The new laws and changes coming into force in 2021 by Nick Whigham

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As we prepare to put 2020 in our rear view mirror, Australians are no doubt keen to look ahead to 2021.

But there will be some changes – good and bad – heading our way in the new year.

Many of the notable changes relate to government policies brought in to help Aussies endure the coronavirus crisis.

Some changes, like the Jobkeeper allowance will come into effect in the coming days, while others such as a planned tax on electric vehicles in certain states will happen mid year.

Jobkeeper and JobSeeker changes

For those relying on the federal government’s JobKeeper payment, brought in as the pandemic decimated the economy back in March, the dollar amount is about to drop.

From 4 January 2021, the JobKeeper Payment rate is either:

$1000 per fortnight
$650 per fortnight – if you’ve worked less than 20 hours a week on average during February or June 2020.

The JobKeeper payment is set to end on the 28th of March, 2021.

For those looking for a job, the bump in financial assistance in the form of the so-called Coronavirus Supplement is also about to drop.

From January 1 this year, those on JobSeeker will be topped up at a rate of $150 per fortnight, down from $250 per fortnight.

Reduced HomeBuilder grant rolls over

The federal government announced an extension for its HomeBuilder grant for those who are seeking to build a new home or renovate an existing home.

Due to expire at the end of 2020, the government announced an extension of the grant until 31 March 2021, albeit at a significantly reduced rate.

For contracts signed between January 1 and the 31st of March 2021, eligible grant seekers can claim $15,000 – down from the original $25,000.

Relaxed rules for partnership visas

Partner visa hopefuls will no longer have to leave Australia to get their applications approved under temporary changes expected to help 4,000 people.

The changes will kick in early in the new year and are to assist people attempting to navigate coronavirus-related travel restrictions and hotel quarantine.