Impact of water price rise a sign of things to come
In the light of substantially increased price of water announced today, ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey has called for a more robust concession scheme to ensure people living on low incomes aren’t hit too hard by the impact of climate change.
“I moved a motion in the Assembly last year asking the ACT Government to conduct a review of its concession schemes.”
“While that review pointed to the equity implications of the impact of climate change, in its response the Government did not make a commitment to take that on.”
“It is fair to see this significant increase in the price of water as an example of the impact of climate change.”
“And while most Canberra people will be pleased to see that any extra they pay for water will go back in to securing their water supply, some people will find it hard to pay the bill.”
“The ACT Government has announced today, however, that it will expand its rebate on water supply charges for all health care card holders. I welcome the announcement.”
“but there are a number of Canberra people for whom the basic costs of living are rising faster than their income, and they don’t all have health care cards.”
“The Government utilities tax has pushed up power and phone costs. Recent interest rate rises have pushed up their rent or mortgages. Petrol price rises are pushing up transport costs. Now their water is going up by 15%.”
“I recognise that the ICRC and the ACT Government are starting to grapple with the equity implications of price rises such as this.”
“I think they have a lot further to go” Dr Foskey said.
