Cost of Living Support Available

Electricity rebates

Every Queensland household will receive a $550 Cost of Living rebate on their electricity bill. For most households, the rebate will be credited to electricity bills on a quarterly basis commencing from 1 July 2023. 

If you’re a pensioner or concession card holder, you will receive more. See below for more details.

Support for Pensioners and Seniors

Pensioners and eligible concession holders will receive up to $1,072 in electricity rebates.

For most households, the rebate will be credited to electricity bills on a quarterly basis commencing from 1 July 2023.

If you're a senior, veteran, or pensioner, check with your electricity provider to ensure any eligible rebates are applied to your account.

For seniors and pensioners we’ve also previously announced further cost of living relief including:

• Up to $120 a year off water costs

• Up to $200 a year off local government rates

• A free pair of basic prescription glasses every two years

• Discounted public transport travel

• Cheaper car registration

• Home Assist Secure - $500/year for maintenance work around the house.

Check your eligibility for a range of rebates and discounted programs at: www.queenslandsavers.qld.gov.au

Free Kindy for all Queensland families

From 1 January 2024, all kindy-age children will get 15 hours per week free kindergarten, regardless if they attend a stand-alone community kindy or do kindy at a long day care.

Kindy is the government approved 15 hour a week education program a child can do the year before they start school. This is expected to save families around $4,600 a year.

Find out more here.

Rebates for energy efficient appliances

Through our Climate Smart Energy Savers appliance rebate program, eligible householders who purchase 4 star or higher energy efficiency appliances will be able to claim rebates of up to $1,000.

The rebates are between $300 to $1000 and apply to washing machines, fridges, dishwashers, air-conditioners and hot water systems .

Applications open on 4 September 2023. Eligible appliances must be purchased and installed on or after the program commencement date to be eligible for a rebate.

Check what you’re eligible for and register your interest here.

Limiting rent increases to once a year

The Palaszczuk Government has announced it will support renters by limiting rent increases to once a year, rather than every six months.

The annual limit on rent increases will apply to all new and existing tenancies from 1 July 2023 onwards. This brings us in line with other states and territories.

Cheaper medicines

The federal Albanese Government has reduced the maximum co-payment for prescription medicines to $30. For concession card holders the maximum payment is $7.30.

The government is also introducing 60 day scripts for more than 300 medications that treat chronic conditions. The changes will mean patients receive two months worth of medication for a single co-payment, effectively halving the cost of these medications.

Cheaper childcare

The federal Albanese Government recently brought in cheaper childcare for families.

The increased childcare subsidy, means up to a 90% subsidy on daycare costs for local families, depending on your income level.

You can find out more information, including a calculator, here.

I hope this information has been useful to you. If you wish to contact me for any further enquiries, please email cooper@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3554 9100.