Nat Barr has grilled Treasurer Jim Chalmers about why even the richest Australians can get $300 to cover their energy bills.
The measure was announced in Tuesday’s Budget to help ease some of the burden of the cost of living crisis.
But Barr questioned why Australians who were not in financial difficulty also needed the refund.
‘So if you’re making a million dollars, why do you need a $300 energy rebate?’ he asked Dr. Chalmers on Wednesday morning.
Nat Barr has grilled Treasurer Jim Chalmers about why even the richest Australians can get $300 to cover their energy bills.
The Treasurer said the focus of the Budget was to ease cost of living pressures and provide some relief to Australians who are struggling.
‘Yes, but you will also get it if you win 1 million dollars. Why do they receive it?’ Barr responded.
“That’s not the goal of energy bill relief,” Dr. Chalmers responded.
‘It may not be the focus, but they are getting it. Why do you get a $300 energy rebate if you earn $1 million in Australia? Barr asked.
The treasurer said cost-of-living pressures are being “felt across our country”, before the Sunrise presenter interrupted him again.
‘Are the million dollar people under pressure?’ she said.
The treasurer explained that energy bill providers did not have information about people’s income.
“Therefore, the easiest and most efficient way is to provide this energy bill relief to all households. We are happy and proud to be able to do it. “It’s part of a cost-of-living package that is substantial, but responsible,” he said.
More to come