'Households are being overwhelmed': Delayed $300 rebate sparks outrage among Aussies

In a time when every penny counts, Australians look forward to a bit of relief from the soaring cost of living.

A promised energy rebate turned Aussies' anticipation into frustration as several factors caused a delay in the much-needed funds.


The promise of relief was a beacon of hope for struggling households in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Households in these areas expected a $75 credit towards their power bills, which should have been implemented since 1 July.

As the said date rolled in, the absence of the discount on their energy bills led to a flood of complaints and confusion.

Energy giant Origin Energy addressed the issue publicly, stating on its website that there's been a 'delay in rebate payments' for customers in the states mentioned above.


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The supposed energy rebate faced delays due to bureaucratic processes in several states. Image Credit: Shutterstock/MPIX


The Herald Sun also reported that the delay is due to the three states being slow to sign a legal document that would authorise retailers to apply the rebate.

The Australian Energy Council shared that retailers are ready to deliver the relief payments as soon as they can.

They have also clarified that while the federal government is providing the funds, the states and territories should administer them.

Retailers are waiting for the final arrangements to be approved so they can start sending the payments on customers' bills.


Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the $300 energy rebate in May's Budget.

More than 10 million households should receive a total rebate of $300 in the form of $75 credits to their quarterly power bill over the financial year.

Retailers reassured customers that they will receive their full payments. However, when they will receive the payments will still be determined.

Victorian opposition energy spokesman David Davis called on Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio to expedite the process and ensure that the promised relief is delivered promptly.

'Households are being overwhelmed by surging energy costs, and they deserve immediate access to promised relief, although it will barely touch the sides,' Spokesman Davis said.

Social service groups, such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, also weighed in on the delays.

A representative from the society, Gavin Dufty, urged for a reduction in the 'bureaucratic red tape' hindering people from receiving their well-deserved relief.


Apart from the energy relief, the Albanese government also announced other cost-of-living measures.

These measures included fee-free TAFE, energy price relief, reduced medicine prices, and the largest increase in rent assistance in 30 years.

While Queenslanders already saw their credits applied to their bills—along with an additional $1000 from the Miles government—residents in NSW, Victoria, and South Australia are still waiting.

The rebate scheme was also touted as a measure to push down inflation, which is currently running at 3.8 per cent.

Dr Chalmers stated that the Treasury estimated the rebate would reduce headline inflation by around half a percentage point for the year 2024-2025, and would not add to broader inflationary pressures.

This situation left many Australians feeling they cannot catch a break with the rising costs of living.

The rebate delay is more than just an inconvenience; it's a significant blow to those who were counting on this relief to manage their budgets.
Key Takeaways

  • Anthony Albanese's cost-of-living relief promise, which included a $300 energy rebate, faced delays due to red tape in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
  • Struggling households expecting the $75 credit towards their quarterly power bills were disappointed when the promised relief did not appear as scheduled.
  • The energy rebate, which was supposed to start on 1 July, has been held up as states still need to sign a legal document authorising the disbursement.
  • Social service groups and opposition politicians urged the state governments to expedite the paperwork to ensure that households receive the promised relief promptly.
Were you affected by the energy rebate delays? How are you coping with the rising costs of living? Share your experiences and insights with the community in the comments below.
 
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I'm received mine on the 1st July, lucky l live in Queensland. This was a great help. I'm also with Origin, so no they haven't pocketed the rebate, like some comments have suggested. Also received the $1000, from the state government. Every little bit helps. 😀
 
We lucky sods in Tasmnaia are going to get a nice new AFL footie stadium in the city centre at cost to youse taxpayers out there of $750 000 000 and the ratepayers of Clarence on the eastern shore, just across the Derwent, next to the famous bridge that a ship knocked down, are going to have two Clarence City Centre public parks ripped up for an AFL training centre at cost of $70 000 000. Gee; aren't we lucky! And you lot whinge about a $300 rebate for your energy costs! Gimme a break! Must run and go kick some balls around!
You're own 💬
 
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Reactions: Dynamo and Monks
Everything started to be buggered up when Keating was Treasurer. Howard and and succeeding Tory governments are responsible for the ensuing 30 years of buggery. Albanese has only been around for 2 years; trying to repair the damage of Howard et al.'s privatisation of everything is near-impossible and 60 % of Australia would whinge mightily if he tried; that's "socialism"!
Trying to repair the damage ? Are you kidding!!
 
I was wondering if we were getting the $75 as my bill I had to pay $58.74 out of pocket for electricity, and for a pensioner, this was not what I needed in my last bill. If I had received this $75 I would be better off.
 
We lucky sods in Tasmnaia are going to get a nice new AFL footie stadium in the city centre at cost to youse taxpayers out there of $750 000 000 and the ratepayers of Clarence on the eastern shore, just across the Derwent, next to the famous bridge that a ship knocked down, are going to have two Clarence City Centre public parks ripped up for an AFL training centre at cost of $70 000 000. Gee; aren't we lucky! And you lot whinge about a $300 rebate for your energy costs! Gimme a break! Must run and go kick some balls around!
You mean kick someone in the balls?
 
Everything started to be buggered up when Keating was Treasurer. Howard and and succeeding Tory governments are responsible for the ensuing 30 years of buggery. Albanese has only been around for 2 years; trying to repair the damage of Howard et al.'s privatisation of everything is near-impossible and 60 % of Australia would whinge mightily if he tried; that's "socialism"!
Nationalise power utilities, nationalise health care, national the railways, bring in a National Insurance Scheme to pay for Old-age pensions for all. It worked in the UK. Oh; it took the Great Depression and WW2 to get a decent Labour Party into power for 5 years and in that 5 years they achieved a huge amount including 1 million "Council Houses" built.

Bad luck Australia; keep voting Tory.
 
Everything started to be buggered up when Keating was Treasurer. Howard and and succeeding Tory governments are responsible for the ensuing 30 years of buggery. Albanese has only been around for 2 years; trying to repair the damage of Howard et al.'s privatisation of everything is near-impossible and 60 % of Australia would whinge mightily if he tried; that's "socialism"!
 
Of course there is a delay. Giving the public the pitiful help we are promised $75 a quarter is not going to do much to help with soaring energy bills. The government can't even get that promise right.
A dear 87 year old friend of mine who lives alone got the shock of her life a $1000 gas bill. Estimated of course. Excuse dog on premises. This lady has not owned a dog in the past 10 years.
Her son spent hours on the phone sorting this mess out. Being an older lady my friend is not at all technology interested does not have a mobile phone or PC so has no idea or interest in learning how to change companies. I have offered to help, but it's to overwhelming for my friend to even consider. It's dreadful to think this darling lady goes to bed early to stay warm because of fear of her winter gas bill being to expensive. Her only income is aged pension.
Just not good enough.
Kind regards to all Vicki
My goodness that’s just horrid…. What a dreadful thing for an elder to try and deal with ….She is fortunate to have a son and a kind neighbour to help her…….. totally agree with you …It really is not good enough……It really is hard to deal with agencies who really don’t care very much, and to whom you have to Jump through hoops to obtain a resolution :(
 
My goodness that’s just horrid…. What a dreadful thing for an elder to try and deal with ….She is fortunate to have a son and a kind neighbour to help her…….. totally agree with you …It really is not good enough……It really is hard to deal with agencies who really don’t care very much, and to whom you have to Jump through hoops to obtain a resolution :(
That's the price of privatisation and thus foreign ownership of Australia's critical infrastructure.
 
I got my pension increase straight away. Or are we just having a whinge?
No I haven't got mine or money off the electricity. Are we supposed to get it off the gas too. After all that's what a lot of us have for heating. I'm sitting in my bed with the blankets over me and Beau is under the doona 💬
I got my pension increase straight away. Or are we just having a whinge?
Not having a whinge, stating facts.
I got my pension increase straight away. Or are we just having a whinge?

I got my pension increase straight away. Or are we just having a whinge?
Not having a whinge for no reason. Haven't got any increase or anything for electricity 😰
 
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No I haven't got mine or money off the electricity. Are we supposed to get it off the gas too. After all that's what a lot of us have for heating. I'm sitting in my bed with the blankets over me and Beau is under the doona 💬

Not having a whinge, stating facts.



Not having a whinge for no reason. Haven't got any increase or anything for electricity 😰
Sounds like you've got it made, a lively pecker under the doona!!
 

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