Double discount: Geraldton residents split on $700 power credits from State, Federal budgets

Geraldton locals are split on how beneficial power credits announced in the State and Federal budgets will be for them. A combined $700 will be made available for each household from July as part of an effort to combat cost of living pressures and rising energy costs. In Tuesday’s Federal Budget, the Albanese Government announced a $300 power credit for every household and $325 for small business. This was on top of $400 announced in last week’s State Budget. When the Geraldton Guardian took to the streets this week to gauge public reaction to the double discount, some locals welcomed the payments wholeheartedly, while others believed the money would be better spent elsewhere. Electrician Brett Collie, 37, said for him it would be one less power bill to pay. “It’s half decent; it’s better than nothing. I don’t know what else they can really do, maybe crack down on supermarkets a bit more; that’s pretty much it,” he said. Retiree Trevor Mackle, 82, said his home was completely solar-powered and he did not need to pay an electricity bill. “I’m for it if it’s for those who deserve it. I’m not for it for the people who don’t need it, right? And I guess I’m one of those who don’t need it,” he said. Construction manager Elle McCracken, 38, said $700 was helpful but she would rather see the funds go towards cutting the cost of electricity. “Rather than going towards an electricity bill, put it into our account so we can use it towards what we need most — medical bills, nappies,” she said. Young mother and business owner Ash Sharp said she and her partner set aside money each week into an account that direct debits their bills automatically, but she expected the credit would help. “I mean, it’s handy I guess because the cost of living is so high,” she said. “Personally, I like the idea of it. Saving money for my household, but then I think of greater problems that maybe money could go towards in the community.” Support worker Tamarra Gawne, 53, said she was overwhelmed to be receiving $700 in electricity credit because it was one way to reduce the cost of living. “I just want to look out for myself, because there’s a lot of stuff working people don’t get that others people get,” she said. Kalbarri hospitality worker Shandi Baldwin, 41, said she was not very chuffed with the outcome of this year’s State Budget and believed the Government “wastes a lot of money”. “I think it’s a good concept, I mean, where do you draw the line? You can’t give out cash payments, otherwise it will stimulate the economy,” she said. “My power bills at the moment are like $600, so I think it’s a good thing.” Pensioner Gary Bravery, 68, said the electricity credit would “considerably” help him as he paid more than $350 per electricity bill. “I think it’s a good thing if it’s going to help you out ... Two instalments and it’s paid,” he said. Rio Tinto heavy machinery operator Brendan Rook, 48, sarcastically muttered a “yay” when questioned about the $700 credit. He said further tax cuts would make a real difference. “I think they’re just wasting time. It’s like when they gave all that money to everybody for the financial crisis. I didn’t want that, I wanted a tax cut,” he said. “It’s a short term fix for a long term goal.” Eco Abrolhos skipper Bronson Cox said the power credits would go a long way for him and his family. “We have solar so it goes really far for us. We might not pay a bill for six months,” he said. “I know how tough some people are doing it, so the funds could definitely be spent elsewhere.” One Geraldton retiree, who elected to remain anonymous, said people should consider themselves lucky they were receiving credits. “In Australia, we’re so lucky that there are so many bloody handouts. You go to other countries around the world and you don’t get that,” they said. “I do understand people are struggling here with cost of houses, interest rates and all that stuff.” Bob, a retiree in his 80s, said fundamentally it was taxes that caused the power credits to become available. “What that says to me is we’ve been overtaxed $700. They’ve taken too much off us to give us back $700,” he said. “It’s simple mathematics in anyone’s language.” Murray, a fellow retiree in his 60s, said it wasn’t a Budget for anyone. “You go to the supermarket and $300 is gobbled up in two shops. I think it’s vote buying,” he said. “I think the tax cuts should’ve been targeted better.” Disability support worker Amberly Phills, 24, said while the credit would help plenty of families, she would like to see the State Government allocate funding towards fixing rural roads. “It will definitely help me, especially with one on the way,” she said. An anonymous woman said it was not enough and electricity prices needed to be brought down. “Realistically I’m OK, but for the majority of people I think it’s an issue,” she said. Government worker Rebecca said the power credits came at a handy time. “My electricity bill is $600 overdue; the price of electricity has gone up and it’s definitely helpful,” she said. “I think it should be for single income homes or maybe if they’re earning less than a certain amount. Otherwise there’s no point giving it to people who can afford to pay it.” John, a pilot, said the credits would not go far to helping everyday Australians. “WA has already given us $400 worth of credits which is great, but is it relief on a phone bill or living expenses? Hardly,” he said. Geologist Anton Barber, 49, said given the tax rates and the cost of living, anything would help him cover the bills. “I’m sure the Government could spend their money more wisely in the first place and yes, any money back into taxpayers’ pockets is good money,” he said. Full-time mum Georgina Hodder, 33 said: “It will help a lot, with my power and that”. Lab tech Trish Williams, 53, said: “I’m completely solar, so it’s really not going to affect me. For other people, I think it’s great they are getting it”. A 25-year-old unemployed woman, who wished to remain unnamed, said she would accept the money but acknowledged some people were “missing out” due to being homeless.