Qld govt quietly drops energy rebates amid cost-of-living crisis
The Queensland government has committed a sly, sneaky and underhanded act against mortgage battlers, writes Des Houghton.
Opinion
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I’m amazed at the sly, sneaky and underhanded treatment of mortgage battlers by the Queensland Labor government.
A set of energy rebates designed to soften the blow of rising cost-of-living stresses have been quietly cut.
Secrecy rules.
There was no announcement, no press release, no apology – and no explanation.
Just a curt notice on an obscure government website declaring: “The Queensland state government rebates are on hold until further notice.” (Their emphasis, not mine.)
No reason is given, although I did get a hint that the social engineers in the failed government figured the handouts were going to those who least deserved them.
The rebates offered interest-free loans for solar and battery storage.
An earlier post read: “You may also be able to receive a rebate from installing a panel and battery system from the Queensland government.
“Under the scheme, households can receive a grant of up to $3000 for a panel and battery system.
“It is also possible to get an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 to fund the purchase.”
Then came the bad news: “The Queensland state government rebates are on hold until further notice.”
The original incentive for mortgage man to shift to renewables was enticing.
“The Queensland government is also offering a rebate for battery purchases of up to $3000,” it said.
“If you do opt for a solar battery, you may also apply for an interest-free loan for up to $6000.”
It added: “Interest-free loans for solar panels: If you favour a solar panel system, it is possible to receive an interest-free loan under the Queensland solar incentive scheme of up to $4500.
“The loan must be repaid in full within seven years.’’
That offer, too, was rescinded in an unsigned message that read: “Currently not available.”
Energy and Renewables Minister Mick de Brenni declined to comment. I’m guessing he was currently not available.
Of course it is not the first time de Brenni has dodged the media.
Did he not read Peter Coaldrake’s damning Let the Sunshine In report that attacked government secrecy and called for more openness and transparency?
De Brenni owes us an explanation, because skyrocketing power prices have hit Queenslanders harder than any other state.
This state is blessed with some of the largest coal reserves on Earth, so it beggars belief that we are forced to pay too much for electricity.
The Courier-Mail reported the average household paying almost 30 per cent more with no relief in sight.
The details were contained in a study by the Queensland Competition Authority.
The report revealed that compared to the June quarter of 2022, average market offer bills in the September quarter increased by 27.0 per cent for residential customers.
Also punished were small business operators who are the engine room of the economy. Their costs surged 26.9 per cent.
With interest rates soaring, Queensland government pledges to assist Struggle Street seem insincere.
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