In a bid to help homeowners reduce their energy bills, the Albanese government has announced a $160 million investment in a major bank fund that offers discounted loans for energy-efficient upgrades. The loans are only available to those with large home or investment loans with Westpac, and can be used for installing solar panels, batteries, and other energy-saving improvements. The lower-interest rates offered under the scheme could mean that customers with a $30,000 loan save around $3,475 in interest over 10 years. The government has also announced that from July 2025, 12% superannuation will be paid to parents taking government-funded paid parental leave, expected to benefit 180,000 families.