❓ Hon. Tjorn Sibma questions the effectiveness and rationale behind the $100 fuel support payment, suggesting a driver's license fee reduction as an alternative. The Treasurer's response defends the payment's direct impact and broader cost-of-living package.
AnsweredQoN 342Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Fuel support payment
342. Hon Tjorn Sibma to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Treasurer:
I refer to the $100
fuel support payment announced in last week's state budget.
(1) To what degree does the Department of
Treasury and Finance assess that the scheme will genuinely alleviate cost-of-living
pressures faced by the Western Australian community and where is the evidence
for this?
(2) What is the expected take-up rate of
this support measure and where is the modelling for this?
(3) If the intent behind the measure is
genuinely to reduced cost pressures experienced by drivers, why was a $100 reduction
in driver's licence fees in 2026–27 not considered as an alternative?
342. Hon Tjorn Sibma to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Treasurer:
I refer to the $100
fuel support payment announced in last week's state budget.
(1) To what degree does the Department of
Treasury and Finance assess that the scheme will genuinely alleviate cost-of-living
pressures faced by the Western Australian community and where is the evidence
for this?
(2) What is the expected take-up rate of
this support measure and where is the modelling for this?
(3) If the intent behind the measure is
genuinely to reduced cost pressures experienced by drivers, why was a $100 reduction
in driver's licence fees in 2026–27 not considered as an alternative?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question and provide the following
answer on behalf of the Treasurer.
(1)–(3) The $100 payments will provide direct
financial support to each eligible driver's licence holder and therefore assist
with the cost of living. Noting that licences can be renewed for periods of up
to five years, holders of licences that are not up for removal over July to
December 2026 would not have received the financial support if it were to be
implemented through a fee reduction. The typical Western Australian household
will see a 3.3% or $221.89 decrease relative to 2025–26, which is the seventh
consecutive year of changes at or below forecast inflation. This payment forms
part of a broader cost-of-living package delivered by the Cook Labor government,
including up to $250 per student for families, as well as targeted measures
including a 10% boost to energy concessions. In line with previous WA Student Assistance
Payment claims, an 85% take-up rate has been assumed and underpins the program's
estimated costs.
honourable member for some notice of the question and provide the following
answer on behalf of the Treasurer.
(1)–(3) The $100 payments will provide direct
financial support to each eligible driver's licence holder and therefore assist
with the cost of living. Noting that licences can be renewed for periods of up
to five years, holders of licences that are not up for removal over July to
December 2026 would not have received the financial support if it were to be
implemented through a fee reduction. The typical Western Australian household
will see a 3.3% or $221.89 decrease relative to 2025–26, which is the seventh
consecutive year of changes at or below forecast inflation. This payment forms
part of a broader cost-of-living package delivered by the Cook Labor government,
including up to $250 per student for families, as well as targeted measures
including a 10% boost to energy concessions. In line with previous WA Student Assistance
Payment claims, an 85% take-up rate has been assumed and underpins the program's
estimated costs.
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