Media Statements

New part-pension concession brings rates relief to those most in need

30 June 2022

Rates relief for Ipswich pensioners will be extended in the Ipswich City Council 2022-2023 Budget with the introduction of a new part-pension remission.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said two serious weather events earlier this year, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and cost-of-living increases with fuel, food and power prices surging prompted council to provide additional financial relief to the city’s vulnerable residents.

“From 1 July 2022, residential owner occupiers who receive a part-pension will be eligible to receive a pensioner remission of $120 per annum,” Mayor Harding said.

“About 3,500 part-pensioners will be provided the remission with the new program costing council $430,000.

“The $120 per annum concession will be available for all eligible part-pensioners regardless of the level of their pension.”

Mayor Harding said this year’s council budget was prepared amid a unique set of circumstances and financial pressures on several fronts.

The new remission, alongside the existing full pension remission and early payment discount, is recognition of challenging economic times for residents after floods, the pandemic and concerns of a potential global recession.

“Council has worked hard to maintain a sound financial position despite external forces such as the flood events of February and May, the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and cost-of-living pressures being felt right across our nation,” Mayor Harding said.

“Our residents are facing cost pressures like never before: rising interest rates on home mortgages, spiralling petrol prices and grocery bills jumping almost daily.

“We know people are taking a hit in the back pocket and it is impacting everywhere.

“The part-pension remission provides some relief for a group of residents that can be greatly impacted by these rising costs.”

Deputy Mayor and Governance and Transparency Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said this new measure for Ipswich residents would be most welcomed.

“We are introducing a new part-pension remission which is a first for us,” Cr Madsen said.

“Previously council only offered a remission for people receiving a full pension.

“It has been a pleasure to see Cr Nicole Jonic take the lead on such an important reform which sees Ipswich City Council match the commitment to part pensions shared by our SEQ contemporaries.

“Council’s 7,500 maximum rate pensioners will continue receiving a remission of $245 per annum.

“The on-time payment discount continues for all ratepayers at $33 per quarter or $132 per annum.”

Table shows council rates relief for pensioners and early payment discount.

For more information about Ipswich City Council’s 2022-2023 Budget, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/budget