A Tim Nicholls-led LNP Government will tackle the cost of living by delivering cheaper electricity for businesses.
LNP Leader Tim Nicholls said he would undertake major economic reforms to end Labor’s secret tax on electricity.
“Businesses can’t grow and employ more people if they are weighed down with higher costs and electricity is one of their largest costs,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We are taking action on every component of the electricity bill – something that Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor have failed to do.
“Labor’s gold plating has seen network costs spike by 257 per cent since 2004-05 – that’s unacceptable.”
Mr Nicholls said the LNP would write-off $2 billion of the regulated asset base so Queenslanders no longer had to pay for Labor’s gold plating.
“This will reduce network charges by 11 per cent from 1 July 2018, savings businesses hundreds of dollars,” he said.
“We are also increasing competition in the wholesale energy market by restructuring the government-owned generators.
“Labor consolidated Queenslander’s generators – that has reduced competition and led to higher prices.
“Under Annastacia Palaszczuk, wholesale electricity prices have skyrocketed 70 per cent and the government-owned generators have been gouging Queenslanders.
“The LNP will also scrap Labor’s 50 per cent renewable energy target and support the national energy guarantee that will save businesses hundreds of dollars a year.
“Businesses will also benefit from the LNP’s move to drop the non-reversion policy which stops small businesses returning to regulated tariffs if they aren’t happy with their market contract.
“It’s about giving small business options and listening to the recommendation of the Queensland Productivity Commission that Labor ignored for 18 months.
“The LNP is acting when Labor isn’t. Enough is enough - we will deliver cheaper electricity for small businesses.”
