What you said about $1k loophole in Qld Labor’s energy rebate

“Couldn’t run a bath …” Many in Queensland have taken a similar stance after Labor’s energy bill loophole was revealed. HAVE YOUR SAY

“Couldn’t run a bath …”

One reader summed up the views of many as Queenslanders picked their sides over Premier Steven Miles’ $1000 election sweetener – one which comes with a $2.5bn billing loophole.

It was revealed that households would simply need to switch electricity retailers in order to cash out any remaining credit on their account — including funds leftover from the cost-of-living rebate.

Mr Miles spent days defending the government’s decision to give all households a $1000 lump sum energy rebate, regardless of income, in a move set to cost the budget $2.5bn.

The rebate is set to kick in from July and with households paying an average of $315 a quarter according to finance comparison site Canstar Blue, most Queenslanders could be $685 in credit.

Energy retailers approached confirmed customers could cash out their credit, even though it comes from the government’s rebates, if they are switching providers.

News of the oversight drew strong criticism from readers, with some suggesting it was another sign of Labor’s failure.

Others claimed it made no difference given the state’s power supplier options.

“All good and well if you have another retailer. In NQ we are held to ransom by Ergon. Absolutely no other options available,” Leanne said.

David, though, added that their remains wider issues that need to be fixed.

“No help for those who can’t afford rent. A real snub to all those who don’t have a roof over their heads,” he wrote.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

Typical Labor

Stereo-always pending

So, our erstwhile Treasurer doesn’t want to lower debt, or the incoming Gov’t to do the same? A lot of this money will just be squandered on pokies and in the pubs. Get these fiscal illiterates out as soon as possible; all of them!

Paul

Of course they stuffed it up. Couldn’t run a bath …

ray

Every village has it’s idiot. Miles stands unopposed!

P Bateman

He’s lurching from one calamity to the next, isn’t he?

Mark

Talk about a vote buying exercise. Considering our last two bills were way north of $1000 not going too go far. How about reigning in the power companies so they do not rip consumers off. Plus this net zero green dream I am afraid the prices are going to go way higher to pay for it.

Premier Steven Miles and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick announcing the rebate scheme. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

Makes no difference

Leanne

All good and well if you have another retailer. In NQ we are held to ransom by Ergon. Absolutely no other options available

Davo

This doesn’t apply to regional Queensland where the government is the only power retailer. $1000 won’t even touch the sides and will go straight back to George Street.

Pedro the elder

Much of QLD only have one retailer of electricity. This is a vote buying ploy by the Miles Govt. However if you look into the background, it is simply delaying the effect of huge increases from the national marketing of electricity pricing due to come into effect in July until about the time of the State elections.

The Fred

One thing is certain, everyone can only spend it ONCE so what it is spent on completely immaterial

Fix the big issues

David

No help for those who can’t afford rent. A real snub to all those who don’t have a roof over their heads.

commonsense to me

this money would cover the cost of a new Victoria Park stadium – but apparently we have no money for that?

Keith

All those whinging on here about it, put it to what it is intended for, otherwise if you can withdraw the credit, and donate it to your favourite charity. Tory supporters will moan about anything.

Farmerp

The only way they could get more desperate is lining people up and asking how much will it cost to buy your vote.