July 8, 2014
The State Government will spend an extra $52 million in this year’s State Budget to allow pensioners and Senior Card holders to continue to receive various concessions.
The extra funding follows a Federal Government decision to axe its $223 million National Partnership funding program for Queensland concessions.
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said this week that despite Federal cuts and tight economic conditions, the State Government was determined to maintain concessions for Queensland pensioners.
He said $347 million had been set aside, up $12 million from last year’s Budget.
Mr Bailey said cutting back funding for concessions was never an option.
“They are a very significant part of the social safety net,” he said.
The 2015-16 Electricity Rebate will remain at $321, while the Natural Gas Rebate Scheme will increase by $1 to $69.
Water and local government rate subsidies and reductions for vehicle registrations and bus, ferry and rail transport will remain the same.
2015-2016 State Government Pensioner and Seniors Card Concessions:
- Electricity Rebate Scheme – $321
- Pensioner Rate Subsidy Scheme – $200
- Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate Scheme – $69
- SEQ Pensioner Water – $120
- Vehicle registration – 50 per cent concession
- Translink Transport Concessions (SEQ) – 50 per cent concession
- Rail Concession Scheme – four free long-distance trips year
