Salvo’s back Labor energy bill relief promise, despite Libs criticism

A national charity has put its support behind a Labor election promise for energy bill relief as cost of living drives up prices for Tasmanian families. How the plan could benefit you.

Electricity pylons during dusk evening sky sunset. Energy generic

Thousands of Tasmanians struggling with their energy bills would get a helping hand from an elected Labor government.

Labor’s spokeswoman for community services Meg Brown said Labor would double the state’s contribution to the Energy Bill Relief fund, a program delivered to those in critical need of help with their bills by the Salvation Army.

Meg Brown, shadow transport minister talks to media with Labor leader Dean Winter. Picture: Linda Higginson

The Salvation Army asked the Liberal government to double the relief in its submissions to the 2025-26 budget.

Salvation Army’s State Manager of Emergency Relief (Doorways) Stacey Milbourne welcomed the commitment for increased funding and a recognition of unmet needs.

“We have been clear that further support is needed,” Ms Milbourne said.

“The Salvation Army and the community sector see every day the hardship caused by energy costs.

“The number of people seeking financial assistance to help manage their energy bills has significantly increased, with more Tasmanians having to make the impossible decision between food, heating, or other necessities,” Ms Milbourne said.

Salvation Army Doorways Manager Tasmania Stacey Milbourne at The Salvation Army Hobart Citadel. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tasmanian Labor has outlined a suite of policies to help in the cost-of-living crisis.

“Our plan is simple- we’ll help people get back on their feet by expanding targeted assistance where it’s needed most,” Ms Brown said.

“By doubling the State’s contribution – an investment of just $350,000 – we can give thousands of Tasmanians a fresh start.”

Ms Brown said only Labor can be trusted to keep Tasmania’s assets in public hands.

“Public ownership of our energy assets means profits can be reinvested to support people, not private shareholders.

“Mere weeks ago, Jeremy Rockliff was trying to sell off our energy assets which would make this support disappear,” she said.

Electricity price rise generic.

The Liberal government has now ruled out privatising state-owned assets, after flagging selling-off metro and other government business enterprises to offset state debt in his state of the state address in March.

A Liberal Party spokesperson said they had committed $500,000 each year for the next four years – $150,000 on top of the baseline funding of $350,000.

“Labor wants to maximise GBE profits which means power bills will be higher under Labor,” they said.

“A re-elected Liberal government will continue to ensure Tasmania has the lowest power prices in the nation.”