Palaszczuk Government commits to seniors and pensioners concession spend despite Abbott and Hockeys funding cuts

More than 500,000 aged Pensioners and Seniors Card holders will receive one or more of the core energy, water and transport concessions in the July 14 State Budget.

Those eligible could get up to $710 in concessions and 50% off their vehicle registration and Translink public transport fares.

A total of $347 million has been set aside for concessions – up $12 million from last year’s Budget - which includes $52 million this year alone to make-up for Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey’s ongoing cuts to the pensioners’ scheme.

The increased funding comes after the Abbott/Hockey Government terminated its $223 million National Partnership funding for Queensland Concessions over four years – equivalent to 15 per cent of the cost of these concessions.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said despite the federal cuts and tight economic conditions, the Palaszczuk Government was determined to maintain concessions for Queensland pensioners.

“Cutting back their funding as the Newman LNP Government attempted last year was never an option for our government, with or without Federal Government help,” Mr Bailey said.

“They are a very significant part of the social safety net, and have been since the Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card was introduced 21 years ago.”

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said assisting seniors and pensioners was a priority for the Labor Government.

“This age group represents some of the most vulnerable in our society, who more often than not, struggle with their household budgets,” Ms Fentiman said.

“They deserve and have earned a fair go and proper recognition.”

The 2015-16 Electricity Rebate will remain at $321, while the Natural Gas Rebate Scheme increases to $69 in 2015-16.

Water and local government rate subsidies remain the same, as do the reductions for vehicle registrations and bus, ferry and rail transport.

Concession                                                                2015- 2016

Electricity Rebate Scheme                                              $321

Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme                                     $200

Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate Scheme                          $69

SEQ Pensioner Water                                                     $120

TOTAL                                                                          $710

Vehicle registration concessions                                     50%

Translink Transport Concessions (SEQ)                           50%

Rail Concession Scheme                             Four free long distance trips year

Media Contacts:

For Minister Bailey:           0439 547 522

For Minister Fentiman:   0437 336 232