From energy bills to transport costs: $300 to $1,672 rebates and relief measures across Australia

As the cost of living rises, many Australians feel the pinch. But there's some good news on the horizon for those looking to ease the financial burden.

A range of government rebates and relief packages are rolling out across the country, with some Aussies eligible to receive anywhere from $300 to a substantial $1,672 in support.

If you're over 60 and wondering how to benefit from these initiatives, it's time to pay close attention to what's available in your state.


We've delved into the details to give you a comprehensive guide on the cost-of-living relief measures that could significantly impact your budget this month.

The federal government has stepped in to ease energy bill pressures for residents of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Eligible customers will see a $300 energy bill rebate applied to their accounts in the next billing cycle.


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Australians can access various state-specific rebates and relief measures in August to help with cost-of-living pressures. Credit: Shutterstock


Queenslanders have already started to benefit from this rebate, in addition to a generous $1,000 electricity rebate that kicked in from July.

Each state has its own set of rebates and concessions, so let's break it down:

Eligible South Australians can look forward to a $255.60 Cost Of Living Concession, an annual payment aimed at helping pensioners, Centrelink recipients, and low-income households.


Check the government's official website to find out if you're eligible for this or other concessions.

In Western Australia, seniors can expect a Cost-of-Living Rebate this month.

Singles will receive $107.12, while couples will receive $160.68. These payments are part of the annual rebate for eligible WA Seniors Card Members.

Queensland is leading the charge with a 'record' $11 billion cost-of-living relief package.

The new benefits include a 50 per cent discount on Translink public transport fares and half-price Airtrain tickets for six months, a 20 per cent reduction on vehicle registration fees for a year starting in September, and $200 FairPlay vouchers for sports and recreation valid until June 2025.


Additionally, eligible seniors, pensioners, and concession card holders can receive up to $1,300 in electricity bill rebates, combining a $1,000 state rebate with a $300 federal rebate, potentially reducing their bills by up to $1,672.

While New South Wales doesn't have new initiatives specifically for August, there are several ongoing measures to assist with living costs:

The new benefits include a $60 weekly toll cap with rebates up to $340 for motorists exceeding this limit and $50 vouchers for Active and Creative Kids available twice a year for various activities.

Up to $4,220 in early childhood fee relief for eligible preschool programs, $350 in energy rebates for qualifying households, and a $250 rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing.

While Victoria and Tasmania don't have new support rolling out this month, they do have upcoming savings to look forward to, such as the $400 school saving bonus in Victoria and the $250 Energy Bill Relief rebate in Tasmania.


The Australian Capital Territory offers a $250 Cost Of Living Payment for apprentices and tradies.

The Northern Territory doesn't have new relief schemes for August, but residents should monitor available concessions and rebates.

With so many rebates and concessions available, checking your eligibility and applying where necessary is crucial.

These measures can provide significant financial relief, but they often require action to receive them.


In related news, Centrelink recipients are eligible for an automatic electricity bill rebate, with amounts varying by state.

Services Australia will send letters to recipients with instructions on how to authorise the sharing of their details with electricity retailers for automatic payment. For more information, click here.
Key Takeaways
  • Australians across the country are facing cost-of-living pressures, and various rebates and relief measures are available in different states starting in August.
  • The federal government's $300 energy bill rebate will begin applying to eligible customer accounts in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia in their next billing cycle, while Queenslanders have additional state rebates.
  • Specific states such as Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia offer unique concessions and rebates this month, including public transport discounts, registration fee reductions, energy bill rebates, and vouchers for sports and recreation.
  • Residents are encouraged to check their eligibility for a range of concessions and rebates that could alleviate financial pressure, with some support measures also outlined for New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Have you applied for any of these rebates or concessions? What has your experience been like? Share your stories in the comments below.
 
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If the federal government had kept to the promise of lowering energy bills in the first place they wouldn't have to throw hard earned taxpayers money in, stop destroying forests with stupid wind farms for a start.
I doubt the LNP would have done anything given their bias to big business. Our current PM is too timid and his measures are half hearted and Insufficient.
 
I doubt the LNP would have done anything given their bias to big business. Our current PM is too timid and his measures are half hearted and Insufficient.
Our current prime minister is our very own Biden, if this is the alternative then we are, and there's no doubt we are in deep trouble, this pathetic government is only interested in feeding the elites and pandering to a world government where control of the people is the end game. 😡
 
Our current prime minister is our very own Biden, if this is the alternative then we are, and there's no doubt we are in deep trouble, this pathetic government is only interested in feeding the elites and pandering to a world government where control of the people is the end game. 😡
What a load of liberal crock!
 
If the federal government had kept to the promise of lowering energy bills in the first place they wouldn't have to throw hard earned taxpayers money in, stop destroying forests with stupid wind farms for a start.
So what do we do about pollution, climate change etc? Where are these forests being destroyed for wind farms? I do not know of any, as forests are mainly destroyed for timber.
 
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Just remember in Queensland we have a state election in October, these are not attemps to ease the cost of living but unconscionable labor buying votes
Rightly said. Bribes for votes. The verbal insults of anti LNP or LABOUR by people everywhere including here blaming one party verses the other party. Once in they all end up going the same way and the economy doesn't get any better. My opinion: don't expect any great improvement by either government any time soon or ever for that matter.
 
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Still waiting for the "substantial increase in Rent Assistance' promised along with energy relief from July 1st. So far .... more Crickets. Just what the actual is going on?
 
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