Budget promises price relief – but no cash handouts?

Things have been pretty tough lately, and everyone is doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. The rising cost of living is putting a lot of pressure on families, and we all need a bit of a break.

The good news is that relief for rising power bills is on the way. The bad news is that it's unlikely to come in the form of cash handouts.



Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's upcoming budget would bring relief for rising power bills. However, he downplayed expectations that cash handouts would be available for people across Australia.

Last December, the states and Commonwealth struck a deal to rebadge the $1.5 billion economic security package, which will now be the ‘centrepiece’ of the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as a part of the answer to Australians’ cost of living concerns.

‘We know that is a big part of the cost-of-living pressure that people are confronting right now. We'll try and take the edge off that where we can, but we’ve got to do it in a responsible way,’ he shared with reporters.

Mr Chalmers also added that they are going through the issues in a ‘methodical way’ so that the budget can meet all of the demands.


energy1.jpg
Mr Chalmers said relief for rising energy bills would be a key feature in the upcoming budget. Credit: Rodolfo Clix/Pexels

The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.

However, those who were hoping for further handouts could be left disappointed as Mr Chalmers emphasised there will be spending cuts in the upcoming budget.

He said: ‘We have indicated that we will be trimming spending further in the May budget, but that's so that we can make room to fund the things that we value, whether it’s health care or aged care, the NDIS, protecting our borders and our national security.’



The budget plan – which included a price cap on gas and coal prices – was announced late last year. It was aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing energy prices.

‘Our plan is designed to take some of the edge off these energy price rises, and we're really encouraged to see that's the case,’ Mr Chalmers told reporters at the time.

According to market analysis research, big electricity price increases expected in 2023 dropped ‘significantly’ since the federal government revealed its market intervention plans.

It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced.


energy2.jpg
According to previous reports, a $1.5bn package to help with energy prices. Credit: Oronzo Roberti/Pexels

But with the financial pressure that many across the country are facing, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up with energy costs. In one instance, a third-generation family business is about to face a $900,000 power bill increase.

Nippy’s, a family business with three different manufacturing sites in South Australia, is currently paying $916,000 a year on their current three-year electricity plan. But their latest quote revealed a staggering $1.7 million per year electricity contract – a 95 per cent increase from their current quote. Now, aside from the burden of having to find an extra $900,000 to pay for electricity, the business is also worried about passing on the costs to customers to stay afloat.

You can read more about this story here.



Mr Chalmers is set to travel to the U.S. this week to attend a series of meetings with global financial leaders, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, to discuss various international outlooks.

The Treasurer will be accompanied by Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. All three will head to Washington D.C. for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting.

The Federal Treasurer flagged the trip as a crucial meeting that will help shape the May 9 budget.

‘This is a challenging and complex time for the global economy. One of the defining influences on the budget that I hand down in May will be this global economic uncertainty. So, this quick brief visit to confer with my counterparts couldn’t be better timed,’ he said.
Key Takeaways
  • Relief for rising power bills will be a key feature of the upcoming budget, with a $1.5bn package announced.
  • The relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits for eligible people and small businesses.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed expectations of further cash handouts, instead flagging spending cuts in other areas.
  • Chalmers will attend meetings with global financial leaders in the US this week for discussions on the international outlook, which will influence the May 9 budget.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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Things have been pretty tough lately, and everyone is doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. The rising cost of living is putting a lot of pressure on families, and we all need a bit of a break.

The good news is that relief for rising power bills is on the way. The bad news is that it's unlikely to come in the form of cash handouts.



Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's upcoming budget would bring relief for rising power bills. However, he downplayed expectations that cash handouts would be available for people across Australia.

Last December, the states and Commonwealth struck a deal to rebadge the $1.5 billion economic security package, which will now be the ‘centrepiece’ of the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as a part of the answer to Australians’ cost of living concerns.

‘We know that is a big part of the cost-of-living pressure that people are confronting right now. We'll try and take the edge off that where we can, but we’ve got to do it in a responsible way,’ he shared with reporters.

Mr Chalmers also added that they are going through the issues in a ‘methodical way’ so that the budget can meet all of the demands.


View attachment 17269
Mr Chalmers said relief for rising energy bills would be a key feature in the upcoming budget. Credit: Rodolfo Clix/Pexels

The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.

However, those who were hoping for further handouts could be left disappointed as Mr Chalmers emphasised there will be spending cuts in the upcoming budget.

He said: ‘We have indicated that we will be trimming spending further in the May budget, but that's so that we can make room to fund the things that we value, whether it’s health care or aged care, the NDIS, protecting our borders and our national security.’



The budget plan – which included a price cap on gas and coal prices – was announced late last year. It was aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing energy prices.

‘Our plan is designed to take some of the edge off these energy price rises, and we're really encouraged to see that's the case,’ Mr Chalmers told reporters at the time.

According to market analysis research, big electricity price increases expected in 2023 dropped ‘significantly’ since the federal government revealed its market intervention plans.

It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced.


View attachment 17270
According to previous reports, a $1.5bn package to help with energy prices. Credit: Oronzo Roberti/Pexels

But with the financial pressure that many across the country are facing, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up with energy costs. In one instance, a third-generation family business is about to face a $900,000 power bill increase.

Nippy’s, a family business with three different manufacturing sites in South Australia, is currently paying $916,000 a year on their current three-year electricity plan. But their latest quote revealed a staggering $1.7 million per year electricity contract – a 95 per cent increase from their current quote. Now, aside from the burden of having to find an extra $900,000 to pay for electricity, the business is also worried about passing on the costs to customers to stay afloat.

You can read more about this story here.



Mr Chalmers is set to travel to the U.S. this week to attend a series of meetings with global financial leaders, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, to discuss various international outlooks.

The Treasurer will be accompanied by Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. All three will head to Washington D.C. for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting.

The Federal Treasurer flagged the trip as a crucial meeting that will help shape the May 9 budget.

‘This is a challenging and complex time for the global economy. One of the defining influences on the budget that I hand down in May will be this global economic uncertainty. So, this quick brief visit to confer with my counterparts couldn’t be better timed,’ he said.
Key Takeaways

  • Relief for rising power bills will be a key feature of the upcoming budget, with a $1.5bn package announced.
  • The relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits for eligible people and small businesses.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed expectations of further cash handouts, instead flagging spending cuts in other areas.
  • Chalmers will attend meetings with global financial leaders in the US this week for discussions on the international outlook, which will influence the May 9 budget.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan? Let us know in the comments below!
It's amazing that the government can find billions of dollars to buy submarines and missiles but wants everyone to tighten their belts because they can't afford Monday relief for people who live below the poverty line. I would also be interested to know if Mr. Chalmers and his staff are flying economy or first class on their taxpayer funded trip to the U.S. And they wonder why people don't trust politicians???
 
Things have been pretty tough lately, and everyone is doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. The rising cost of living is putting a lot of pressure on families, and we all need a bit of a break.

The good news is that relief for rising power bills is on the way. The bad news is that it's unlikely to come in the form of cash handouts.



Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's upcoming budget would bring relief for rising power bills. However, he downplayed expectations that cash handouts would be available for people across Australia.

Last December, the states and Commonwealth struck a deal to rebadge the $1.5 billion economic security package, which will now be the ‘centrepiece’ of the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as a part of the answer to Australians’ cost of living concerns.

‘We know that is a big part of the cost-of-living pressure that people are confronting right now. We'll try and take the edge off that where we can, but we’ve got to do it in a responsible way,’ he shared with reporters.

Mr Chalmers also added that they are going through the issues in a ‘methodical way’ so that the budget can meet all of the demands.


View attachment 17269
Mr Chalmers said relief for rising energy bills would be a key feature in the upcoming budget. Credit: Rodolfo Clix/Pexels

The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.

However, those who were hoping for further handouts could be left disappointed as Mr Chalmers emphasised there will be spending cuts in the upcoming budget.

He said: ‘We have indicated that we will be trimming spending further in the May budget, but that's so that we can make room to fund the things that we value, whether it’s health care or aged care, the NDIS, protecting our borders and our national security.’



The budget plan – which included a price cap on gas and coal prices – was announced late last year. It was aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing energy prices.

‘Our plan is designed to take some of the edge off these energy price rises, and we're really encouraged to see that's the case,’ Mr Chalmers told reporters at the time.

According to market analysis research, big electricity price increases expected in 2023 dropped ‘significantly’ since the federal government revealed its market intervention plans.

It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced.


View attachment 17270
According to previous reports, a $1.5bn package to help with energy prices. Credit: Oronzo Roberti/Pexels

But with the financial pressure that many across the country are facing, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up with energy costs. In one instance, a third-generation family business is about to face a $900,000 power bill increase.

Nippy’s, a family business with three different manufacturing sites in South Australia, is currently paying $916,000 a year on their current three-year electricity plan. But their latest quote revealed a staggering $1.7 million per year electricity contract – a 95 per cent increase from their current quote. Now, aside from the burden of having to find an extra $900,000 to pay for electricity, the business is also worried about passing on the costs to customers to stay afloat.

You can read more about this story here.



Mr Chalmers is set to travel to the U.S. this week to attend a series of meetings with global financial leaders, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, to discuss various international outlooks.

The Treasurer will be accompanied by Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. All three will head to Washington D.C. for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting.

The Federal Treasurer flagged the trip as a crucial meeting that will help shape the May 9 budget.

‘This is a challenging and complex time for the global economy. One of the defining influences on the budget that I hand down in May will be this global economic uncertainty. So, this quick brief visit to confer with my counterparts couldn’t be better timed,’ he said.
Key Takeaways

  • Relief for rising power bills will be a key feature of the upcoming budget, with a $1.5bn package announced.
  • The relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits for eligible people and small businesses.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed expectations of further cash handouts, instead flagging spending cuts in other areas.
  • Chalmers will attend meetings with global financial leaders in the US this week for discussions on the international outlook, which will influence the May 9 budget.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan? Let us know in the comments below!
That is no help at all to average Australians with mortgages and families
 
Things have been pretty tough lately, and everyone is doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. The rising cost of living is putting a lot of pressure on families, and we all need a bit of a break.

The good news is that relief for rising power bills is on the way. The bad news is that it's unlikely to come in the form of cash handouts.



Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's upcoming budget would bring relief for rising power bills. However, he downplayed expectations that cash handouts would be available for people across Australia.

Last December, the states and Commonwealth struck a deal to rebadge the $1.5 billion economic security package, which will now be the ‘centrepiece’ of the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as a part of the answer to Australians’ cost of living concerns.

‘We know that is a big part of the cost-of-living pressure that people are confronting right now. We'll try and take the edge off that where we can, but we’ve got to do it in a responsible way,’ he shared with reporters.

Mr Chalmers also added that they are going through the issues in a ‘methodical way’ so that the budget can meet all of the demands.


View attachment 17269
Mr Chalmers said relief for rising energy bills would be a key feature in the upcoming budget. Credit: Rodolfo Clix/Pexels

The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.

However, those who were hoping for further handouts could be left disappointed as Mr Chalmers emphasised there will be spending cuts in the upcoming budget.

He said: ‘We have indicated that we will be trimming spending further in the May budget, but that's so that we can make room to fund the things that we value, whether it’s health care or aged care, the NDIS, protecting our borders and our national security.’



The budget plan – which included a price cap on gas and coal prices – was announced late last year. It was aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing energy prices.

‘Our plan is designed to take some of the edge off these energy price rises, and we're really encouraged to see that's the case,’ Mr Chalmers told reporters at the time.

According to market analysis research, big electricity price increases expected in 2023 dropped ‘significantly’ since the federal government revealed its market intervention plans.

It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced.


View attachment 17270
According to previous reports, a $1.5bn package to help with energy prices. Credit: Oronzo Roberti/Pexels

But with the financial pressure that many across the country are facing, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up with energy costs. In one instance, a third-generation family business is about to face a $900,000 power bill increase.

Nippy’s, a family business with three different manufacturing sites in South Australia, is currently paying $916,000 a year on their current three-year electricity plan. But their latest quote revealed a staggering $1.7 million per year electricity contract – a 95 per cent increase from their current quote. Now, aside from the burden of having to find an extra $900,000 to pay for electricity, the business is also worried about passing on the costs to customers to stay afloat.

You can read more about this story here.



Mr Chalmers is set to travel to the U.S. this week to attend a series of meetings with global financial leaders, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, to discuss various international outlooks.

The Treasurer will be accompanied by Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. All three will head to Washington D.C. for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting.

The Federal Treasurer flagged the trip as a crucial meeting that will help shape the May 9 budget.

‘This is a challenging and complex time for the global economy. One of the defining influences on the budget that I hand down in May will be this global economic uncertainty. So, this quick brief visit to confer with my counterparts couldn’t be better timed,’ he said.
Key Takeaways

  • Relief for rising power bills will be a key feature of the upcoming budget, with a $1.5bn package announced.
  • The relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits for eligible people and small businesses.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed expectations of further cash handouts, instead flagging spending cuts in other areas.
  • Chalmers will attend meetings with global financial leaders in the US this week for discussions on the international outlook, which will influence the May 9 budget.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan? Let us know in the comments below!
"It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced."
I haven't noticed that yet, must be just in speical area's, Government Area's where the politicians live.
 
What they need to get rid of is the daily access charges, so we are only paying for the power we use. I got my mother's electricity bill today. She is an elderly lady with very low power usage (no computers or gaming machines etc). Her actual usage for the quarter is $131.70 and the daily supply charges are an extra $108.70. Her gas bill is the same, ie usage on last bill was $5.87 (she doesn't cook anymore)& daily charges were $117.24. This is what is making energy unaffordable. This is in Qld by the way.
 
Things have been pretty tough lately, and everyone is doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. The rising cost of living is putting a lot of pressure on families, and we all need a bit of a break.

The good news is that relief for rising power bills is on the way. The bad news is that it's unlikely to come in the form of cash handouts.



Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's upcoming budget would bring relief for rising power bills. However, he downplayed expectations that cash handouts would be available for people across Australia.

Last December, the states and Commonwealth struck a deal to rebadge the $1.5 billion economic security package, which will now be the ‘centrepiece’ of the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as a part of the answer to Australians’ cost of living concerns.

‘We know that is a big part of the cost-of-living pressure that people are confronting right now. We'll try and take the edge off that where we can, but we’ve got to do it in a responsible way,’ he shared with reporters.

Mr Chalmers also added that they are going through the issues in a ‘methodical way’ so that the budget can meet all of the demands.


View attachment 17269
Mr Chalmers said relief for rising energy bills would be a key feature in the upcoming budget. Credit: Rodolfo Clix/Pexels

The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.

However, those who were hoping for further handouts could be left disappointed as Mr Chalmers emphasised there will be spending cuts in the upcoming budget.

He said: ‘We have indicated that we will be trimming spending further in the May budget, but that's so that we can make room to fund the things that we value, whether it’s health care or aged care, the NDIS, protecting our borders and our national security.’



The budget plan – which included a price cap on gas and coal prices – was announced late last year. It was aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing energy prices.

‘Our plan is designed to take some of the edge off these energy price rises, and we're really encouraged to see that's the case,’ Mr Chalmers told reporters at the time.

According to market analysis research, big electricity price increases expected in 2023 dropped ‘significantly’ since the federal government revealed its market intervention plans.

It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced.


View attachment 17270
According to previous reports, a $1.5bn package to help with energy prices. Credit: Oronzo Roberti/Pexels

But with the financial pressure that many across the country are facing, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up with energy costs. In one instance, a third-generation family business is about to face a $900,000 power bill increase.

Nippy’s, a family business with three different manufacturing sites in South Australia, is currently paying $916,000 a year on their current three-year electricity plan. But their latest quote revealed a staggering $1.7 million per year electricity contract – a 95 per cent increase from their current quote. Now, aside from the burden of having to find an extra $900,000 to pay for electricity, the business is also worried about passing on the costs to customers to stay afloat.

You can read more about this story here.



Mr Chalmers is set to travel to the U.S. this week to attend a series of meetings with global financial leaders, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, to discuss various international outlooks.

The Treasurer will be accompanied by Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. All three will head to Washington D.C. for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting.

The Federal Treasurer flagged the trip as a crucial meeting that will help shape the May 9 budget.

‘This is a challenging and complex time for the global economy. One of the defining influences on the budget that I hand down in May will be this global economic uncertainty. So, this quick brief visit to confer with my counterparts couldn’t be better timed,’ he said.
Key Takeaways

  • Relief for rising power bills will be a key feature of the upcoming budget, with a $1.5bn package announced.
  • The relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits for eligible people and small businesses.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed expectations of further cash handouts, instead flagging spending cuts in other areas.
  • Chalmers will attend meetings with global financial leaders in the US this week for discussions on the international outlook, which will influence the May 9 budget.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan? Let us know in the comments below!
we live in a village where our electricity is supplied at the commercial rate directly to the main hub in the village and then distributed to each dwelling. We do not have an account with the electricity company. We pay our power bill to the owners of the village. As pensioners how will we get a rebate on our account?.
 
Things have been pretty tough lately, and everyone is doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. The rising cost of living is putting a lot of pressure on families, and we all need a bit of a break.

The good news is that relief for rising power bills is on the way. The bad news is that it's unlikely to come in the form of cash handouts.



Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's upcoming budget would bring relief for rising power bills. However, he downplayed expectations that cash handouts would be available for people across Australia.

Last December, the states and Commonwealth struck a deal to rebadge the $1.5 billion economic security package, which will now be the ‘centrepiece’ of the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as a part of the answer to Australians’ cost of living concerns.

‘We know that is a big part of the cost-of-living pressure that people are confronting right now. We'll try and take the edge off that where we can, but we’ve got to do it in a responsible way,’ he shared with reporters.

Mr Chalmers also added that they are going through the issues in a ‘methodical way’ so that the budget can meet all of the demands.


View attachment 17269
Mr Chalmers said relief for rising energy bills would be a key feature in the upcoming budget. Credit: Rodolfo Clix/Pexels

The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.

However, those who were hoping for further handouts could be left disappointed as Mr Chalmers emphasised there will be spending cuts in the upcoming budget.

He said: ‘We have indicated that we will be trimming spending further in the May budget, but that's so that we can make room to fund the things that we value, whether it’s health care or aged care, the NDIS, protecting our borders and our national security.’



The budget plan – which included a price cap on gas and coal prices – was announced late last year. It was aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing energy prices.

‘Our plan is designed to take some of the edge off these energy price rises, and we're really encouraged to see that's the case,’ Mr Chalmers told reporters at the time.

According to market analysis research, big electricity price increases expected in 2023 dropped ‘significantly’ since the federal government revealed its market intervention plans.

It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced.


View attachment 17270
According to previous reports, a $1.5bn package to help with energy prices. Credit: Oronzo Roberti/Pexels

But with the financial pressure that many across the country are facing, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up with energy costs. In one instance, a third-generation family business is about to face a $900,000 power bill increase.

Nippy’s, a family business with three different manufacturing sites in South Australia, is currently paying $916,000 a year on their current three-year electricity plan. But their latest quote revealed a staggering $1.7 million per year electricity contract – a 95 per cent increase from their current quote. Now, aside from the burden of having to find an extra $900,000 to pay for electricity, the business is also worried about passing on the costs to customers to stay afloat.

You can read more about this story here.



Mr Chalmers is set to travel to the U.S. this week to attend a series of meetings with global financial leaders, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, to discuss various international outlooks.

The Treasurer will be accompanied by Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. All three will head to Washington D.C. for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting.

The Federal Treasurer flagged the trip as a crucial meeting that will help shape the May 9 budget.

‘This is a challenging and complex time for the global economy. One of the defining influences on the budget that I hand down in May will be this global economic uncertainty. So, this quick brief visit to confer with my counterparts couldn’t be better timed,’ he said.
Key Takeaways

  • Relief for rising power bills will be a key feature of the upcoming budget, with a $1.5bn package announced.
  • The relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits for eligible people and small businesses.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed expectations of further cash handouts, instead flagging spending cuts in other areas.
  • Chalmers will attend meetings with global financial leaders in the US this week for discussions on the international outlook, which will influence the May 9 budget.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan? Let us know in the comments below!
Only the gullible will swallow anything snake chalmer says. He and his sleazy boss created the financial mess we are all suffering. Everyone was warned repeatedly "IT WON'T BE EASY UNDER ALBANESE." Oh how true that has turned out to be. What about all the promises that this mob of turkeys made to get elected. All lies. Now, just like his boss, snake chalmer is off on another overseas holiday at tax payer's expense in the guise of attending meetings with financial leaders. Trying to impress, looking for cushy job offers and wining & dining more like it.
 
Things have been pretty tough lately, and everyone is doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. The rising cost of living is putting a lot of pressure on families, and we all need a bit of a break.

The good news is that relief for rising power bills is on the way. The bad news is that it's unlikely to come in the form of cash handouts.



Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government's upcoming budget would bring relief for rising power bills. However, he downplayed expectations that cash handouts would be available for people across Australia.

Last December, the states and Commonwealth struck a deal to rebadge the $1.5 billion economic security package, which will now be the ‘centrepiece’ of the upcoming budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described it as a part of the answer to Australians’ cost of living concerns.

‘We know that is a big part of the cost-of-living pressure that people are confronting right now. We'll try and take the edge off that where we can, but we’ve got to do it in a responsible way,’ he shared with reporters.

Mr Chalmers also added that they are going through the issues in a ‘methodical way’ so that the budget can meet all of the demands.


View attachment 17269
Mr Chalmers said relief for rising energy bills would be a key feature in the upcoming budget. Credit: Rodolfo Clix/Pexels

The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.

However, those who were hoping for further handouts could be left disappointed as Mr Chalmers emphasised there will be spending cuts in the upcoming budget.

He said: ‘We have indicated that we will be trimming spending further in the May budget, but that's so that we can make room to fund the things that we value, whether it’s health care or aged care, the NDIS, protecting our borders and our national security.’



The budget plan – which included a price cap on gas and coal prices – was announced late last year. It was aimed at bringing down the skyrocketing energy prices.

‘Our plan is designed to take some of the edge off these energy price rises, and we're really encouraged to see that's the case,’ Mr Chalmers told reporters at the time.

According to market analysis research, big electricity price increases expected in 2023 dropped ‘significantly’ since the federal government revealed its market intervention plans.

It also showed a wholesale price drop of 41 per cent in NSW, 46 per cent in Queensland, 34 per cent in Victoria, and 48 per cent in South Australia in early February compared to November of last year – before the price caps were announced.


View attachment 17270
According to previous reports, a $1.5bn package to help with energy prices. Credit: Oronzo Roberti/Pexels

But with the financial pressure that many across the country are facing, it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up with energy costs. In one instance, a third-generation family business is about to face a $900,000 power bill increase.

Nippy’s, a family business with three different manufacturing sites in South Australia, is currently paying $916,000 a year on their current three-year electricity plan. But their latest quote revealed a staggering $1.7 million per year electricity contract – a 95 per cent increase from their current quote. Now, aside from the burden of having to find an extra $900,000 to pay for electricity, the business is also worried about passing on the costs to customers to stay afloat.

You can read more about this story here.



Mr Chalmers is set to travel to the U.S. this week to attend a series of meetings with global financial leaders, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, to discuss various international outlooks.

The Treasurer will be accompanied by Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy. All three will head to Washington D.C. for the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors’ meeting.

The Federal Treasurer flagged the trip as a crucial meeting that will help shape the May 9 budget.

‘This is a challenging and complex time for the global economy. One of the defining influences on the budget that I hand down in May will be this global economic uncertainty. So, this quick brief visit to confer with my counterparts couldn’t be better timed,’ he said.
Key Takeaways

  • Relief for rising power bills will be a key feature of the upcoming budget, with a $1.5bn package announced.
  • The relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits for eligible people and small businesses.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers downplayed expectations of further cash handouts, instead flagging spending cuts in other areas.
  • Chalmers will attend meetings with global financial leaders in the US this week for discussions on the international outlook, which will influence the May 9 budget.
What are your thoughts on the government’s plan? Let us know in the comments below!
Seeing is believing!.
 
Only the gullible will swallow anything snake chalmer says. He and his sleazy boss created the financial mess we are all suffering. Everyone was warned repeatedly "IT WON'T BE EASY UNDER ALBANESE." Oh how true that has turned out to be. What about all the promises that this mob of turkeys made to get elected. All lies. Now, just like his boss, snake chalmer is off on another overseas holiday at tax payer's expense in the guise of attending meetings with financial leaders. Trying to impress, looking for cushy job offers and wining & dining more like it.
Sounds like a right-wing rant and is especially hilarious because it is the LNP mess we are cleaning up!
 
Only the gullible will swallow anything snake chalmer says. He and his sleazy boss created the financial mess we are all suffering. Everyone was warned repeatedly "IT WON'T BE EASY UNDER ALBANESE." Oh how true that has turned out to be. What about all the promises that this mob of turkeys made to get elected. All lies. Now, just like his boss, snake chalmer is off on another overseas holiday at tax payer's expense in the guise of attending meetings with financial leaders. Trying to impress, looking for cushy job offers and wining & dining more like it.
So you are saying that the COALition weren't doing the same things you accuse Labor of doing? Are you serious?
 
What they need to get rid of is the daily access charges, so we are only paying for the power we use. I got my mother's electricity bill today. She is an elderly lady with very low power usage (no computers or gaming machines etc). Her actual usage for the quarter is $131.70 and the daily supply charges are an extra $108.70. Her gas bill is the same, ie usage on last bill was $5.87 (she doesn't cook anymore)& daily charges were $117.24. This is what is making energy unaffordable. This is in Qld by the way.
I agree...bigger daily supply charges than usage for me too. It's wrong.
 
The price relief will be applied directly to power bills as credits instead of cash handouts. This will be available to people who are on income support, or pensions, recipients of the family tax benefit, and to small businesses.
I agree with the above statement and was so hoping to see bill credits!!! Cash handouts never go, to where they should go, look at a lot of the past handouts!
I also think that the once a year Energy Concession Payment should also be paid out as 'Credits', then the money will actually be used, as intended!!
 
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I didn’t see W.A listed maybe we have to wait awhile!
I follow WA power politics, having worked for Western Power & Alinta. WA is lucky that when the Dampier to Bunbury pipeline was built, the govt of the time reserved 20% of gas production for domestic use. A very wise decision at the time. Eastern states should be doing the same, things would be very different for them now, if the same had been done over there.
 
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Only the gullible will swallow anything snake chalmer says. He and his sleazy boss created the financial mess we are all suffering. Everyone was warned repeatedly "IT WON'T BE EASY UNDER ALBANESE." Oh how true that has turned out to be. What about all the promises that this mob of turkeys made to get elected. All lies. Now, just like his boss, snake chalmer is off on another overseas holiday at tax payer's expense in the guise of attending meetings with financial leaders. Trying to impress, looking for cushy job offers and wining & dining more like it.
Well, they're a damn sight better than the previous mob!
 

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