A CHANGE FOR THE FUTURE

Climate change is one of the most important issues facing this generation. It is our responsibility to protect our environment for our children and grandchildren. A price on carbon is the cheapest and most effective way we can tackle climate change. It is a tax on the companies that make carbon pollution, not on individuals. The carbon price encourages big polluters to change their behaviour and invest in cleaner ways of doing business. Some companies may pass some of the costs of this change down to consumers. Thats why the Gillard Labor Government has provided individuals and families with compensation. We have increased pensions, allowances and family payments and raised the tax free threshold so that nine of out ten households earn more and are taxed less.

HOME ENERGY SAVER SCHEME

The Home Energy Saver Scheme provides eligible Australians with the tools to be more energy efficient. People can call the new Home Energy Saver Scheme hotline for advice, support and referral to financial products to enable them to make longer term energy efficiency improvements to their homes. In Tasmania, this scheme will be delivered by Anglicare. You can call the Home Energy Saver Scheme hotline on 1800 007 001.

AUSTRALIAN RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY BOARD

The Gillard Labor Governments Clean Energy Future Scheme has seen the introduction of a new independent statutory body, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Arena will consolidate $3.2 billion in funding to support the research, development and deployment of renewable energy in Australia. The body will be tasked with improving the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increasing the supply of renewable energy in Australia. Tasmanian engineer Jane Sargison has been appointed to this Board.

LOW INCOME SUPERANNUATION PAYMENT

A payment of up to $500 a year into the superannuation accounts of low income workers means no effective tax will be paid on compulsory super contributions for workers earning up to $37,000 a year. You can learn more about the low income superannuation payment www.ato.gov.au

SUPPLEMENT PAYMENT
July 1 will also see $300 per year provided to low income households who do not receive sufficient levels of assistance through tax cuts or other carbon compensation payments. To learn more about the eligibility for the supplement click www.humanservices.gov.au

ESSENTIAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PAYMENT

Do you use additional energy due to a medical condition? You may be eligible to receive a rebate under the Essential Medical Equipment Payment. The payment assists those who experience additional energy costs from the use of essential medical equipment such as a home ventilator or home dialysis machine. To find out more visit www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au

HELPING STUDENTS ON YOUTH ALLOWANCE

Students who receive Youth Allowance or Austudy payments can earn up to $400 a fortnight before their payments are affected - an increase of $164 on the previous threshold. The Student Income Bank has now increased from $6000 to $10,000. The bank is a way for students to bank any unused part of their fortnightly personal income threshold to be used to offset income earned in other fortnights. Students can now build up more credit, for example if students increase their work hours during university holidays. Student income support recipients will also receive the twice-yearly Supplementary Allowance of a total $210 for single people and $175 for a member of a couple.

BANKING REFORMS
Credit card providers will be required to direct repayments to the most expensive part of customers credit card debt first. Australians with balances attracting more than one level of interest rate will save about $170 a year. Bank account customers will be able to tick and flick to switch banks, with regular direct debits automatically switched across to the new institution.