Minister urges seniors to take up concessions

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has urged seniors to make sure they are getting electricity concessions, advice and the support the government provides to manage their power bills.

“I understand that householders are concerned about the cost of living but I also know that electricity prices are coming down in Queensland,” he said.

“I’m concerned that Gold Coast people doing it tough may be missing out on assistance we have in place to make energy affordable for them.’’ 

Pensioner Concession Card holders, Queensland Seniors Card holders, Commonwealth Health Care Card holders, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders and asylum seekers are entitled to an electricity rebate of up to $340.85 per year.

“I’d encourage anyone in this group who is not receiving the electricity rebate, or who is concerned about their power bill, to contact their retailer today – and talk to their retailer’s hardship team.

“Householders should check with their retailer that they are on the best deal, or shop around for a better deal.

“As well, all retailers are required to have a hardship policy, including offering options such as payment plans for energy customers having difficulty paying their bills.”

Local community centres and the Good Money store at Southport, funded by the Queensland Government as part of its Financial Literacy Program, also can provide information to residents on how to help manage household energy costs.

Dr Lynham said it was hypocritical of local LNP members to be talking about electricity prices when prices rose dramatically on their watch and their boss Malcom Turnbull had tried three times to cut an energy supplement for pensions.

“Electricity bills are on the way down for Queensland households under Labor,” he said.

“Since 1 July, electricity providers in the south-east corner have been offering cuts of between 1.3 and 8.6 per cent.

“The Palaszczuk Government is providing concessions to eligible Queensland households, including electricity, rates, water and gas concessions.

“Every household is receiving $50 off their power bill this year, and next year, and our price cap guarantees that electricity prices will not rise above inflation for two years.  

 “Under the LNP, electricity prices rose by 43 per cent.

 “And under their proposed policies, government spending will rise by more than $700 million over four years. 

 “Are they going to sack teachers and nurses again to fund that?

 “And how can you rely on anything they say when their leader can’t stick with an energy policy for more than a month.

“Last month Deb Frecklington told Parliament that an LNP Government would require government-owned generators to support renewable energy.

“Her boss Malcolm Turnbull said on Wednesday that it shouldn’t be mandated.

“Yesterday, she said it was up to the generators what sort of energy they invest in.”

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Media inquiries: David Potter 0428 411 617