Posted on: 31 May 2024
Thousands of small businesses across South Australia have not received promised power bill rebates of $650 despite the relief package being announced more than a year ago.
The Opposition has been made aware that many small businesses on embedded power networks, such as retailers in shopping centres, have so far been unable to receive the promised rebate.
The delay is unacceptable given the cost of living crisis and the fact small businesses in South Australia are currently paying the highest electricity bills in the country.
Electricity bills have risen more than 30 per cent for small businesses under the Malinauskas Labor Government with many paying thousands of dollars a year more.
Leader of the Opposition, David Speirs, said business owners are frustrated over the delay in receiving energy rebates.
“We know the cost of doing business is skyrocketing with many small businesses struggling to pay their bills and some having to make the devastating decision to close their doors,” Mr Speirs said.
“One of the biggest expenses for business is power and here in South Australia our small businesses are currently paying the highest electricity bills in the country.
“Small businesses are paying thousands of dollars a year more for power under Peter Malinauskas and the delay in the delivery of these energy rebates is unacceptable.”
Shadow Treasurer, Matt Cowdrey, called on Peter Malinauskas to sort the issue out as soon as possible.
“South Australian small businesses are doing it incredibly tough at the moment and they need all the support they can get,” Mr Cowdrey said.
“Peter Malinauskas was quick to announce these rebates but more than a year later and thousands of small businesses still haven’t received the promised support.
“The Premier famously said when it comes to cost of living relief ‘nine times out of ten it’s bulls**t’ and it seems he was right.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Net Zero, Stephen Patterson, said Peter Malinauskas must outline his plan to lower power bills.
“We know right now that Peter Malinauskas has no plan to lower electricity bills and his experimental hydrogen plant is costing South Australian taxpayers at least $600 million but it won’t lower energy bills for households and small businesses by a single cent,” Mr Patterson said.
“On Peter Malinauskas’ watch, the typical South Australian family is more than $20,000 a year worse off – they’re paying almost $700 extra for electricity while small businesses have been forced to find more than $1,250.”