Queensland budget benefits elderly
Stamp duty concessions for seniors downsizing, a one-off water rebate for south east Queensland homes and money for elderly carers of children living with a disability were some benefits for older people highlighted in the Queensland government’s state budget recently.
Stamp duty concessions for seniors downsizing, a one-off water rebate for south east Queensland homes and money for elderly carers of children living with a disability were some benefits for older people highlighted in the Queensland government’s state budget recently.
Some of the highlights in the Queensland government budget, as reported by National Seniors, included:
- the reinstatement of the concession on stamp duty for principal place of residence, which may be of benefit for seniors downsizing;
- a one-off water rebate of $80 for SouthEast Queensland households to help with water bills;
- $15 million to a trial for elderly parents of adult children with a disability to plan for ongoing care;
- $26 million over four years for respite services for people with disabilities aged between 16-25 and their carers; and
- $156.9 million over four years for 1,100 new police officers.
The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) for people living in rural and remote areas was also doubled, and the accommodation subsidy will increase from $30 to $60 per night per person and the mileage subsidy from 15 cents to 30 cents per kilometre.
Cuts to all sectors were announced including health, police, ambulance and fire-fighting services, child safety and disability services.
The Queensland government also capped the taxi subsidy scheme to $400 per person a year (equates to about 16 taxi trips in a year) for people with a disability who require transportation.
