May 2024 Federal Budget update

Latest news | Date Posted 28 May 2024

The Government’s May 2024 Federal Budget is designed to address the rising cost of living, while balancing relief and long-term growth. Just like last year, the Budget put a spotlight on easing the rising cost of living pressures being felt across the nation. It also focussed on measures to boost the economy, strengthening public finances, and promoting equality.

Snapshot of key measures for super members / retirees

  • Super to be paid on Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave

  • Deeming rates remain frozen

  • Increase in rent assistance

Super paid on paid parental leave

The Government announced super will be paid on the 20 weeks of government-funded paid parental leave. About 180,000 families will benefit from these payments each year. 
Proposed effective date of change: For parents of babies born on or after 1 July 2025.

Deeming rates frozen

A 12-month extension to 30 June 2025 of the current freeze in deeming rates was announced. This will assist part pensioners with bank deposits, investments and also super pension income streams which are captured under the deeming rules. The measures will allow retirees to benefit from increases in interest rates and returns without reductions in their age pension.  

The deeming rate has been frozen for the last two years with the top rate unchanged at 2.25 per cent. This benefits around 876,000 income support recipients, including 450,000 Age Pensioners.
Current rates extended to: 30 June 2025

Increase in rent assistance

The Government is to increase all Commonwealth Rent Assistance maximum rates by 10 per cent to help address rental affordability challenges for recipients. This would benefit nearly 1 million households.
Proposed effective date of change: From 20 September 2024

Federal Budget highlights

  • Cost-of-living relief: Addresses current pressures while keeping inflation in check.

  • Earning power: Supports initiatives for Australians to earn and keep more.

  • Economic resilience: Invests in a ‘Future Made in Australia’ for long-term strength.

  • Fiscal responsibility: Forecasts surpluses, lower debt, and inflation returning to target.

To achieve the above, the Government announced the following key actions:

  • Easing cost-of-living pressures

  • Increasing housing supply

  • Investing in future industries

  • Strengthening healthcare and caregiving sectors

  • Promoting equality and opportunity

Please note, most of these measures are not yet law and will need to be legislated.

More information

For more information about the full range of budget announcements, see the Budget 2024-25 website.

As always, if you have any questions, please call us on 13 64 63, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, email help@mine.com.au or contact your financial adviser. We can also put you in touch with Mine Super Financial Advice to discuss your personal circumstances.