The major political parties in Victoria, Australia, have switched their campaign focus to lowering energy bills for local households as state elections begin in less than two weeks.
Prime Minister Daniel Andrews said at the start of the election campaign in Cranbourne, Melbourne, on 13 November, that every Victorian household would vote for two if the centre-left Labor Party were re-elected on 13 November. Announced that you are eligible for the second $250 (US$167) power saving bonus. 26.
Newly announced bonuses will be offered under current state government extensions program Eligible Victorian households can claim a one-time payment from March 2023 by applying on the Victorian Energy Comparison website.
The first round of bonuses was expected to cost $455 million.
“For next winter, we are offering another $250 electricity saving bonus to all Victorian homes. Keep the lights on and your costs down.” Andrews said in a statement.
“It’s just another way the Labor Party is helping Victorians make ends meet.”
The announcement follows federal budget projections that electricity prices are expected to rise by 56% across Australia and gas prices to rise by 40% over the next two years.
On another topic, the Prime Minister said 6,000 jobs would be given to apprentices and trainees, among the jobs expected to be created under the Labor Party’s plan to re-establish state power boards.
he also $207 million package For vocational schools to provide better disability support for families and children.
Promise of the Opposition
Early on 13 November, opposition leader Matthew Guy introduced a ‘Bill Buster’ policy at the start of the election campaign, saving Victorian households up to $235 if the coalition wins the election. said it can.
The policy eliminates the daily fixed “supply rate” on household electricity bills for six months starting January 2023 and is expected to cost about $200 million.
“While we are constrained by the record debt Mr Andrews has racked up, rewarding his hardworking family remains a key priority for us.” He said in a statement.
“Our Bill Buster initiative will enable us to provide moderate financial support to affordable and targeted Victorian families and small businesses.”
In addition, Mr Guy said the coalition will seek a more reliable and affordable solution for the state’s residents under a new policy that will force all new conventional onshore gas projects to supply gas only to Victorian homes and businesses. said to secure the power of
“A guaranteed supply of natural gas means we can keep the lights on and energy affordable as we transition to a clean energy future.” guy he said.
The coalition said a domestic gas stockpiling policy was a real solution to cost-of-living pressures and would be enacted within six months of the Liberal and Nationalist parties taking power.
follow
Alfred Bui is an Australian reporter based in Melbourne, focusing on local and business news. He is a former small business owner and holds his two master’s degrees in business and business law. Please contact [email protected]