Financial and organisational help for seniors and carers

Queensland seniors have been encouraged to make the most of concessions, rebates and discounts which can put thousands of dollars back into their bank accounts and make life more affordable.

Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Craig Crawford said the recent budget delivered almost $450 million in concessions to help eligible Queenslanders, including eligible seniors, save on the cost of living.

“Seniors have made lifelong contributions to make our state the great place we enjoy today, and they deserve a return on that hard work,” Mr Crawford said.

“As a government we are committed to supporting seniors with the cost of living.

“For example under the Queensland Concessions Schemes, eligible seniors can save up to $415 per year on their electricity and gas bills, up to $200 per year on their rates, up to $120 per year on water bills and up to 50 per cent on their car registration.

“Seniors are also able to save money using their Seniors Card, Seniors Card +go and Seniors Business Discount Card by accessing generous discounts on goods and services at participating Queensland businesses.

“Through the Seniors Card and Seniors Card +go, seniors can also save money on public transport fares.

“I encourage all seniors to make the most of our cards and concessions, and check what they are eligible to save money on, by visiting www.qld.gov.au/smartsavings.”

Mr Crawford today also announced that new members of the Queensland Carers Advisory Council will be appointed next year.

“More than 533,000 Queenslanders provide unpaid support to another person on a daily basis as a largely unseen and unsung workforce,” he said.

“The Queensland Carers Advisory Council provides a direct voice to Government for the  one in nine Queenslanders who perform this selfless service.”

The council of 12 is made up of four carers including a grandparent carer, four representatives from carer organisations and four state Government agency representatives.

“We will progress new appointments to the Queensland Carers Advisory Council by mid-2021,” Mr Crawford said.

ENDS