Tasmanians are feeling the pressure as power, water and other bills continue to rise, according to the Labor opposition.
A proposed 15% increase in TasNetworks transmission fees from July 1st will add $113 to the average household power bill, while TasWater’s confirmed 3.5% annual price hike over the next four years will see water bills rise by an average of $46 per year.
Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said Labor obtained documents under Right to Information laws revealing that 2,569 Tasmanians defaulted on their TasWater payment plans in 2023.
Of those, 443 held concession cards and 35 households had restrictions placed on their water services.
“That highlights that the customer base, which is Tasmanians, are already under pressure and now we’re seeing further increases, which is contributing to the cost of living crisis,” Willie said.
“With the rise in the cost of living showing no signs of slowing down, there’s a strong chance the number of Tasmanians struggling to pay their bills will become even greater.”
“State governments can’t do everything about the cost of living, but they should do everything within their power to ease the burden placed on households and families.”
Minister Guy Barnett said battling the cost of living is a “top priority” for the state government.
This includes providing a one-off $250 electricity dividend to households and a $300 dividend to small businesses.
