MoneyTips Weekly News Wrap: Australia’s Headlines and Insights
Stay across Australia’s week in news with a clear, reliable wrap. Each episode distils major stories in the economy, policy, markets and consumer trends, explaining what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next. Expect concise summaries, credible sources and plain-English context tailored to everyday Australians. Designed to help you cut through noise and stay informed, it’s a trustworthy weekly brief you can count on, delivered with a calm, approachable tone.
This Week:
This weeks wrap covers New Year changes now in effect, including cash acceptance by large essential retailers, the end of electricity rebates, and the three‑day childcare guarantee. It also explains the superannuation tax proposal for very large balances, with consultation open this month, and an investor remediation update overseen by ASIC and APRA. Finally, it previews the RBAs February meeting and offers practical, non‑advisory steps to manage budgets and compare products.
EPISODE 1061 | MoneyTips Weekly News Wrap: Australia’s Headlines and Insights | Fri, 2nd Jan 2026
7 Jan 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to MoneyTips Weekly News Wrap: Australias Headlines and Insights, Im Paige Estritori, its Friday, 2 January 2026.
First up, a few New Year changes kicked in this week that could affect everyday budgets. Large retailers selling essentials now need to accept cash for in‑person purchases up to $500 between 7am and 9pm. Electricity bill rebates wrapped up on 31 December, so its a good time to compare plans and usage. And from 5 January, eligible families can access at least three days of subsidised childcare each week. Quick win: review your energy plan, set a fresh household budget, and use calculators to see the impact on your cash flow.
Meanwhile in super, consultation is open on a proposal to lift the tax on super earnings for very large balances from 1 July 2026. The draft would tax earnings at about 30% on balances above $3 million and 40% above $10 million, with thresholds indexed; feedback closes mid‑January. If youre a higher‑balance member or a business owner with significant super, check your contributions strategy and keep records tidy; for everyone else, use this moment to log in, check fees and insurance, and run a retirement projection.
On remediation, one of the countrys big platforms has agreed to compensate members caught in a failed investment option, with payments due by the end of this month. The corporate regulator ASIC, thats the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and the prudential regulator APRA are overseeing improvements to governance. If you think youre affected, check messages from your fund and keep your statements handy.
Looking ahead, the RBA—the Reserve Bank of Australia—meets again in early February. Between now and then, holiday spending, the jobs read, and the next inflation print will shape the tone. For borrowers and small businesses, focus on what you can control: trim costs, build a small buffer if you can, and compare products rather than waiting on a rate move.
Thats it for this week. For clear guides, comparisons, quotes and calculators tailored to Australians, head to money-tips.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and Ill catch you next week.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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