Federal Budget 2025: Who Are The Winners And Losers?

The 2025 Budget delivers tax cuts, HECS relief, and energy rebates—but renters get little support. 

Here’s the breakdown.

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WINNERS

Taxpayers: Small but Steady Tax Cuts

All earners over $18,200 get a tax cut. Someone on $79K will pocket an extra $5.15 per week, which will rise to $10.30 by 2027-28. Tax rates for incomes between $18,201-$45,000 drop from 16% to 14% by 2027.

Power Bill Payers: Extra $150 Rebate

Households get an additional $150 in power bill relief, split into two $75 rebates by the end of 2025.

HECS Debt Holders: 20% Wiped Off Loans

Graduates see 20% of their HECS debt erased—saving about $5520 on a $27,600 loan. The repayment threshold rises from $54K to $67K. Free TAFE (100,000 spots yearly) will be permanent, starting in 2027.

Tradies & Apprentices: $10K Completion Bonus

Construction apprentices (carpenters, brickies) get $10K for finishing training. Employers hiring in priority trades can claim a $5K incentive.

Medicare Users: More Bulk Billing

An $8.5B investment boosts bulk billing, aiming for 90% of GP visits to be free by 2030. Over one million Australians will be exempt from the Medicare levy.

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LOSERS

Renters: No New Help

Despite an $800M boost to the Help to Buy scheme, renters get no new direct assistance—no repeat of last year’s rent relief.

Big Supermarkets: Government Cracks Down

The ACCC gets $38.8M to investigate price gouging and dodgy supermarket practices. Whether this lowers grocery bills remains to be seen.

Russia & Belarus: Extended Tariffs

Australia extends 35% tariffs on Russian and Belarusian goods until October 2027 in response to the Ukraine invasion.

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Final Verdict

This budget delivers tax cuts, student debt relief, and energy rebates—but renters are left in the cold. Is it really a budget for all Australians?

Or is the budget just another election campaign tactic to ensure the budget promises of the government in power are in the forefront of the minds of voters come election time?