2.21: Concessions
Promote equity in the standard of living and access to essential services for all members of the ACT community through its
concessions program.
Other Information:
The ACT Government is seeking to promote equity in the standard of living and access to essential services for all members
of the ACT community through its concessions program. Concessions assist Canberrans on low incomes to meet charges for energy,
water and sewerage, public transport, motor vehicle registration and other costs. They are consistent with other states, as
they are applied fairly and support access to essential services. In 2008–09, it is expected that assistance will amount to
more than $32 million for the ACT Concessions Program. In addition, Housing ACT will provide rental rebates in excess of $96
million. The ACT Government will continue to explore ways to extend support and assistance to the ACT community through concessions.
In the area of energy costs, the ACT Government will provide additional resources to support the increased workload of the
Essential Services Consumer Council. At the same time, we are preparing to change the funding model for the council, as part
of national energy regulation reforms, from direct funding by licence fees to a levy that feeds directly into consolidated
revenue. From 1 July 2008 the rebate on the water supply charge was extended to health care cardholders in the ACT, as well
as those asylum seekers not eligible for Centrelink benefits. It is estimated there are more than 20,000 health care cardholders
in the ACT. The rebate will amount to nearly $50 off the standard water supply charge per eligible household in the first
year of operation. The ACT Government has provided a one-off complete exemption from stamp duty for pensioners who wish to
downsize and move to accommodation that is better suited to their needs. It also provides concession fares for seniors travelling
at peak hours on ACTION buses and Gold Cards for those over 75 enabling them access to free public transport as well as maintaining
the supplementary community transport services.
Indicator(s):
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