QLD budget announces up to $700 in energy bill relief. Are you eligible?
Queensland government delivers biggest electricity bill support package in Australia worth $1.48 billion.
The Queensland government has released its 2023/2024 budget with energy bill relief at the forefront of its key policy announcements.
The amount for the electricity bill relief payment will vary between households depending on current financial circumstances:
- 2.2 million households will receive $550 off their electricity bills
- A further 600,000 vulnerable households will get an additional $150, for a total of $700 in support
The energy rebate from the state government is in addition to the $500 bill relief previously promised by the federal government in its May budget, although you'll need to be eligible to receive this extra support.
If you're an eligible Queenslander, you'll now get up to $1,200 in total support.
"Last year the government introduced a record cost of living relief," premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says.
"But as inflation has continued to put pressure on Queensland households, we've increased its cost of living relief for everyone including $550 cost of living rebate."
Who is eligible for the energy rebates in Queensland?
All Queenslanders are eligible for the $550 'Cost of Living' rebate. This will be automatically applied to their energy account in the new financial year.
It's the same for the 600,000 residents eligible for a $700 rebate.
"Queensland's economic strength and success has allowed the government the opportunity to invest wisely in easing cost of living pressures for all Queenslanders," treasurer Cameron Dick says.
Why the focus on energy bills?
The government is targeting energy bills as a way of helping with the cost of living pressures.
The Sunshine state will have some of the sharpest energy price rises in the country, and this is especially the case for those in regional Queensland.
From 1 July 2023, the average bill will go up by $429 a year, or 28.7%. This will take the total yearly spending up to $1,926, the Queensland Competition Authority says.
Meanwhile, residents in South East Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast will see their bills rise by as much as 25%
The Queensland treasurer says the government's record budget surplus allows the government to help pay for the rising cost of electricity.
"Through this budget, Queenslanders will receive cost of living relief through their electricity bill, higher than anyone else in Australia," he concludes.
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