The Albanese government has announced an extension of its energy bill relief program, providing an additional $150 rebate to households and around one million small businesses. The initiative, set to begin on 1 July 2025 and continue until the end of the year, is part of a broader $1.8 billion cost-of-living package.
The rebate will be automatically applied to electricity bills in quarterly instalments, offering direct financial relief. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the measure aims to ease financial pressures on Australians as they face increasing living costs. Treasurer Jim Chalmers added that, without such interventions, electricity prices would be higher.
The opposition has welcomed the extension of the energy relief scheme, particularly as energy regulators have warned of potential price hikes in the coming months. Additionally, the government will extend the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) inquiry into the National Electricity Market to ensure retailers provide fair pricing to consumers.
With the federal election approaching, cost-of-living measures like this are expected to be a key issue for voters. The government’s move positions itself as addressing financial pressures while also responding to concerns about energy affordability.
