Small businesses represent 97 percent of businesses state-wide and over half are outside of the Greater Brisbane region.
From supporting our local community and sporting groups to providing many in our community with employment and services, small businesses are the heart and soul of our community.
My recent cost of living survey showed energy prices were one of the biggest concerns for people.
I’ve raised that issue in Brisbane and I’m happy to say this budget includes a $650 energy rebate for eligible small business, as well as a $550 energy rebate for all Queensland households and a $1072 energy rebate for seniors and concession card holders.
Over 25,000 small businesses across Central Queensland are expected to benefit from $650 off their business power bill, meaning more money in the pockets of local families.
Approximately 2,000 of these small businesses are in my community of Rockhampton.
To be eligible, businesses must be on a separately metered business tariff with their electricity retailer, and the business’s annual electricity consumption must be less than the 100MWh threshold.
If you meet this criteria, you don’t have to do anything and our cost of living rebate will be credited to your bill from the 1st of July in three or four instalments, depending on your retailer.
Our budget power rebates set Queensland up for the future, with major investment in our Energy and Jobs Plan, unleashing new industries and jobs in the regions.
All of this is only possible because we own our public assets, and we are making sure Queenslanders – especially in our regions – are getting a fair share from current high coal prices.
Only the Palaszczuk Labor Government takes public ownership of our assets seriously.
Public ownership ensures profits from the state’s major electricity assets are funneled back into the pockets of Queenslanders.
The Palaszczuk Government is also providing other support to help businesses save money and lower their bills.
Our free ecoBiz program, run in partnership with the Business Chamber Queensland, provides personalised recommendations for small to medium sized businesses to deliver support for sustainable business practices and help you save on energy, water, and waste bills.
Over 90% of businesses that have committed to the program in 2021-2022 have recorded an increase in energy, water and waste utility savings, with the program helping businesses avoid 11,800 GJ in energy, 356,000 KL of water, and 1,125 tonnes of waste that resulted in $1.4 million in avoided costs for participating businesses.
You can find more information on how to register for ecoBiz here: ecobiz.businesschamberqld.com.au/
The Palaszczuk Government has also reinstated the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC), after the LNP cut this important advocacy service last time they were in government.
The QSBC advocates on behalf of small businesses to the State Government, and can provide support with practical information, networking, and disputes so our small businesses thrive.
More information on the QSBC can be found here qsbc.qld.gov.au/ and their office can be contacted on 1300 312 344.
I know this support will make a huge difference to many struggling locally.
By supporting small business, we are growing good jobs, a strong economy and an unbeatable lifestyle.
