A $300 energy rebate is one of number of changes that have come into effect on July 1, part of a series of Federal Government measures to ease the economic pressures many Australian households are feeling.

Canberra

The government has announced substantial tax cuts that are expected to benefit various income groups. Individuals earning $60,000 annually will see an annual tax reduction of $1,179, which translates to an additional $22.67 per week. For those with a $120,000 salary, the yearly tax cut is just under $2,752, about $53 per week. The top earners with $200,000 income will receive $4,500 more annually or $87 weekly.

The government emphasizes that these tax cuts, along with a $300 energy rebate affecting electricity bills, aim to provide cost-of-living relief. However, there are concerns from crossbench representatives that rising rents and mortgage rates could offset these savings. They have mentioned that their constituents have not shown overwhelming appreciation for the tax cuts.

Additionally, the cost of a new passport has increased from $346 to $398, and visa fees for foreign students have risen significantly from $710 to $1,600. The Prime Minister has expressed a desire to keep the focus on the implementation of these relief measures, amid internal concerns that many citizens are not aware of them and continue to struggle financially.

The Treasurer has addressed fears that these relief efforts might fuel inflation, insisting that not all tax cut benefits will be immediate and labeling the measures as de-inflationary. The rollout of these initiatives is seen as a crucial part of the government’s effort to ease financial burdens on families.



Labor's cost-of-living cuts come into effect

The government can crow about its tax cuts on Capitol Hill All of them appreciate the tax cut that they are receiving from today But what matters is how they're received in the suburbs Yeah I'll take that every day of the week Yeah we're keen for it For someone earning $60,000 a year, they'll pay $1,179 less tax a year which equates to an extra $22.67 in their pay pack at a week The cut for a $120,000 salary is just under $2,751.52 a week And those earning at the top end, $200,000, they'll get $4,500 more in their pocket, $87 a week Had we not acted in January to make the tax cuts fairer and bigger then a lot of people would have missed out The crossbench has a different take It's going to be completely undone by skyrocketing rents and mortgage increases I haven't got them lining up at my office or ringing and saying thank you for the tax cuts The $300 energy rebate, which will be subtracted off every household's electricity bill over the year, also comes into effect today As the Albanese government sells its cost of living relief, the Treasurer has had to counter concerns that it could fuel inflation Not every dollar of a year's worth of tax cuts hit on the first day This is de-inflation Deputy Speaker From today there will also be a little extra revenue for the government The cost of a new passport will go from $346 to $398 and there's a huge jump in visas charges for foreign students from $710 to $1600 The Prime Minister has made it very clear he wants nothing to overshadow or sideline the attention this week on the rolling out of government help There are concerns internally that the message isn't getting out as people buckle under cost of living pressures It's really impacted the quality of life of a lot of families We're just on a single wage at the moment with two kids so it is a bit of a struggle Ashley Raper for 10 News First

Hurricane Beryl struck Union Island, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, overnight, leaving nearly everyone homeless. Grenada also faces devastation and communication systems are down after Beryl made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. Jamaica is preparing for Beryl's approach, with residents urged to evacuate vulnerable areas.

Kingston

Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl churns toward Jamaica as Category 4

Hurricane Beryl is roaring through the Caribbean, causing havoc on several islands. At least six people have died, including three in Grenada, and one in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Hurricane Beryl kills six, causes ‘immense destruction’

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For the first time, a Democratic member of Congress has called on Joe Biden to drop out of the race for president following his shaky debate performance last week. Biden’s team maintains the president is still fit for office.

Washington

U.S. Presidential Election

Calls grow for Biden to leave presidential race

After devastating parts of the southeast Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl churned toward Jamaica as a monstrous storm. While the extent of the damage so far is unclear, authorities have said the picture on some islands is grim, with widespread destruction.

Bridgetown

Widespread destruction across Jamaica after Storm Beryl

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to consider a ceasefire to accelerate an end to the war with Russia, and also said he wanted a big cooperation agreement with Kyiv.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

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Hathras

Deadly stampede at Indian religious event

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Rafah

Israel-Gaza War

Palestinians flee Khan Younis as Israeli forces approach

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Climate Crisis

Beryl sets tone for 'very dangerous hurricane season'

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Sderot

Thousands flee as Israel bombs southern Gaza

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Hurricane Beryl leaves trail of destruction across Caribbean

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A car hit pedestrians near Seoul city hall, killing nine people and injuring at least four, South Korean media reports said, citing police and fire officials.

Seoul

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U.S. President Joe Biden criticized the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity that was seen as a win for his election rival, former President Donald Trump, calling it a dangerous precedent that did a disservice to the American people.

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Council of the City of Sydney

Terrorism investigation launched after Sydney Uni stabbing

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Saint George's

Hurricane Beryl 'extremely dangerous' as it gains strength

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Melbourne

Airport staff implicated in smuggling investigation

The U.S. Justice Department will criminally charge Boeing with fraud over two fatal crashes and ask the planemaker to plead guilty or face a trial, two people familiar with the matter say.

Seattle

U.S. to criminally charge Boeing over 737 MAX crashes

The far right is on the verge of taking power in France for the first time since the Second World War after President Emmanuel Macron’s party lost badly in a snap election.

Paris

France snap election

French far-fight defeats Macron's centrists

Some high-profile Democrats have come to U.S. President Joe Biden’s defence after his debate performance and calls for him to end his re-election campaign. Biden reportedly now holding talks with his family at Camp David.

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Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from Mea She’arim in West Jerusalem are protesting against conscription in the Israeli military. They prefer imprisonment over military service following the High Court's decision to end their exemptions.

Jerusalem

Ultra-Orthodox Jews rally against military service

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Hurricane Beryl strengthens to Category 4 storm

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London

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Spanish police say they've called off a search for a British teenager who went missing on the Canary island of Tenerife, though the case remains open. His phone was last traced to a steep and rugged ravine on the island.

Tenerife

Spanish police end search for missing UK teenager

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Gumlu

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