The Canberra Liberals claim that instead of offering cost-of-living relief, the ACT Government’s Budget shall cause more pain through higher rates and taxes.
“Despite [Chief Minister] Andrew Barr spending months spruiking that his 13th budget handed down last week would be about cost-of-living relief, what he actually delivered is more pain for Canberrans,” opposition leader Elizabeth Lee said.
“What Andrew Barr did not tell Canberrans is that instead of providing much needed cost-of-living relief he will be increasing a number of taxes and charges.
“Canberrans are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, with the most recent ABS data showing that employee households recorded the highest quarterly and annual rises in cost of living.
“Instead of providing much needed relief for all Canberra households, Andrew Barr has slugged them even further with a number of increases to taxes and charges.”
Ms Lee instanced several increases to taxes and charges in the budget, such as:
- household rates to go up by between 4.5 and 9 per cent
- vehicle registration fees up by 4 per cent
- drivers licence fees up by 4 per cent
- public transport fees up by 3 per cent
- road rescue fees up by 4 per cent
- safer families levy to increase from $50 to $70; and
- police, fire and emergency services levy to increase from $375 to $396.
Moreover, Ms Lee stated, electricity charges recently increased by 12.75 per cent; water charges by 7 per cent; and sewerage charges by 7 per cent.
Defending his government’s position on cost-of-living relief, the Chief Minister said: “Cost-of-living pressures are being felt across the country; this year’s Budget continues to support Canberrans who are most impacted with targeted cost of living support.
“Through the initiatives the Government has put in place over a number of years, we’re helping tens of thousands of Canberra families with their everyday costs.
“This also includes investments like free 3-year-old preschool, additional free health services through our walk-in centres, energy rebates, and fee-free TAFE places.”
Mr Barr listed the following targeted cost-of-living supports:
- $800 Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate for almost 44,000 households
- A one-off $250 payment to support local apprentices and trainees
- Extending the Rent Relief Fund to support more Canberrans on low incomes who are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship
- Expanding the Utilities Hardship Fund, including increasing vouchers from $100 to $300
- Expanding public transport concession fares to include Canberrans with a Commonwealth Low-Income Health Care Card, to support more people accessing buses and light rail
- Additional funding to Roundabout Canberra, Scouts ACT, Fearless Women, and Women’s Health Matters to support these community organisations to continue delivering essential services to vulnerable Canberrans
- Additional funding for emergency material and financial aid programs and food relief services, to support vulnerable Canberrans in need of food and other necessities
- Increasing assistance through the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, including increasing the subsidy for ride users, further reducing out-of-pocket costs for vulnerable Canberrans
- Increasing the Life Support Rebate to $150 a year, to support more Canberrans using electric life support equipment to treat a life-threatening condition
Dr Devin Bowles, CEO of the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS), said: “While inflation affects everyone, its impact is greatest on those already doing it tough. A wealthy family that needs to cut back on fine dining feels inflation very differently than a family at the economic margins that can only just afford food and medical costs. For this family, inflation can mean that their basic needs can no longer be met.
“It is important that cost-of-living relief measures be adequate in their scale, but just as important that they are targeted at those who most need the relief.”
Ms Lee, however, said: “What Andrew Barr has delivered this budget is more pain for Canberra households, and we know given his record as Treasurer over the last 13 years, there will be more pain to come if he is re-elected in October.
“The Canberra Liberals, in contrast have listened to the community and have put forward a number of policies aimed at addressing the cost-of-living pressures Canberrans are facing.
“This includes a comprehensive $65 million cost-of-living package that will see a family of four at least $750 better off.
“Last week, we also announced that under a Canberra Liberals government, Canberrans will always pay lower rates, with a guaranteed cap on rate increases which will be a 10-year average of WPI at 2.2 per cent.
“Under our policy, Canberrans will be on average almost $2,000 better off on their rates bill in the first term of a Canberra Liberals Government because we know they have been gouged by Andrew Barr over the last decade.
“For too many Canberrans, this budget was a missed opportunity by Andrew Barr to deliver real relief.”
Mr Barr, however, doubted whether the Liberals could deliver.
“The commitments the Canberra Liberals have already announced in this election campaign will create a significant hole in the Budget,” Mr Barr said.
“It’s time for the Opposition Leader to be upfront with Canberrans on what Government services or jobs in the public service she plans to cut if given the opportunity.”
