Millions of Aussies to get more cost-of-living relief

In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


Australian currency_pixabay_ecdb372e-7c2d-4136-81fe-3c8e4f23e1a9.jpeg
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


Queensland bus_flickr_41e9129d-3681-4d0a-984c-e0ea958782c6.jpeg
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
 
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In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


View attachment 37500
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


View attachment 37499
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
With the qld comments its just smoke and mirrors and is in line with the qld premier's shock resignation this week. They are hoping that by introducing these things that it may sway the qld voters in October next year. The public transport system is under used due to the unreliability of services and the costs involved. These things were already on the LNP agenda as well as reduction of drivers licence fees for seniors. On a percentage basis very few seniors let alone the general populous would benefit.

As for Chalmers the same applies. With the announcement of increases in passports this week and Australia Post increasing costs and reducing delivery services, it's the vulnerable and age that suffers.

The biggest con is the banks. Closing hundreds of branches each year increasing charges and record profits and claiming that us what the customers want. Forcing people to go electronic and then coming up with the audacious statement of charging people who use cash. What tha!
 
In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


View attachment 37500
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


View attachment 37499
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Nothing in this package to help me a 60yp disability pensioner.
 
In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


View attachment 37500
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


View attachment 37499
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Great news for Queenslanders, but not the case here in Victoria. Where Labour Stare Government has really ruined our state. Everything has gone up and they are in so much debt because of overspending and poor management of state.
 
In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


View attachment 37500
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


View attachment 37499
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
All good if you live in an area where there is public transport, or you have children who attend preschool or you are looking for your first home, but all the rest of the population miss out. Good one government.
 
Great news for Queenslanders, but not the case here in Victoria. Where Labour Stare Government has really ruined our state. Everything has gone up and they are in so much debt because of overspending and poor management of state.
Must be an LNP voter because you don’t know how to spell LABOR.
 
In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


View attachment 37500
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


View attachment 37499
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Queenslanders can thank the coal export industry for this, with the Government's excessive royalty charges ! Bryan Mulholland.
 
With the qld comments its just smoke and mirrors and is in line with the qld premier's shock resignation this week. They are hoping that by introducing these things that it may sway the qld voters in October next year. The public transport system is under used due to the unreliability of services and the costs involved. These things were already on the LNP agenda as well as reduction of drivers licence fees for seniors. On a percentage basis very few seniors let alone the general populous would benefit.

As for Chalmers the same applies. With the announcement of increases in passports this week and Australia Post increasing costs and reducing delivery services, it's the vulnerable and age that suffers.

The biggest con is the banks. Closing hundreds of branches each year increasing charges and record profits and claiming that us what the customers want. Forcing people to go electronic and then coming up with the audacious statement of charging people who use cash. What tha!
How often do you buy a passport, big deal the cost of a passport is going up. Couldn't tell you the last time I walked into a bank, like most places that require me to queue I just don't stand in a line to do what I can do elsewhere, either on line or at the Post Office which provides as much of the everyday banking services as a bank does. Equally, couldn't tell you the last time I went to the Post Office for the purpose of buying a stamp. The true cost to deliver a $1.50 letter is more than $10: there's your alternative, pay the real cost just to keep those junk letters delivered daily.
 
In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


View attachment 37500
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


View attachment 37499
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Yes i think what you are doing for Queensland is a small step in the right direction for now, however,we senior pensioners that DONT have any assets & live pension to pension really need help to cope with trying to live with the cost of living,each week you do your shopping 🛒🛍️ thing's have gone up in price,i use to get a Coles brand coffee because it was cheap $4-50 in one week it went up to $7-00 & that's only on one item,things go up in $ & not in cents, please try to see your way to helping us here in Perth as well as the rest of Australia.
 
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This is attempted vote buying, but they need to try again. Intelligent voters will see through it. There's nothing of any significant value here for most Queenslanders - and certainly not for retirees.
 
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what a year 2023,
Albanese raises pension age, have to continue physical work & pain.
Then I received in October in my mail box a flyer advising of the gov electric rebate for $550.
I moved & connected electricity in September, but I am not entitled to cost of living rebates off electricity account for the next 3 quarters, because I had to have the account in July.
I’ve rang electricity supplier, the gov section, and the ombudsman.
Applied for health care card back in September, still have not received that.
Can’t claim a discount off bill without it.
I give up on government assistance.
 
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Reactions: GreyWolf_Rod
How about ending the massive electricity cost rip-off - charging for power that isn't used? Many don't know that instead of charging for the power they use between 4pm and 10pm, the charges are calculated based on their highest usage during that time period. So if, say (as an extreme example) you holiday for 89 of the 90 days in a quarter but on the 90th day you run your washer, dryer, air con, cooker, kettle and toaster all at once for 20 minutes after 4pm, the power company takes the total kwh used in that 20 minutes and charges as if you had used that same number of kwh during every 20 minute block between 4 and 10pm on every one of the 90 days of the qtr, even though on 89 of those days you used 0kwh. It's THEFT. And it's not the power companies to blame. The Qld Government has ordered them to charge this way, ostensibly to encourage reduction of use during peak times. But these are the hours people NEED to use power to cook dinner. Working couples need to do laundry after work. Air con is required to cool a house that was locked up all day.
And those who have solar will naturally use more power after dark. That's unavoidable unless they have batteries, which are not yet economically viable.
All of us will naturally have short time periods between 4 and 10pm when usage is high. To then charge at the same rate when usage is low or nil is patently dishonest. No wonder many people are struggling to pay their electricity bill! The $550 rebate is an insult.
 
In a welcome move for many Australians, the Queensland government has announced further cost-of-living relief measures.

This comes from a smaller deficit in the state's mid-year budget, which is set to provide some financial respite to Queenslanders grappling with rising living costs.



Treasurer Cameron Dick announced a forecasted net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, marking a significant $2.04 billion improvement on the deficit projected in the budget.

Coal royalties, expected to generate $9.4 billion in revenue, are seen to be behind the smaller budget gap. There is a substantial increase of $3.8 billion from initial projections in industry revenue, according to the state treasury.


View attachment 37500
A small deficit in the state budget is expected to benefit many Queenslanders in the long run. Image Credit: Pixabay


'The strength of our balance sheet enables us to deliver more cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders,' Dick said.

'The number one priority of the government is to make sure we deliver as much cost-of-living relief to Queensland families and businesses as we can afford.'



Starting January 1, public transport fees will be frozen for a year, saving commuters significant amounts.

For instance, a commuter travelling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $210 annually on public transport costs, according to government estimates.

But the relief doesn't stop there. From July 1, 2024, registration fees for motor vehicles will also be frozen, sparing motorists from the usual annual fee increase.

To put this into perspective, last year, the total cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle went up $20 from $773 to $793.


View attachment 37499
Queenslanders will save hundreds with a year-long public transport fee freeze, according to state estimates. Image Credit: Pixabay


Additional cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten for families from 2024 and a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025.

Furthermore, all Queensland households received $550 electricity rebates this year, with vulnerable families receiving $700.

'These changes are not as big as the electricity bill rate rebates, but every dollar you don't have to spend at a time like this is very important,' Dick added.



While Queenslanders can look forward to these support measures, the same cannot be said for all Australians battling rising costs.

The federal budget is on track for a much smaller deficit of $1.1 billion this year, an improvement of $12.8 billion compared to the May budget.

Despite no additional cost-of-living relief added in the update, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers noted that the government's targeted cost-of-living relief measures were still being rolled out.

This includes targeted energy bill subsidies, cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, and increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Queensland government will implement further cost-of-living relief next year due to a smaller deficit in the 2023-24 budget.
  • Public transport and motor vehicle registration fees will be frozen for 12 months from January 1 and from July 1, 2024, respectively.
  • The budget revealed a small net operating deficit of $138 million for 2023/24, a $2.04 billion improvement on the forecasted deficit.
  • Other cost-of-living relief measures include free kindergarten from 2024, doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $30,000 until mid-2025 and a $550 electricity rebate for all Queensland households.
What are your thoughts on these cost-of-living relief measures? Do you think they go far enough? For those in other areas of Australia, do you have similar measures? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
THAT WOULD BE RIGHT, AS USUAL F**KALL FOR THE BELEAGURED SOUTHERN STATES. BEEN ROYALLY ROOTED BY LABOR, THE PARTY THAT CAN NO LONGER SPELL BUT THEN AGAIN IT HAS'NT BEEN OUR PARTY OF THE BATTLER FOR A BLOODY LONG TIME.
 
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Queenslanders can thank the coal export industry for this, with the Government's excessive royalty charges ! Bryan Mulholland.
Without the mining industry this government would be broke, As the saying goes you can’t have your cake 🧁 and eat it too.The mining industry Is what has paid for health care schools etc. without coal we would be there would be no steel to build vehicles,and everyday items we use .
 
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