Released 09/12/2022
Energy
The National Cabinet met today to put in place a national response to rising energy prices.
First Ministers recognised that rising energy prices are placing pressure on many Australian households.
Through the ACT Government’s investments in long-term renewable energy contracts, ACT residents and businesses are far less likely to experience the sort of energy prices rises other jurisdictions are anticipating in the coming years.
The ACT, along with all other States and Territory agreed to be involved in the development a co-funded National Energy Bill Rebate to help soften the impact of rising energy prices on low income consumers through temporary and target on-bill rebates.
The ACT Government welcomes the Commonwealth’s financial commitment of $1.5 billion to this scheme.
State and Territory Treasurers will work with the Commonwealth on these rebate arrangements over the coming months, and the ACT is expected to have further detail on how the rebate will be accessed by eligible ACT residents and businesses in early 2023.
The ACT’s existing Utilities Concession provided up to $800 per year to over 30,000 low income households in the Territory to help with the cost of their energy bills. The ACT will work with the Commonwealth on how the National Energy Bill Rebate can integrate with the ACT Government’s existing support for low income households with their energy bills.
COVID-19
National Cabinet also discussed ongoing pandemic arrangements for COVID-19.
First Ministers agreed to extend the High Risk Settings Pandemic Payment over the summer period to provide targeted financial support to casual workers in high risk settings.
First Ministers are also expecting advice from Health Ministers on the need to extend the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement beyond this year.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases