While Queensland and Western Australian residents have been receiving their first quarter 2024-25 Commonwealth Government electricity rebates since July 1, which will total $300 per household over the full year, Victorian residents are still waiting for Energy Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, to sign off on the rebates.
With households and businesses doing it tough across the Shepparton District during the cost-of-living crisis, relief from their high winter heating bills is not yet in sight, despite the rebates having been fully funded by the Commonwealth Government.
“People right across my electorate have been contacting my office asking when this rebate will be available to them,” The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said.
“Thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s failed energy policies, heating homes and businesses have never been more expensive.
“High inflation, rising interest rates and bigger tax bills mean families across the electorate have suffered their biggest financial hit in more than 30 years. This is dragging households backwards at the fastest pace in the nation.”
Mrs O’Keeffe said that after ten years of a State Labor Government, Victoria’s energy system is less affordable and less reliable.
“After ten years of energy policy failure under Labor, Victorians are paying the price through higher energy bills,” she said.
“According to St Vincent de Paul Society, Victorians have experienced the biggest increases in electricity (up 28 per cent) and gas (up 22 per cent) prices in Australia over the past year.
“It is clear that Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our energy system, and Victorians are paying the price.”