Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

Following March’s Federal Budget, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a national election for May 3, kicking off a campaign centred on tax cuts and cost-of-living relief.

Globally, trade war worries dominated headlines and contributed to markets falls during the month.

Click here to view our update.

Please get in touch on 03 9723 0522 if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

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This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Planning Services Pty Ltd as a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 315000 of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 71 069 537 855 AFSL 225051. Integrity One Planning Services Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.

We understand you will have seen ongoing headlines around market volatility, it’s natural to feel a little uncertain.

That’s why our practice manager and adviser Matthew Borg has put together a short video to explain what’s happening — and, more importantly, what it means for you.

🎥 Watch the video here

In just a couple of minutes, we cover:

• What’s driving current market movements
• Why volatility is a normal part of investing
• Three simple tips to help you stay on track

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your investment strategy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We’re here to support you — through the ups and the downs.

Ah, the adventure of house hunting! While scrolling through property listings, you might find yourself mesmerised by stunning photos and enticed by the descriptions. But hold on! Just as a place can look better with a well-angled shot, it can also sound more appealing thanks to a little wordplay. So, let’s decode some classic real estate phrases to see what they REALLY mean.

‘Renovator’s delight’ or ‘just needs a little TLC’

First up, we have the ever-popular ‘renovator’s delight’. Sounds promising, right? But this phrase usually means the property is barely liveable, perhaps requiring a hard hat and a strong stomach just to step inside. Envisage peeling paint, floors that could double as a trampoline, and a kitchen that looks like it was designed for a sitcom from the ’70s. It’s the real estate equivalent of saying, ‘It just needs a little love!’—which really translates to, ‘good luck with that!’.

Next on our list is any phrase with the words ‘tender loving care (TLC)’. A similar one to the ‘renovator’s delight’, this phrase sounds sweet and harmless, but it usually means the property is in desperate need of more than just a little pampering – so approach with caution.

‘Cosy’ or ‘modest proportions’

When you come across the term ‘cosy’ or ‘modest proportions’ you might be envisioning a warm, inviting space. However, it often translates to ‘so small you can barely swing a cat’—and trust me, you’ll want to consider the cat’s feelings here! Cosy spaces might give you that snug feeling, but they can also lead to some serious negotiations over personal space, especially if you’re living with someone else. If the listing mentions the above terms you might want to bring a tape measure along for your inspection.

‘Character-filled’ or ‘one-of-a-kind’ or ‘unique’

Now, let’s talk about these terms which are often used to describe a property that has a bit of personality. But beware! ‘Character’ can often mean ‘dated’, as in shagpile carpet and floral wallpaper that could trigger some serious nostalgia (or nightmares). If you’re looking for a home that screams ‘vintage chic’, this could be your jam. But if you’re hoping for something modern, you might want to steer clear unless you have a renovation budget the size of a small country.

Another one to look out for is ‘one of a kind’ or ‘unique’. These terms can often mean the owner is a creative soul who has channelled their efforts into the decor. Think magenta, chartreuse, polka dots and leopard print – all in the same room. Often nothing that can’t be fixed with a lot of white paint but just make sure their efforts did not move beyond easily fixed decor disasters to being a little too creative with the floorplan or structure of the place.

‘Centrally located’

Ah, the phrase ‘centrally located’. This one sounds promising, suggesting proximity to all the best spots. However, this often means the property is uncomfortably close to a shopping centre, freeway, a tram or train line, or some other source of noise pollution. Sure, you might be minutes away from the action, but if you value your peace and quiet, you might want to check exactly how centrally located it is before attending that inspection.

‘Up-and-coming neighbourhood’

This phrase conjures visions of hip cafes and artisan shops. However, it’s often a polite way of saying, ‘this area is a bit average’. You might find yourself living in a place that has potential, but it could also mean enduring factories, funky smells, or a local dive bar that hosts karaoke every Thursday night. If you’re the adventurous type, this could be right up your alley; if not, you might want to think about the pros and cons.

‘The backyard is your canvas’

Watch out for this one as it’s code for ‘there’s nothing but dirt or concrete back there’. Be ready for some backbreaking work and a few trips to the local nursery to turn a barren block into a verdant garden.

Navigating real estate agent descriptions can feel like trying to decode a secret language, and sometimes the language is more amusing than informative. Keep your sense of humour i

The number of Australians aged over 65 is expected to more than double in the next 40 years while the number of people aged over 85 is predicted to triple in that time.

Aged care funding and services have seen major changes in the years since the 2021 report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and this year is no exception.

1 July 2025 marks the start of a host of new programs and improvements for the aged care sector. Several announcements have already been made this year, covering wage rises for aged care workers and nurses, and an increase in government funding for residential aged care accommodation.

In one of the most significant changes, the new Aged Care Act begins on 1 July. The Act aims to ensure the viability and quality of aged care.

A report by the Aged Care Taskforce last year calculated the residential aged care sector will need $56 billion by 2050 to upgrade facilities and build more rooms.

Current funding arrangements aren’t working. In the 2022-2023 financial year, almost half of all accommodation providers made a loss.

Some $300 million in federal grants will be delivered to accommodation providers this year to help with capital works upgrades.

And to improve the viability of the facilities the government is introducing other measures including larger means-tested contributions from new entrants and a higher maximum room price that is indexed over time.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells says half of new residents will not contribute more under the new consumer contributions.

“For every $1 an older Australian contributes to their residential aged care, the government will contribute an average of $3.30,” says Wells.

Support at Home

The Aged Care Act also aims to support more people who want to stay in their own homes as they age. The federal government is investing $4.3 billion in a new Support at Home program, which replaces the Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care programs.

There’ll be more 300,000 places available over the next 10 years and a shorter waiting period for Support at Home, and there’s a goal to simplify and improve the assessment process, making it easier to access different services as needs change.

Similar to the Home Care Package, Support at Home will provide:

• clinical care, such as nursing and occupational therapy
• help with maintaining independence including showering, dressing and taking medications
• support for everyday living tasks such as cleaning, gardening, shopping and meal preparation.

The government will pay 100 per cent of clinical care costs while Support at Home recipients will make a contribution towards independence and everyday living costs. The contribution amount will be calculated using the Age Pension means test and it depends on the level of support needed and the combination of income and assets. The highest classification with the most funding will receive a package of services worth $78,000 per year. There’ll also be funding for assistive technology and home modifications and end of life care.

A new cap on contributions will also apply. No one will pay more than $130,000 in their lifetime – whatever their means or length of care at home or in residential accommodation.

Refunding deposits

The new Aged Care Act also requires aged care accommodation providers to refund residents’ lump sum deposits within 14 days if they move to another facility or pass away. Interest must be paid on the lump sum until the amount is repaid. As before, some deductions are permitted provided they were included in the original agreement.

No disadvantage

For those already receiving home care packages or in aged care accommodation, the government says a ‘no-worse-off’ principle will provide certainty that they won’t have to pay more under the new laws.

Whether it is you or a loved one who is considering moving into aged care, it can be an emotional time. With these new changes being implemented, you may have a few questions. Please give us a call if you’d like to hear more about the changes or if we can help to assess your next step or plan ahead.

Treasurer aims to “rebuild living standards”

Much of the 2025 Federal Budget was already known but Treasurer Jim Chalmers had one surprise up his sleeve – $17 billion in tax cuts. The first round of cuts will kick in on 1 July 2026 and second round on 1 July 2027, saving the average earner $536 each year when fully implemented.

With the next Federal Election due to be called any day, the Treasurer named five priorities for his fourth budget: helping with the cost of living, strengthening Medicare, building more homes, investing in education, and making the economy stronger.

He called it a plan for “a new generation of prosperity in a new world of uncertainty” that would help “finish the fight against inflation”.

The big picture

The Budget deficit has made an unwelcome, but not surprising, return. The Albanese government has been clear that we were headed back into the red and Treasurer Chalmers says the $42.1 billion deficit is less than what was forecast at both the last election and at the mid-year update. Gross debt has been reduced by $177 billion down to $940 billion, saving around $60 billion in interest over the decade.

Nonetheless, Australia is navigating choppy international waters with a “volatile and unpredictable” global economy.

Australia will feel the shockwaves from escalating trade tensions, two major global conflicts – in Ukraine and the Middle East, and slowing growth in China. Treasury predicts the global economy will grow by 3.25 per cent in each of the next three years in the longest stretch of below-average growth since the early 1990s.

However, Australia is in a good position to deal with the difficult conditions, the Treasurer says.

The Australian economy has “turned a corner” and continues to outperform many advanced economies. Inflation has moderated “significantly”, and the labour market has outperformed expectations. Meanwhile growth is predicted to increase from 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent by 2026-27.

Addressing the cost of living

With the rising cost of living expected to be central to the upcoming election campaign, the Budget aims to deliver more support to those doing it tough with further tax cuts, changes to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), cuts to student debt and wage increases for aged care and childcare workers among a number of initiatives

Apart from the new tax cuts due in 2026 and 2027, the government will increase the Medicare levy low-income thresholds from 1 July 2024.

The energy bill relief is also being extended to the end of this year. At a cost of $1.8 billion, every household and around one million small businesses will each receive $150 off their electricity bills in two quarterly payments.

The government claims that energy bill relief has helped to drop electricity prices by 25.2 per cent across 2024.

Students aren’t forgotten in the Budget with a cut of $19 billion in student loan debt, with all outstanding student debts reduced by 20 per cent and a promised change to make the student loan repayment system fairer.

The government is tackling the cost of living where it’s often most obvious – at the cash register. It is providing support for fresh produce suppliers to enforce their rights and will make it easier to open new supermarkets. It’s also planning to focus on “unfair and excessive” card surcharges.

Looking for a clean bill of health

Almost $8 billion will be spent to expand bulk billing, the largest single investment in Medicare since its creation 40 years ago.

Treasurer Chalmers says nine-out-of-10 GP visits should be bulk billed by the end of the decade with an extra 4,800 bulk billing practices.

There’ll also be another 50 Urgent Care Clinics across the country, taking the total to 137, and public hospitals will get a boost of $1.8 billion to help cut waiting lists, reduce waiting times in emergency rooms and manage ambulance ramping.

Cheaper medicines

The cost of medicines is also in the government’s sights. The maximum cost of drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be lowered for everyone with a Medicare Card and no concession card. From 1 January 2026, the maximum co-payment will be lowered from $31.60 to $25.00 per script and remain at $7.70 for pensioners and concession cardholders. Four out of five PBS medicines will become cheaper for general non‑Safety Net patients, with larger savings for medicines eligible for a 60‑day prescription.

An extra $1.8 billion is also being invested to list new medicines on the PBS.

Increasing the housing stock

The government’s previously announced target of 1.2 million new homes over five years has seen 45,000 homes completed in the first quarter.

The budget sees an extra $54 million to encourage modern construction methods and $120 million to help states and territories remove red tape.

With building set to increase, more apprentices are needed, and the government has announced financial incentives of up to $10,000 to encourage more people to take up apprenticeships in building trades. Some employers may also be eligible for $5,000 incentives for hiring apprentices.

The Help to Buy program that allows homebuyers to get into the market with lower deposits and small mortgages will be expanded with an extra $800 million to lift property price and income caps to make the scheme more accessible.

To help increase housing stock available, foreign buyers will be banned from purchasing existing dwellings for two years from 1 April 2025. Land banking by foreign owners will also be outlawed.

Recovering and rebuilding

The damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and subsequent rains in Queensland and northern New South Wales is so extensive that it is expected to wipe a quarter of a percentage point off quarterly growth.

Flooding has damaged infrastructure and disrupted supply chains, agricultural production, construction, retail, and tourism activity.

The government expects costs of at least $13.5 billion in disaster support. As a result, the Budget includes $1.2 billion to be placed in a contingency fund to better respond to future disasters.

Looking ahead

Despite concerning events on the world stage, Australia’s economy is emerging “in better shape than almost any other advanced economy”.

Inflation and unemployment are coming down and wage growth will be stronger. To help underpin continuing economic growth, the Budget adds $22.7 billion to the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda.

It includes extra investment in renewable energies and low emissions technologies and an expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The plan also includes more than $15 billion in support for private investment in hydrogen and critical minerals production, clean energy technology manufacturing, green metals, and low carbon liquid fuels.

And, as the trade war kicks off, the Budget allocates $20 million to a Buy Australian campaign.

“The plan at the core of this Budget is about more than putting the worst behind us. It’s about seizing what’s ahead of us,” the Treasurer says.

If you have any questions about the Budget measures announced, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Information in this article has been sourced from the Budget Speech 2025-26 and Federal Budget Support documents.   It is important to note that the policies outlined in this article are yet to be passed as legislation and therefore may be subject to change.

As investors grapple with uncertainty, keeping a cool head has never been more important.

“Time in the market, not timing the market” is a popular investment philosophy that emphasises the importance of staying invested over the long term rather than trying to predict short-term market movements. While markets can be volatile in the short term, historically, they tend to grow over time.

It’s a strategy that helps you avoid getting caught up in short-term market fluctuations or trying to predict where the market is heading.

With the recent market turbulence, from the global effects of US President Donald Trump’s administration to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, savvy investors look beyond the immediate chaos to focus on strategies that encourage stability and growth over the long-term.

It’s a hallmark of the approach by the world’s most high-profile investor, Warren Buffet, who argues that short-term volatility is just background noise.

“I know what markets are going to do over a long period of time, they’re going to go up,” says Buffet.

“But in terms of what’s going to happen in a day or a week or a month, or even a year …I’ve never felt it was important,” he says.

Buffet first invested in the sharemarket when he was 11 years old. It was April 1942, just four months after the devastating and deadly attack on Pearl Harbour that caused panic on Wall Street. But he wasn’t fazed by the uncertain times.

Today Buffet is worth an estimated US$147 billion.

Long-term growth in Australia

While growth has been higher in the US, investors in Australian shares over the long-term have also fared well. For example, $10,000 invested 30 years ago in a basket of shares that mirrored the All Ordinaries Index would be worth more than $135,000 today (assuming any dividends were reinvested).^(source)

And it’s not just the All Ords. If that $10,000 investment was instead made in Australian listed property, it would be worth almost $95,000 today or in bonds, it would be worth almost $52,000.

In real estate, the average house price in Australia 30 years ago was under $200,000. Today it is just over $1 milllion.

Meanwhile, cash may well be a safe haven and handy for quick access but it is not going to significantly boost wealth. For example, $10,000 invested in cash 30 years ago would be worth just $34,000 today.^(source)

Diversify to manage risk

Diversifying your investment portfolio helps to manage the risks of market fluctuations. When one investment sector or group of sectors is in the doldrums, other markets might be firing therefore reducing the chance that a downturn in one area will wipe out your entire portfolio.

For example, the Australian listed property sector was the best performer in 2024, adding 24.6% for the year. But just two years earlier, it was the worst performer, losing 12.3%.^(source)

Short-term investments – including government bonds, high interest savings accounts and term deposits – can play an important role in diversifying the risks and gains in an investment portfolio and are great for adding stability and liquidity to a portfolio.

Ongoing investment strategies

Taking a long-term view to accumulating wealth is far from a set-and-forget approach and by staying invested, you give your investments the best chance to grow, avoiding the risks of missing out on key growth periods by trying to time your buy and sell decisions perfectly.

Reviewing your investments regularly helps to keep on top of any emerging economic and political trends that may affect your portfolio. While it’s important to stay informed about market trends, it is equally important not to overreact when there is volatility in the share market.

Emotional investing can lead to poor decisions, so remember the goal is not to avoid market declines but to remain focussed on your overall long-term investment strategy.

Please get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss your investment