Posted on: 06 June 2023
With the possibility of interest rates increasing tomorrow, the Opposition is doubling down on its calls for broad cost of living relief in the State Budget for everyday South Australians.
The calls come amid revelations 210,000 SA households, who fall under the Federal scheme, might not receive their $125 rebate until after winter.
The shock news is a caveat on the State Government’s own energy bill relief website, which states Services Australia or DVA (Department for Veterans Affairs) will only make contact about the rebates in September for those that are eligible.
The Opposition has huge concerns about Peter Malinauskas’ lack of communication on this caveat, and that eligible South Australians could be under the impression they will receive $500 next month - not $125 over four quarters.
With South Australia one of the most expensive places to live, hardest to find a job, having the highest unemployment rate in the country, and the everyday family $17,000 worse off under Labor – the Opposition is calling on Peter Malinauskas to make a $250 energy rebate available to households not covered by the Federal scheme.
Shadow Treasurer Matt Cowdrey said there is huge demand from everyday South Australians who are crying out for cost of living relief.
“So many South Australian families and businesses are doing it tough right now with soaring costs and Peter Malinauskas must guarantee these people will be supported in the State Budget with cost of living relief,” Mr Cowdrey said.
“We must see targeted and temporary support to minimise the impact of the cost of living crisis is having on South Australians.
“We also need guarantees from Peter Malinauskas that those eligible for the $125 per quarter energy rebate receive it on July 1, after revelations some SA households could miss out because of an information sharing problem between the Labor state and federal governments.
“This is a real kick in the guts for newly eligible South Australians counting on this crucial $125 because they might not receive the rebate for months, long after they’ve already covered the cost of skyrocketing energy bills for the winter period.
“It’s concerning to think that some eligible South Australian households might not receive any electricity bill rebate relief this year if the information sharing problem between the Labor state and federal governments isn’t urgently corrected to make this process fair for all.”