Page 290 - Week 01 - Thursday, 13 February 2020
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We know that every individual faces their own challenges when it comes to the cost of raising a family, entering the workforce, studying or living within a limited income. Everyday costs like groceries, utility bills and other housing expenses add up. That is why we have concessions, rebates and payment plans available to make sure that the everyday cost of living does not hinder the wellbeing of families and individuals.
Every year thousands of Canberrans access assistance with ongoing expenses like housing, bills and transport. In 2018-19 the government provided assistance through the pensioner duty concession scheme on conveyance duty, with a tax expenditure of $2 million dollars, a significant 15.8 per cent increase from 2017-18.
The government provides a utilities concession of up to $700 a year to help eligible concession card holders with their water, electricity and gas bills. The ACT utilities concession is one of the most generous in Australia and, because it is one combined concession for both water and electricity, it provides the same amount of assistance to both eligible home owners and renters.
The energy efficiency improvement scheme is a key mechanism to help ensure a fair transition towards a zero-emissions future to help households reduce their utilities costs. Under the scheme, energy retailers help households to implement measures that will deliver significant energy savings, with a focus on low-income households.
We have also seen the transition to renewable energy result this year in the ICRC predicting that average electricity costs for a typical ActewAGL customer could shrink 6.75 per cent next financial year. A typical household could save $113 on their annual bill. This is thanks to the ACT leading the nation in climate change action. It is thanks to our transition to clean renewable energy, which not only reduces our carbon footprint but also is providing financial relief for Canberrans. I recall the grave reluctance with which Mr Hanson embraced the 100 per cent renewable electricity policy in the 2016 election. His words, to paraphrase, were something like, “Well, it is done now; we cannot really reverse it”—a ringing endorsement of a policy that has delivered real savings to families.
The Canberra Liberals also oppose the motor accident injuries scheme, which is part of ongoing reform by the ACT government to compulsory third party. Before it started introducing competition in 2013, premiums set by private sector insurers were as high as $644 for average passenger vehicle premiums, calculated in today’s dollars. In comparison, the new motor accident injuries scheme has average passenger vehicle premiums of $458. Since 1 February 2019, premiums have fallen by an average of $60 for passenger vehicles after taking into account the new $16 motor accident levy, which is integral to the MAI scheme.
Many of the initiatives and policies I have described are made available to Canberrans throughout the year. But we know that unexpected events happen and that this can also cause financial stress to individuals and families. So, following the hailstorm in January, we have responded by offering a stamp duty rebate of up to $100 for vehicles with a value of $10,000 or less that are purchased to replace a written-off vehicle. This is an example of how our government is there to support Canberrans when they need it.
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