Federal Budget 2024: Nat Barr grills Jim Chalmers over energy rebate on Sunrise
Nat Barr has quizzed Treasurer Jim Chalmers about why even the richest Australians will receive a $300 discount on their energy bills.
The measure was announced in Tuesday’s budget to help ease the cost of living crisis.
But Barr questioned why Australians who were not struggling financially also needed the rebate.
“So if you make $1 million, why do you need a $300 electricity rebate?” she asked Dr. Chalmers on Wednesday morning.
The Treasurer said the focus of the Budget was on easing cost-of-living pressures and providing some relief to Australians who are struggling.
Nat Barr has quizzed Treasurer Jim Chalmers on why even the richest Australians can receive $300 to meet their energy bills
‘Yes, but you also get it if you earn one million dollars. Why are they getting it?’ Barr struck back.
“That’s not the focus of energy bill relief,” Dr. Chalmers responded.
“It may not be the focus, but they get it. Why do you get a $300 energy rebate when you make $1 million in Australia,” Barr reiterated.
Dr. Chalmers said pressure on the cost of living is “being felt across our country”, before being shut down again by the Sunrise presenter.
“The million dollar people are under pressure?” she said.
The treasurer explained that utility bill providers had no information about people’s incomes.
‘The simplest and most efficient way is to provide every household with this energy bill. We are happy and proud that we can do that. It is part of a cost-of-living package that is significant but responsible,” he said.
The TV presenter then said the issue was “basically a computer problem”, before going on to ask whether Tuesday’s announcement was a “budget for early elections”.
‘Will you give this money? like the electricity discounts for the coming year, just in time for May next year, which will put everyone in a good mood?’ Barr asked.
Dr. Chalmers reiterated that the government’s motivation was to help people who are “doing it tough” and provide substantial relief from the cost of living in a “responsible” way.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also questioned about the cut, with Today Show host Karl Stefanovic asking why Australia’s richest person Gina Rinehart needed the extra cash.
“There are a series of measures in this budget that are targeted, but there are some measures that are broad because that is the simplest and most efficient way to deliver them,” Mr Albanese replied.
More to come