New Laws, Who Voted & What It Means for You

Limits on workplace gag orders

Non-disclosure agreements in workplace sexual harassment cases can only be used if the person complaining asks for one. They get at least 21 days to review it, and it must be in plain language.

Victorian state law, so federal party votes don't apply.

Capital gains discount scrapped

The 50% discount on profits from shares, crypto and investment property is replaced by an inflation adjustment, with a minimum 30% tax on gains made after 1 July 2027. Profits made before then keep the old discount.

Passed the Senate 35 to 25 on 25 June 2026. In the House, independents were split.

Negative gearing limited

For homes bought after 12 May 2026, rental losses can no longer be claimed against your wages, only against other rental income. New builds and homes bought before that date are exempt.

Part of the same law as the capital gains change.

NDIS eligibility changes

Eligibility moves to standard assessments of how a condition affects daily life, not diagnosis alone. The government aims to reduce participants from about 760,000 to 600,000 by 2030. New penalties apply to providers who take kickbacks.

Passed the Senate on 18 August 2026 after a Labor and Coalition deal.

Payday super

Employers must now pay your super every payday, not every three months, and it must reach your fund within 7 business days. Unpaid super is much easier to spot, so check your fund app.

Passed in late 2025 with support from both major parties. The Coalition's push to delay it for small businesses was voted down.

Most hemp THC products banned federally

Hemp products with more than 0.4 mg of total THC per container become federally illegal. The ban was part of the November 2025 law that ended the government shutdown.

Most Republicans and a small number of Democrats voted for the shutdown-ending bill. A delay to 11 December for most products was signed on 2 September 2026.

First returns under the 2025 tax law

For the 2026 tax year: deductions of up to US$25,000 on tips and US$12,500 on overtime (US$25,000 joint), an extra US$6,000 for over-65s, a US$2,200 child tax credit, and the state and local tax cap raised to US$40,000. All phase out at higher incomes.

Passed the House 218 to 214 and the Senate 51 to 50 with the Vice President's deciding vote. All Democrats voted against; a few Republicans did too.

1% tax on cash transfers overseas

Sending money abroad with cash, money orders or cashier's cheques attracts a 1% federal tax. Transfers from a bank account or card are exempt.

Part of the 2025 tax law.

Trump Accounts

Tax-deferred savings accounts for children under 18. The government deposits US$1,000 for US-citizen children born 2025 to 2028; families can add up to US$5,000 a year.

Part of the 2025 tax law.

Unfair dismissal protection after 6 months

You'll be protected from unfair dismissal after 6 months in a job instead of 2 years, and the cap on compensation is removed.

Part of the Employment Rights Act. The Conservatives opposed it.

Landlord register (England)

Private landlords must register their rental properties on a new national database, rolled out region by region through 2027.

Part of the Renters' Rights Act.

Renters’ Rights Act (England)

No-fault Section 21 evictions are gone, fixed-term tenancies became rolling ones, tenants can leave with 2 months' notice, bidding wars and large rent-in-advance demands are banned, and tenants can ask to keep a pet.

Day-one sick pay, leave and longer claim time

Sick pay from the first day off, paternity and parental leave from day one, and 6 months instead of 3 to bring many work claims. From 30 October, employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

Part of the Employment Rights Act.