Labor’s inaction on electricity costs SEQ families

17 Jun 2016 2:08 PMMichael Hart

 

Labor’s inaction on electricity costs SEQ families

Friday, 17 June 2016

 

• Labor delays the LNP’s plan to deregulate the retail electricity market in SEQ
• Energy Minister Mark Bailey fails to inform Queenslanders that deregulation is coming
• Labor claims it wanted to get process right before deregulation but have done nothing
• Other states saving up to $1000 through deregulation, while Labor sits on its hands

 

Families continue to be slugged more on their power bill because the Palaszczuk Labor Government sat on its hands and failed to prepare South-East Queenslanders for deregulation of the retail electricity market.

 

Shadow Minister for Energy Michael Hart said Labor’s inaction leading up to significant changes to take effect on July 1 has cost south-east Queenslanders hundreds of dollars.

 

“Deregulation of the energy market is less than two weeks away and the Premier today confirmed her Government has done nothing to inform consumers of the change,” Mr Hart said.

 

“Energy Minister Mark Bailey is missing in action and has failed to tell Queenslanders what deregulation will mean for them, and most importantly left Queenslanders in the dark regarding a massive hike in their family energy bill.

 

“Through his inaction Minister Bailey has failed his most basic duties to serve Queenslanders.

 

“When in Government the LNP strongly supported deregulation but in delaying this decision Minister Bailey has let Queenslanders down.”

 

Mr Hart said Labor’s own Productivity Commission stated competitive retail strategies initiated by the LNP will cut the cost of living of families in South-East Queensland.

 

“The Productivity Commission has said deregulation in other states has saved families up to $1000 a year,” he said.

 

“Victorian families save up to $800 annually. In South Australia they are saving up to $460 a year, and in New South Wales families can save up to a whopping $1,000 a year due to retail competition.

 

“South-East Queensland families could have saved similar amounts, if not for Labor’s decision to delay deregulation for 12 months.

 

“In April 2015 Labor said it was delaying deregulation to the retail electricity market until its ongoing inquiry into electricity prices had been finalised, saying they wanted to get the process right.

 

“After nearly 18 months in Government Labor is yet to release its policy on electricity and won’t release the report from the Productivity Commission.

 

“Labor chose to review and not do, and Queenslanders have paid for their inaction.”

 

Media contact: Nicholas Adermann 0407 808 016