take individuals without referrals, with the Federal Government extending the 50-50 funding arrangements for jurisdictions that want to continue as is.

Those at high risk will be prioritised for PCR tests, and the government will spend $2.8 million on the national plan for 2023.