Bundaberg and Burnett families could be slugged on their power bills thanks to the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s ill-conceived policies.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the Labor Government had dismissed many recommendations from the Queensland Productivity Commission’s draft report into electricity prices, including changing solar feed-in tariffs and ways of improving competition in regional Queensland.
“Treasurer Pitt is already refusing to accept the Queensland Productivity Commission’s (QPC) advice, meaning Bundaberg and Burnett families could end up paying more just so Labor can meet their poorly-conceived and uncosted election commitments,” Mr Bennett said.
“He’s already scared the pants off pensioners by announcing he would consider the report’s recommendation to scrap the $321 Electricity Rebate Scheme for Queensland Seniors Card holders, only to scrap the idea 24 hours later.
“What’s more is he’s rejected the QPC’s assertion that legacy costs of the previous Labor Government’s Solar Bonus Scheme are hurting low-income households and adding $89 to the typical power bill this year.
“Labor’s dud policies will only drive up electricity prices, which goes to show they’re not interested in cutting the cost of living for Queenslanders.
“I certainly don’t think it’s fair that Bundaberg and Burnett families are facing higher power bills and I’ll be taking the fight up to the Labor Government to ensure these changes are put where they belong – in the bin.
“After a year in office it’s clear this government still has no plan to help families with power costs… Bundaberg and Burnett residents deserve better.”
Mr Bennett said he and the LNP Opposition would continue to engage with local residents and families on the impact of proposed recommendations, prior to the release of the QPC’s final report at the end of May.
ENDS.
February 5, 2016.