WITH a new year upon us, and in the lead-up to a state election, NSW residents will now be able to take advantage of a swag of new cost-of-living measures. An extension of preschool subsidies, rebates for creative children, baby hampers and a grace period are among a number of changes to laws and regulations in NSW from January 1. Early childhood education has received a boost which will give all three year olds access to two days a week of subsidised preschool. The NSW Government said the $200 million project would save families around $825 a year. The subsidy was previously only for children in the year before school. The governments baby bundle of essential items will be provided to help with a child's early health and development, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said. The bundle, worth around $300, will include a sleeping bag, breast pads, a change mat and a first aid kid. “As joyous as early days are, they can also be tough. We want to make sure the support is there,” Mr Perrottet said. A creative kids rebate has been introduced to help subsidise the cost of your childs creative and cultural activities. The $100 voucher will be available for each school-aged child and it can be used for a range of activities including: music, drama or theatre lessons, and even a coding course. This rebate comes following last years rebate for active kids. Managing your credit card and limit may just be a little easier from January 1. The Australian government has rolled out a host of reforms to protect cardholders, including: VICTIMS of domestic and family violence, who are employed by the NSW Government, will now be able to access 10 days of paid domestic violence leave each year. Until now, public service employees experiencing domestic violence were entitled to five days of paid special leave per year, but only after other leave entitlements had been exhausted. For anyone who has received a pesky parking fine, this could be the news you have been waiting for. From January 31, motorists will be given a grace period of 10 minutes after their parking ticket expires, providing it was a printed ticket for 60 minutes or longer. Heading off into the sunset in your caravan? The NSW Government recently slashed the cost of motor vehicle tax on privately-registered caravans and camper trailers by 40 per cent. The change was introduced for registrations due from November 1, 2018 and is applicable for caravans and camper trailers from from 255 kilograms up to 4.5 tonnes. In late-2018, the NSW Government rolled out an online tool to help households compare and switch energy retailers. “One-Click Energy Switch will not only find you a cheaper energy bill, it will allow you to change your provider with a click of a mouse or a quick chat with our Service NSW staff,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. The government claims consumers could save up to $1000 a year on electricity bills. Coming into effect on January 1, this new law means that wagering operators will pay tax in the state where the gambling is occurring, rather than where they are based.
WITH a new year upon us, and in the lead-up to a state election, NSW residents will now be able to take advantage of a swag of new cost-of-living measures.
An extension of preschool subsidies, rebates for creative children, baby hampers and a grace period are among a number of changes to laws and regulations in NSW from January 1.
Preschool subsidies extended
Early childhood education has received a boost which will give all three year olds access to two days a week of subsidised preschool.
The NSW Government said the $200 million project would save families around $825 a year.
The subsidy was previously only for children in the year before school.
Baby Bundle
The NSW Government's 'baby bundle' starts from January 1, 2019. Photo: FILE
The governments baby bundle of essential items will be provided to help with a child's early health and development, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said.
The bundle, worth around $300, will include a sleeping bag, breast pads, a change mat and a first aid kid.
“As joyous as early days are, they can also be tough. We want to make sure the support is there,” Mr Perrottet said.
Got a creative child?
A creative kids rebate has been introduced to help subsidise the cost of your childs creative and cultural activities.
The $100 voucher will be available for each school-aged child and it can be used for a range of activities including: music, drama or theatre lessons, and even a coding course.
This rebate comes following last years rebate for active kids.
Changes to credit cards
Changes have come in for credit card holders. Photo: FILE
Managing your credit card and limit may just be a little easier from January 1.
The Australian government has rolled out a host of reforms to protect cardholders, including:
- Banks will now only approve new card limits if they deem that a customer will be able to repay the entire debt within three years.
- Customers must now be give the option of cancelling their account or reducing their credit limits online.
- Credit providers cannot retroactively charge interest on credit car balances.
Domestic violence leave for public service employees
VICTIMS of domestic and family violence, who are employed by the NSW Government, will now be able to access 10 days of paid domestic violence leave each year.
Until now, public service employees experiencing domestic violence were entitled to five days of paid special leave per year, but only after other leave entitlements had been exhausted.
Parking fine grace period
For anyone who has received a pesky parking fine, this could be the news you have been waiting for.
From January 31, motorists will be given a grace period of 10 minutes after their parking ticket expires, providing it was a printed ticket for 60 minutes or longer.
Discounted caravan registration
Caravan and camper trailer motor vehicle tax reduction is now in place. Photo: FILE
Heading off into the sunset in your caravan?
The NSW Government recently slashed the cost of motor vehicle tax on privately-registered caravans and camper trailers by 40 per cent.
The change was introduced for registrations due from November 1, 2018 and is applicable for caravans and camper trailers from from 255 kilograms up to 4.5 tonnes.
One Click Energy Switch
In late-2018, the NSW Government rolled out an online tool to help households compare and switch energy retailers.
“One-Click Energy Switch will not only find you a cheaper energy bill, it will allow you to change your provider with a click of a mouse or a quick chat with our Service NSW staff,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
The government claims consumers could save up to $1000 a year on electricity bills.
Wagering tax
Coming into effect on January 1, this new law means that wagering operators will pay tax in the state where the gambling is occurring, rather than where they are based.
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