Jacqui Lambie has criticized the Albanese government for offering every Australian household a $300 rebate on their energy bill.
Tasmania’s firebrand senator pulled no punches when she joined other MPs on the ABC’s Insiders on Tuesday night after Jim Chalmers approved his third federal budget.
The Treasurer revealed that 10 million households, regardless of income, will receive the energy rebate from July 1, sparking debate over government spending.
Senator Lambie was furious at the “bizarre” decision, which means vital funds will be spent on high earners like her, at a time of rising inflation.
“We don’t need $300, I can tell you that,” he said.
‘That (funding) should have been transferred. I find it strange.’
Australians sang a similar tune when they took to social media following the budget.
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie (pictured) has launched a furious attack on the government’s energy rebate given to all Australian households regardless of their income.
Senator Lambie said she did not agree with the rich receiving help in the federal budget, including the Stage 3 tax cuts.
“I’m not comfortable with people like me and the super rich who got a $4,500 tax cut,” she told the panel.
He added that the $300 rebate had not been means-tested, so its effect on the economy is largely unknown.
‘Are we getting the $300 (and it’s not) means tested? Are we back in the days of Covid? she said.
“We’re just throwing money away, left, right and center (and) you’re too lazy to do some means testing.”
The rebate package is estimated to cost the government $3.5 billion.
That payout would be much better if waves of youth crime across the country were addressed, Lambie said.
‘We have kids out there… who are completely out of control. Not a mention of that,’ she said.
An election is approaching in Launceston and youth crime there is out of control.
“They don’t want to talk about it or know about it.”
All households will see a $300 credit automatically applied to their electric bills starting July 1.
Lambie said Australia’s wealthiest did not need the $300 refund from Treasurer Jim Chalmers (pictured) and the government and could spend it on more pressing issues.
Australians rallied to the rebate, including the country’s wealthiest, while other well-off taxpayers said they would simply donate the money to charity.
“I’m sure Gina Rinehart is thrilled to get $300 back on her energy bills,” one commented.
Another added: “If this stupid government gives me $300 off my energy bills it will go straight to charity.” Join me if you can afford it.’
A third wrote: “I feel like there should be a waiver on the $300 energy rebate for anyone who has ever slept under a quilt with the air conditioning on.” We don’t deserve it.’
Another Australian who earns around $100,000 a year and lives alone with no dependents said “I don’t need $300 off my energy bills.”
‘Many other people even more well off than me don’t do it either. This money could be better distributed to those who really need help to maintain power supply,’ they fumed.