Young Queenslanders have become outraged after discovering they’re paying an extortionate amount to get their L-plates compared to other states.
A local campaign to reduce learner licence fees has received state-wide support after Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett took the matter to Queensland Parliament.
Mr Bennett spoke in a support of a motion urging the State Government to act on the cost-of-living crisis.
He said Queensland’s learner drivers are getting a raw deal.
“Our learners are being charged the highest fees in Australia just to get their L Plates,” he said.
“This is a greedy tax grab designed to prop up state government revenue by taking money from students and low-income earners.
“Our school seniors are trying to save for uni, to move out of home, to start their next chapter in life.
“$186 is a lot of money when you are just 16 years old.”
Mr Bennett said too many bills and fees are going up under the Palaszczuk Government.
“Cost-of-living pressures are biting. According to new research 43% of Australian’s are regularly running out of cash before payday,” he said.
“Under the Palaszczuk Government we’ve seen learner drivers pay the highest licence fees in the country, a 25 per cent increase in vehicle registration fees since 2015, power bills go up, government imposed bulk water charges push up water bills, and stamp duty go through the roof while the Treasurer tried to introduce a Renters’ Tax.
“Queenslanders deserve better.”
Community activist and local mum Carmen McEneany started the fight to lower Queensland’s learner licence fees earlier this year.
Mrs McEneany said her son Jack was thrilled to pass his test, but the elation was short lived after they were slapped with a $186 fee and three-year licence period.
“$186 is a week’s groceries for my family,” she said.
“If Jack had to save with his part-time work, it would probably take him months!”
Mrs McEneany said the money saved could go towards further safety precautions for new drivers.
“The money we could have saved through a cheaper licence could have gone towards more lessons, that’s extra safety for everyone on the roads. A win win for all.”
Link to Mr Bennett’s speech: http://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/?reference=0Mba20221130_171047
ENDS.
02/12/2022