The cost of living relief schemes delivered by the 2023-2024 Palaszczuk Government State Budget will have a real impact on the lives of ordinary Queenslanders, said Chris Whiting MP.
The highest priority of the 2023-2024 Budget is cost of living relief and it delivers the strongest direct cost of living relief package of any Australian state government.
“The cost of living measures delivered in this Budget are outstanding and will reach every household in Deception Bay, North Lakes, Mango Hill, Rothwell and Burpengary East,” said Chris Whiting MP.
“Every one of Queensland’s 2.2 million households will receive an electricity rebate of $550.
“And that is because every Queensland household owns our electricity assets.
“For vulnerable households, they will get a $700 rebate. That is on top of an existing $372 rebate for them, so that is a total of a $1,072 rebate for Queensland pensioners.
“For many Queensland pensioners, that means they will be paying close to nothing for their electricity this year.
“And around 205,000 eligible Queensland small businesses will get an automatic $650 rebate on their electricity bill in 2023-2024 if they use less than 100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year.
We will provide funding for 15 hours of free kindy per week for four-year-old Queensland children from January 2024.
“That means some families can save up to $4,600 a year in fees.
“There is the expansion of the FairPlay voucher scheme so eligible children can get swimming lessons.
“More than 30,000 vouchers valued up to $150 will be available for children under the age of five to learn to swim.
“Learning to swim is so important in Queensland and this funding will change lives.
“For those regional Queenslanders that need to travel for essential healthcare, the patient Travel Subsidy Scheme will be increased by $70 million over 4 years.
“Once again, this could help save lives in Queensland.
“And from July, Queenslanders replacing their driver licence will pay just $35.
“This comprehensive program of cost of living relief is built on lower debt, a record surplus, and our progressive coal royalties scheme.
“No other government in Australia could deliver what we are delivering for Queenslanders,” said Chris Whiting MP.
