Cost of Living Relief for Stretton Electorate Locals
My recent cost of living survey showed many in our community were struggling with the rising cost of living – as are many other across Queensland. This month’s Queensland state budget is centred around helping people get through this challenging time by delivering cost of living relief to all Queenslanders – with extra assistance for those that need it most.
Here are some of the highlights.
Electricity rebates
Every Queensland household will receive a $550 Cost of Living rebate on their electricity bill.
For most households, the rebate will be credited to electricity bills on a quarterly basis commencing from 1 July 2023.
Free Kindy for all Queensland families
From 1 January 2024, all kindy-age children will get 15 hours per week free kindergarten, regardless if they attend a stand-alone community kindy or do kindy at a long day care.
Kindy is the government approved 15 hour a week education program a child can do the year before they start school. This is expected to save families around $4,600 a year.
Support for Pensioners and Seniors
Announced in this budget, pensioners and eligible concession holders will receive up to $1,072 in electricity rebates.
For most households, the rebate will be credited to electricity bills on a quarterly basis commencing from 1 July 2023.
For seniors and pensioners we’ve also previously announced further cost of living relief including:
- Up to $120 a year off water costs
- Up to $200 a year off local government rates
- A free pair of basic prescription glasses every two years
- Discounted public transport travel
- Cheaper car registration
- Home Assist Secure – $500/year for maintenance work around the house.
Other cost of living support that has also been announced includes:
Limiting rent increases to once a year
The Palaszczuk Government has announced it will support renters by limiting rent increases to once a year, rather than every six months.
The annual limit on rent increases will apply to all new and existing tenancies from 1 July 2023 onwards. This brings us in line with other states and territories.
Cheaper medicines
The federal Albanese Government has reduced the maximum co-payment for prescription medicines to $30. For concession card holders the maximum payment is $7.30.
The government is also introducing 60 day scripts for more than 300 medications that treat chronic conditions. The changes will mean patients receive two months worth of medication for a single co-payment, effectively halving the cost of these medications.
Need more information?
Budget 23/24 website: www.budget.qld.gov.au
Check your eligibility for a range of rebates and discounted programs at: www.queenslandsavers.qld.gov.au
Check out my News page to stay up to date with that’s happening in our community.
Read My Plan for the Stretton electorate.
