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22 June 2024

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The Miles Labor Government is urging Queenslanders to check with friends and family to see if they are one of the quarter-of-a-million Queenslanders estimated to be missing out on an additional $372 in cost-of-living assistance from the 2024/2025 State Budget.

Thanks to the Miles Government’s nation-leading cost-of-living relief budget, all Queensland households will receive a $1,000 rebate automatically applied to their first electricity bill from July1. 

All Queensland households will also benefit from an additional $300 in electricity bill relief, courtesy of the Albanese Labor Government. This will be applied automatically to all household’s electricity bills in quarterly instalments over the coming year. 

Senior and concession card holders are eligible to receive an additional $372 per household from the Miles Government, bringing their total electricity bill relief to $1,672.

But it is crucial eligible Queenslanders register before 30 June to access every dollar available, as applications made after June 30 will miss out on about $1 each day of the $372, bringing their additional rebate down every day they miss out.

Many eligible Queenslanders will have previously applied for the additional relief and do not need to apply again. 

All eligible Queenslanders are encouraged to check their most recent bill, and if in doubt, contact their energy provider to ensure they have signed up for the additional cost of living support. 

This is just one of the many ways in which the Miles Labor Government is delivering cost of living relief for Queenslanders. 

Additional measures include:

• 50 cent fares for public transport across the state 
• A 20 per cent rego reduction for cars and utes 
• 200,000 FairPlay vouchers to reduce the cost of kids’ sport
• Abolishing stamp duty for first home buyers on homes up to $700,000
• Freezing all government fees and charges including driver licences and fishing licences

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni:

“The Miles Government will always support Queenslanders, and we don’t want anyone who is eligible to miss out on this additional cost of living relief.

“If your Mum, Dad, grandparent, neighbour or friend could be eligible, check in to see if they are aware of what they could be claiming.

“It’s a good time to have a cup of tea with your grandparents or drop round to your elderly neighbours to make sure they are getting the additional rebate - it’s as simple as calling your energy provider and registering your seniors, veterans or concession card to your energy account.

“The Miles Labor Government is delivering nation-leading cost of living relief, made possible only because of progressive coal royalties that mean multi-national mining companies are paying their fair share of tax. 

“Our government delivers real help for everyday Queenslanders, while the LNP watched on and offered no state-wide cost-of-living rebates while electricity prices soared 43%.

“They will hand over billions of dollars to multi-national mining companies and sell Queensland’s publicly owned assets, risking Queensland’s economy and job security.” 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, Charis Mullen: 

"This is about helping Queenslanders through the rising cost of living, and making sure our vulnerable and senior residents are well looked after.

"It's important every eligible Queenslander knows what they need to do to access this generous rebate.

“I urge everyone to contact their parents, grandparents and any elderly members in their family and community to let them know about this great initiative."

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ADDITIONAL $372 COST OF LIVING RELIEF 

• Queensland Seniors Card
• Services Australia or Department of Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card (Electricity Rebate only)
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card (and receive the War Widow/er Pension or special rate TPI Pension)
• Asylum seeker status—residents will need to provide their ImmiCard details (Electricity Rebate only).