- Central Queensland seniors are beginning to enjoy cost-of-living relief from the recent Miles Labor Government Budget
- Most seniors in the region will not pay at all for their electricity this financial year
- Seniors will also be eligible for 50-cent public transport fares and discounted car registration
- Also investing $167,000 in the Rockhampton 60 and Better Program to combat social isolation and loneliness
Rockhampton's seniors are already benefiting from the rollout of the Miles Labor Government's cost-of-living relief package and other key spending measures in the State Budget.
Minister for Seniors Charis Mullen, Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke visited the Rockhampton 60 and Better program to talk to seniors about how to maximise the savings for which they are now eligible.
They also announced an $167,000 for the organisation to continue providing programs to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
Since 1 July, Rockhampton households have started receiving an upfront $1,000 rebate on their electricity bills, with eligible seniors to receive a reduction of $1,672.
The measures are part of the government's cost-of-living relief package, which includes 50-cent public transport fares starting on 5 August for six months.
It also includes 20 per cent off the total car registration fee for 12 months, in addition to the 50 per cent discount senior Queenslanders can already receive on the registration component.
As stated by Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:
"I am delighted that the Miles Government is doing what matters to provide much needed cost-of-living relief to our seniors with rebates for electricity and transport.
"We care about our seniors and we love putting smiles on their faces with the good news that most of them will not be paying for electricity at all this year."
As stated by Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke:
"I'm pleased that we are delivering much needed cost-of-living relief for all Queenslanders.
"A good Labor Government will always put people first and we are seeing this delivered to every Queensland household with the $1300 credit applied to their electricity bills, plus $372 more for registered seniors and concession card holders.
"And the grandkids will benefit from the FairPlay vouchers released on 1 July.
"Each voucher is valued at up to $200 and will help reduce the rising costs associated with junior sports such as memberships, registration or participation fees."
As stated by Minister for Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen:
"We know Rockhampton seniors are facing cost-of-living challenges that have put pressure on their household budgets.
"We're delighted to be able to make things easier by ensuring most of them will pay nothing for electrity this financial year.
"This is the kind of practical help seniors need along with discounted car registration and the landmark 50-cent public transport fares available from next month.
"And to ensure Rockhamptons's older people are celebrated for their contributions, we are funding the Rockhampton 60 and Better program to host a day of activities during Seniors Month in October.
"We are also funding them to host activities like today's card games to help keep seniors connected.
"We will keep investing in sensible, down-to-earth measures to support Rockhampton seniors to deal with life's challenges including cost-of-living pressures."
As stated by Anita Griffiths, manager of Rockhampton 60 and Better program:
"We appreciate the Queensland Government funding for our activities for seniors.
"Seniors are facing significant cost of living pressures and we welcome these new rebates that are putting more money back in their pockets."
