Australia

Since 10 December 2025, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube must take « reasonable steps » to prevent Australians under 16 from holding an account. Children and parents face no penalty: the obligation and fines fall on platforms, up to 150,000 penalty units (A$49.5m) for a company, doubled by a 2026 Act.

In forceIn force as strengthened by Act No. 83 of 2026: maximum penalties doubled and new investigation powers for the eSafety Commissioner.

Updated: November 5, 2026

AustraliaHousing

National Housing Accord and Housing Australia Future Fund: 1.2 million homes in five years

Announced in the October 2022 federal Budget, the National Housing Accord commits the federal, state and territory governments to a housing supply target, raised by National Cabinet on 16 August 2023 to 1.2 million new well-located homes over five years from 1 July 2024. Its main legislative instrument, the Housing Australia Future Fund Act 2023 (Royal Assent on 28 September 2023, in force since 1 November 2023), sets up a $10 billion fund whose returns finance social and affordable housing through the agency Housing Australia. Together with the Accord facility, the programme now targets 40,000 social and affordable homes by 30 June 2029; as at 30 June 2026, 1,529 of them were complete.

In forceCommencement fixed by proclamation (F2023N00456). The five-year Accord period itself starts on 1 July 2024.

Updated: November 5, 2026

AustraliaEconomy & public finances

Redesign of the « Stage 3 » income tax cuts (2024) and the 2026-2027 top-ups

The « Stage 3 » income tax cuts legislated in 2018 and 2019 under the Coalition were to apply, from 1 July 2024, a single 30% rate from A$45,000 to A$200,000. On 25 January 2024 the Albanese government announced a redesign, passed on 27 February 2024: from 1 July 2024 the 19% rate falls to 16%, the 32.5% rate to 30%, and the 37% and 45% thresholds rise to A$135,000 and A$190,000. A 2025 act lowers the first rate again, to 15% since 1 July 2026 and 14% from 1 July 2027.

In forceIn force with the first rate at 15% for 2026-27; the More Cost of Living Relief Act 2025 already sets it at 14% from 2027-28.

Updated: November 5, 2026