State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, has welcomed the announcement that locals carrying Health Care Cards will share in an additional $170 million over the next four years to help cover their electricity bills.

 

“The extension of the rebate to include all vulnerable Queenslanders with a Health Care Card is about assisting those most in need,” Mr Ryan said.

 

“In the Moreton Bay Region, this will directly benefit almost 14,000 households.

 

“For the first time in Queensland’s history, low-income customers will be able to get the rebate.

 

Mr Ryan said the generously expanded electricity concession program will now provide a total of $840 million in concessions to Queenslanders over the next four years.

 

“People will be able to apply for the rebate from 1 April 2017, with payments backdated to 1 January 2017,” he said.

 

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to putting downward pressure on electricity prices and this reform helps to achieve that by improving support to vulnerable customers.

 

“Queenslanders endured 43 per cent electricity price increases under the Newman-Nicholls Government, while prices have stabilised under the Palaszczuk Government.”

 

Seniors and Pensioners will continue to receive the rebate, after the Government committed to funding the rebate for Queenslanders with a Seniors Card or Pensioner Concession Card.