Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill 2024

As the bill's sponsor, argued the $1,000 electricity rebate provides essential cost-of-living relief funded by progressive coal royalties, and accused the LNP of planning to cut both the rebates and royalties if elected.

“Through the passage of the cheaper power bill, the Miles Labor government is delivering not just the biggest single electricity rebate in Queensland's history but the biggest ever delivered by a government in Australian history.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard

Introduced and championed the bill as the Treasurer, arguing it delivers the biggest electricity rebates in Australian history funded by progressive coal royalties and public ownership of energy assets.

“The cheaper power bill represents and reflects Labor values... This investment back into the people of our state is only possible because we have kept our energy assets in public hands.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

As Deputy Premier and Treasurer, introduced the bill to provide $1,000 electricity rebates to all Queensland households and $325 to small businesses, funded by coal royalties including progressive coal royalties.

“The cheaper power bill will do exactly what the title of the bill says it will do: it will deliver cheaper power bills to Queenslanders; $1,000 to every single Queensland household. All of that money is there to help Queensland families who are struggling with global and national cost-of-living pressures.”— 2024-05-02View Hansard

Confirmed the opposition will support the bill while criticising it as a bandaid solution that fails to address structural causes of the cost-of-living crisis, particularly the Callide power station failure.

“I confirm that the opposition will be supporting the bill... The reason we are here in the first place is that this government has failed to deliver long-term structural solutions to cost-of-living challenges.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

As Premier, strongly supported the bill as addressing Queenslanders' number one priority of cost of living, delivering $1,000 off every household's energy bill - the largest cost-of-living relief in Queensland's history.

“My government is taking $1,000 off every Queensland household's energy bill. This is the largest cost-of-living relief measure in Queensland's history and it is the largest ever delivered in Australia.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill while arguing it is necessary because of a decade of Labor mismanagement, particularly the Callide power station failure which has driven up electricity prices 19% in 12 months.

“We support any measure that helps with the cost of living... This bill is about electricity costs. In the last 12 months Queensland's electricity costs have gone up 19 per cent—three times the national average.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as chair of the Cost of Living and Economics Committee, emphasising it helps Logan residents with household costs and is funded by progressive coal royalties.

“I rise to support the Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill because, fundamentally, it helps the residents of Logan with household costs.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Criticised the bill as a rushed pre-election 'pork barrel' adding $2.2 billion to debt, and argued the rebate is not means-tested, but acknowledged Queenslanders will take the support given the cost-of-living crisis.

“This $1,000 pork barrel is a one-off sugar hit which everybody will be happy to take... The reality of the matter is that it is not going to help with the cost of living.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as providing real relief for Macalister residents, noting Treasury advised means-testing was not feasible as government does not hold income data.

“This bill provides the biggest cost-of-living relief of any Australian jurisdiction. This is real relief. Queenslanders are going to look at their electricity bill in the third quarter this year and many are going to see it in credit.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

As a committee member, confirmed the LNP would not oppose the bill but criticised the discrepancy between household and small business rebates, and highlighted unreliable power supply in North Queensland.

“We will not be opposing this bill because we know that hardworking Queenslanders deserve every opportunity to reduce power bills and put more money back into their own hip pockets.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as the largest cost-of-living package in state history, made possible by progressive coal royalties and public ownership of energy assets.

“This is the largest ever cost-of-living package in our state's history and it is only possible because of a Labor government—a Labor government that has taken on the multinational mining companies.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Acknowledged the rebate will help struggling Queenslanders but argued it is a bandaid solution that does not address fundamental causes of high electricity prices, particularly the Callide failure.

“The LNP and every single member who has stood to address this bill has said from the outset that we will not stand in the way of cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders, but these rebates are not the answer.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as providing much needed relief for her community, emphasising the government is prioritising people over balance sheets.

“I am proud to be a part of the Miles government that has recognised the need for such a bill—a bill that will provide much needed relief for Queenslanders.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

As Energy Minister, strongly defended the bill and the government's energy record, correcting opposition claims about Callide and emphasising Queensland has the most reliable energy system of any mainland state.

“Our plan delivers rebates that Queenslanders need right now—renewable energy in the medium term to bring down prices and public ownership permanently. When this bill is passed, Queenslanders will have the lowest power bills in the nation.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as providing relief to North Queenslanders facing high power bills, but argued for longer-term solutions including adjusting equalisation tariffs and supporting nuclear power development.

“This rebate will give some relief to those people... What the KAP wants, though, is for power bills to come down across the board.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as committee member, noting the purpose is to help Queensland families facing cost-of-living pressures from global factors.

“The purpose of the bill is to help Queensland families. Queensland families are experiencing a higher cost of living not due to anything that we have done but due to global pressures.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Not opposing the bill but argued the $2.267 billion expenditure is proof the government has lost control of electricity prices, criticising the Callide debacle and questioning the viability of hydro projects.

“The LNP will not be opposing this bill as we are all too aware of the cost-of-living pressures that families are under as a result of the failed policies of the Palaszczuk and now Miles governments.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill and defended the government's energy record, correcting LNP claims about Callide and emphasising public ownership enables the rebates.

“We can do this for two reasons: we are getting our fair share back from progressive coal royalties and we own our energy assets.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as the biggest cost-of-living relief package in Queensland history, highlighting how families can use savings for children's activities.

“We know Queensland families are feeling the pressure of increased household bills, and the Miles government is here to help.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Not opposing the temporary relief measures but argued they are only necessary because of Labor's failures, particularly the Callide explosion caused by chronic maintenance underfunding.

“The LNP will drive down electricity costs by properly maintaining our power plants... Saving Queenslanders from paying for Labor's failures is a priority for the Liberal National Party.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as providing cheaper power for all Queenslanders, funded by coal royalties from multinational companies.

“This cheaper power bill will do exactly what it says on the tin—make power cheaper for all Queenslanders.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as addressing cost-of-living which is his top priority, warning that things would be worse under the LNP.

“I support the Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill—a bill that will deliver cheaper power bills to Queenslanders by providing $1,000 to every Queensland household on 1 July.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Greens supporting the bill as cost-of-living relief is needed, but criticised it as a temporary bandaid that misses vulnerable people like the homeless, and argued Labor's royalty changes don't go far enough.

“The Greens will absolutely be supporting this bill. Cost-of-living relief is needed now more than ever in Queensland... it is a shame that the government's proposal is just a temporary solution.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as delivering immediate cost-of-living impact for Hervey Bay households, funded by progressive coal royalties.

“This cheaper power bill will have an immediate impact on the cost of living from 1 July 2024. By providing a $1,000 rebate for every Hervey Bay household, the people of Hervey Bay will have an extra $1,000 to put towards everyday living expenses.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Enthusiastically supported the bill, praising the Treasurer for taking on coal companies and putting money back in Queenslanders' pockets.

“Thanks to the Miles Labor government, the Premier and the Treasurer, Christmas has come early. It is Christmas in July across this great state because the Treasurer has done something the LNP only dream about: he has taken on the coal barons.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Not opposing the bill but argued it is necessary because of Labor's failures, particularly the 19.9% electricity price rise and the Callide explosion caused by maintenance underfunding.

“The opposition is not opposing this bill. We recognise the immediate relief Queenslanders need to keep up with the cost-of-living crisis.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as delivering real and tangible relief on electricity bills for Bundamba households, families, workers, seniors and small businesses.

“Labor's cheaper power bill addresses this head-on by providing substantial rebates on electricity bills. Our rebates are the largest in the nation: $1,000 off every household bill.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as a tangible and responsible cost-of-living measure, commending the Premier and Treasurer for the initiative.

“I wish to commend the Premier as well as the Deputy Premier and Treasurer for this important commitment to provide a tangible and responsible cost-of-living measure for all of our communities.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Acknowledged the rebate will help but argued it does not make power cheaper long-term, criticising the renewable energy transition and advocating for nuclear power as a solution.

“This bill is set to cost taxpayers. We will get our own money back to the tune of $2.27 billion... This is about making power bills cheaper. You cannot remove this debate, in my view, from the climate change debate.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as helping put downward pressure on inflation and noting the people of Greenslopes support cheaper power.

“I support the cheaper power bill because the people of Greenslopes support cheaper power... These are sensible macroeconomic reforms that are putting downward pressure on inflation.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as showing Labor values of caring and listening, made possible by public ownership of electricity assets and progressive coal royalties.

“This bill shows the values of the Miles Labor government. We do care and we listen. We know Queensland families are doing it tough.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supporting the bill because of cost-of-living impacts on constituents, but argued it is a bribe to ignore the government's incompetence, particularly the Callide explosion.

“I rise to speak in support of this bill because of the cruel cost-of-living impacts on my constituents... the $1,000 subsidy is a bribe to Queensland voters to ignore the fact that electricity bills are as a result of Labor's policies and Labor's incompetence.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as responding to constituents' calls for cost-of-living relief, noting the government listened and is now acting.

“We have listened to Queenslanders' call for cost-of-living relief and we are acting. Through the cheaper power bill, we will provide a $1,000 rebate to every single Queensland household.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill enthusiastically, noting excitement in her community about the rebate and sharing stories of constituents who will benefit.

“The excitement in my community among the residents who are getting a $1,000 rebate on their next electricity bill is overwhelming. They are so excited.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Criticised the bill as a temporary measure that won't address fundamental electricity grid issues, arguing the government is covering up the Callide explosion and that prices will be highest ever after the rebate runs out.

“Fortunately Queenslanders can see through the rot that is this Labor government. They know that this is just a temporary measure that is not going to address the fundamentals in the electricity system.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as the biggest cost-of-living package in Queensland's history, emphasising more people are turning to support services and need this relief.

“The new Miles Labor government is committed to taking the pressure off families, which is why we are delivering the biggest cost-of-living package in Queensland's history.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, noting residents are excited to receive the rebate and that Queensland resources should benefit Queenslanders, not overseas parties.

“Nobody is not excited to be receiving at a minimum $1,000 off their electricity bill from 1 July... Queenslanders rightly deserve to benefit and not see those profits of the big mining companies sent overseas.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Not opposing the relief but argued it is a blatantly cynical move by a desperate government that refuses to address its role in increasing cost of living through mismanagement.

“I do not oppose giving relief for the cost-of-living crisis. However, we need to be honest. This subsidy is the direct result of the government mismanaging electricity prices in Queensland.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill as delivering cheaper power, noting most Pumicestone families won't pay a power bill until 2025 or even 2026.

“Labor's cheaper power bill does what it says on the tin: it will deliver cheaper power right across Queensland... In Pumicestone our power bill rebates mean that most families will not pay a power bill until 2025, if then.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill and congratulated the Treasurer, noting it was warmly received at the Sandgate senior citizens club and that it is deflationary, helping reduce inflation.

“I am pleased to be supporting the cheaper power bill in this House tonight. I want to congratulate the Deputy Premier and the Treasurer for this initiative to make sure that this important cost-of-living measure is locked in.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Not opposing the bill as Queenslanders need help, but criticised it as a sugar hit before an election that does nothing to address underlying causes of high electricity costs driven by green energy policies.

“Apart from all that, I have no doubt Queenslanders will gladly accept the help they can get from the government at this time. Far be it from me to begrudge them receiving a helping hand, so I do not oppose the bill.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, emphasising the global factors affecting costs and that Labor backs everyday Queenslanders, not multinational investors.

“This side of the chamber does not support multinational foreign investors raking in billions and billions; we support everyday Queenslanders. We support the mums, the dads, the battlers and the workers.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Commended the Premier and Treasurer for addressing cost of living, comparing the approach to federal Labor's support during the global financial crisis.

“This is very simple: households are facing cost-of-living pressures. While the causes may be complex, the Miles government's approach is very simple. To support Queenslanders financially, we are directly applying a $1,000 rebate to every household power bill.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Welcomed the cost-of-living relief while noting it is a blunt instrument that doesn't help those in greatest need like the homeless. Committed to donating her rebate to residents in hardship.

“Yes, some relief is better than none. However, the $1,000 payment is a blunt instrument. Those who have no need for the rebate, such as all of us MPs in this chamber, get as much as those in dire need.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Enthusiastically supported the bill, sharing positive feedback from constituents about how the rebate will help them afford essentials and gifts for grandchildren.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be standing here in support of the Cheaper Power (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill 2024. This bill might be small in pages but it is a mighty bill.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as the largest cost-of-living relief measure in Australia, noting it is working as Queensland is the only state where hardship payment plans are decreasing.

“I rise to speak in favour of the largest cost-of-living relief measure in Australia delivered by the Miles government. We are putting money back into Queensland households.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supporting the cost-of-living measures but condemning the government's inability to maintain power assets, sharing the story of a small business facing $10,000 insurance increase.

“The LNP supports measures that provide cost-of-living relief for Queenslanders, but this is a bandaid solution to the cost-of-living crisis created and brought about by this tired, third-term Labor government.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Proud to support the bill as directly helping Queenslanders with power bills, funded by progressive coal royalties and public ownership of energy assets.

“I am proud to be part of the Miles government that is directly helping Queenslanders with their power bills. This bill will do exactly what it says on the cover: it will provide cheaper power bills to Queenslanders.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Proud to support the bill as representing Labor values of caring about daily lives of Queenslanders, made possible by public ownership of energy assets.

“This bill represents the commitment, indeed the values, of a Labor government that fundamentally cares about the daily lives of Queenslanders, particularly the most vulnerable.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supporting the rebate as Queenslanders are desperate due to cost-of-living crisis caused by Labor, noting the LNP voted for progressive coal royalties in two budgets and will do so again.

“We support the bill that we are debating today in terms of the $1,000 rebate for Queenslanders because we know how tough Queenslanders are doing it because of the cost-of-living crisis caused by the Labor Party.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, noting every constituent she's spoken to is grateful for the $1,000 and criticising the LNP for demeaning those who need the support.

“Every single person in my electorate to whom I have spoken is really grateful for the $1,000 they are going to get from this government.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as local families are thrilled with the $1,000 rebate, funded by coal royalty tax which her community wholly supports.

“That is why local families were thrilled with the news by the Miles Labor government pre budget of the $1,000 cost-of-living rebate to be paid to every local household from 1 July.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supporting the bill while acknowledging the need for cost-of-living support, but argued rebates cannot compensate businesses facing extreme electricity price rises.

“As my colleagues in the LNP opposition have said, we will be supporting this bill. I acknowledge the need for cost-of-living support for people in my electorate of Southern Downs.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill as residents in Cooper are excited about the rebate which means many won't pay a power bill until next year.

“The residents in my community are just so excited about our government's cost-of-living energy rebate. A $1,000 credit onto every Queensland household's energy bill means that many households in my electorate will not pay a power bill until this time next year.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Supported the bill sharing constituent stories including pensioner Les who said the rebate means he can breathe a little and live like a real person.

“Cost-of-living relief is not just a monetary windfall; it is about giving our most vulnerable Queenslanders a chance to enjoy moments of humanity that some of us take for granted.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard

Criticised the bill as fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants policy and a temporary measure, arguing the 20% power price increase will quickly consume the rebate, while calling for royalties to be invested back in regional Queensland.

“If ever we wanted an example of 'fly by the seat of your pants' policy, then we need look no further than this $1,000 rebate announced by this government.”— 2024-05-21View Hansard