Michael Hart
June 13, 2018
The LNP Opposition says this week’s State Budget has confirmed the government is using electricity prices as a secret tax on Queenslanders.
Shadow Energy Minister Michael Hart said government-owned power generators were raking in massive profits on the back of higher electricity prices.
“Last year, Labor’s budgeted generator income was $482 million for 2016-17,” Mr Hart said.
“Today, it was revealed they really made $1.241 billion. Labor charged $759m more than they said they would.
“If that’s not a hidden tax I don’t know what is.
“Labor’s record profits forecast last year are set to increase again with a further $492 million in dividends to be added over the next four years.
“The LNP has a plan to restructure these government-owned generators from two to three, increasing competition and lowering electricity prices.
“This would save Queensland families $50 a year.
“Meanwhile the Palaszczuk Government will continue to rip $1.7 billion in super-profits from these government-owned generators over the next four years, hurting all Queenslanders in the process.”
