Tasmanian families are
crying out for support to relieve the financial stress set to be caused by
increased household power bills this winter.
Shadow Minister for Energy
David O’Byrne said tens of thousands of Tasmanians have spent more time at home
as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that is going to be reflected
in their power bills.
“With more than 20,000
Tasmanians losing their jobs because of COVID-19, we know many families are
doing it tough. And many of those who have held onto their jobs have had long
periods working from home.
“All of this has resulted in
increased power use, which will result in higher bills at a time when many
cannot afford it.
“Tasmanians followed the
government’s calls to stay home – and they’re going to be hit in the hip pocket
for abiding by those rules.
“With a date now set to
start winding back JobKeeper and Jobseeker, which many families rely on, Labor
is renewing its call for the government to provide hard-hit Tasmanian
households with a winter energy supplement.”
Mr O’Byrne said in the lead
up to the 2018 election, the government promised a $10 million special energy
bonus scheme, providing $125 in relief to eligible electricity account holders.
“Support like this is far
more necessary now, and the Premier’s own Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council has flagged concerns about the capacity of
vulnerable Tasmanians to pay for heating during the cold winter months.
“Labor’s COVID-19 Recovery Package calls out the importance of supporting social
recovery as well as economic recovery.
“That’s why Labor has launched a petition calling on the Premier to urgently provide relief to families this winter.”
David O’Byrne
Shadow Minister for Energy
