QLD households and eligible small business will receive an energy rebate in the coming financial year amid a rare budget surplus. Photo by Squirrel_Photos via Pixabay
Queensland households and eligible small business will receive an “energy relief payment” in the coming financial year amid a rare budget surplus.
An estimated 2.2 million households across the state will receive an energy rebate of $550 subtracted from their power bills in the 2023-24 financial year.
Furthermore, 600,000 concession holders will receive an increased rebate of $700 in addition to the existing $372 power discount.
An estimated 205,000 small businesses will also be eligible for $650 electricity rebate.
The rebate is set to be automatically subtracted from the bill instead of being given directly to consumers, in an effort to mitigate inflation.
The record surplus in the Queensland budget is largely due to coal royalty rates introduced by Treasurer Cameron Dick during the last state budget, despite strong opposition from the mining sector.
“Our decision to take on the mining lobby, to stand our ground, and to fight for the people of our state has delivered a rich reward for Queenslanders,” Mr Dick said.
“Those coal companies will earn four times as much in revenue as Queenslanders make in royalties.”
The energy relief payment was accompanied by the announcement that kindergarten would be free for up to 15 hours a week from 2024.
The health sector will also receive a significant boost in the coming financial year, with $9.8 billion allocated to hospital construction and expansion across the state.
A significant portion of the health budget would be used to tackle the issue of ambulance ramping, with further spending dedicated to employing paramedics and new ambulances.
Nursing and midwifery students will also be able to benefit from a cost-of-living allowance to support their study.
Youth justice and social housing will also see significant spending, which includes the construction of two new youth detention centres and 500 social homes.
Other states and territories across Australia will also receive an energy rebate, however, for most states, eligibility will be limited to small businesses and concession holders for household payments.
The measure will take effect from July 1, however, it could be a while before the deductions are applied.
