How Australians are set to get a $2800 cash boost thanks to Anthony Albanese's budget: What is in it for you

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 10:47, 12 May 2026 | Updated: 10:47, 12 May 2026 Four major cost of living measures are set to put more cash in the pockets of Australians. The policies had already been leaked but Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed on Tuesday night that a tax offset and a deduction would be introduced next financial year. The two policies have been combined with a pair of tax cuts announced earlier this year and will see the average Australian save about $2800. Under the plan, workers who pay tax will see an income offset of $250 each year from July 1, 2027, but only for income earned during work, not from investments. This policy, titled the Working Australians Tax Offset (WATO), means it will come back on tax returns. An Australian who earns less than $19,985 – or up to $24,985 for workers eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset – and as a result do not pay income tax, would not benefit. Chalmers confirmed that the government is also introducing a $1000 instant tax deduction for work-related expenses without the need for receipts. Around 6.2 million workers (42 per cent of taxpayers) will benefit from the change in the next financial year, 2026/27, with an average tax saving of $205. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced major cost of living measures in his Federal Budget The current arrangements for those who have more than $1000 in work-related expenses will remain the same or earn only business or investment income. The WATO and $1000 deduction will come into force after two tax cuts, which were announced earlier this year. From July 1 this year, the Labor government will reduce the 16 per cent tax rate to 15 per cent for income between $18,201 and $45,000. From July 1, 2027, this tax rate will be reduced further to 14 per cent. An Australian on full-time national minimum wage of $49,296 is due to save $1179 under the first two tax cuts for 2026/27, and then up to $2032 for 2027/28 when the Budget’s additional measures come into force. For an Australian on an average income of $81,245, the savings will be $1,978 under the two tax cuts for 2026/27 and $2,816 as a combined benefit for 2027/28. It also means that those on an average full-time income of $106,657 will save $2613 next financial year thanks to the first two cuts. Their savings will then increase to $3451 in the financial year 2027/28. The Albanese government confirmed its support for higher wages for low-paid workers by recommending an economically sustainable real wages increase for minimum wage and award-reliant workers to the Fair Work Commission. Workers who pay tax will see an income offset of $250 each year from July 1, 2027 (stock) However, the revelation was expected after the government signalled its backing earlier this year – and has previously backed growth in each of the last four Annual Wage Reviews. It is understood that, across these reviews, the National Minimum Wage will have increased by over $9,120 per year. Earlier this year, the government announced it would phase out junior award rates of pay for retail, fast food, and pharmacy workers aged 18 to 20.  On March 30, the Albanese government halved the fuel excise tax for three months up to June 30, aiming to reduce the cost of a 65L tank of fuel by nearly $19. The Budget indicated about $2.9billion had gone towards the cut and reducing the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months. There has been speculation that the relief might be extended, but no further measures are planned beyond June, according to the Budget. The ATO has previously streamlined access to temporary relief from tax obligations for eligible businesses until June 30. This included more generous payment plans, remission of interest and penalties, support in varying pay as you go (PAYG) instalments where there has been a reduction in taxable income, and a new dedicated channel for businesses to access relief. However, the Budget revealed there are no plans to extend this either. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.