The Queensland state opposition has called on the government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, to reconsider its plans to eliminate $1000 electricity rebates for residents.

The opposition argues that removing these rebates will exacerbate the financial struggles facing many Queensland families, as the state experiences increasing cost-of-living pressures, particularly in the wake of a reported 1.9 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the first quarter, which officials attributed largely to electricity price rises.

Treasurer David Janetzki has stated that the abolition of these rebates will be finalized in the first budget under the Crisafulli administration, scheduled for later this month.

Janetzki stated that the previous Labor government had no intention of maintaining the rebate during its tenure, claiming that there was no allocated budget for energy rebates in the forward estimates.

Opposition Leader Steven Miles, who spearheaded the introduction of the electricity rebate during his term as premier, criticized the Crisafulli government's policy shift, emphasizing that the LNP (Liberal National Party) had previously promised to deliver lower energy prices and to maintain energy rebates amid ongoing cost-of-living difficulties.

He quoted Crisafulli’s assurances during the election campaign that energy costs would decrease under LNP governance.

Miles argued that the commitment made by Crisafulli to ensure cheaper energy prices was a promise made to Queenslanders, which now appears at risk of being unfulfilled.

He contended that the prior government's approach involved evaluating economic conditions each year and determining appropriate rebate levels accordingly.

Conversely, Janetzki insisted that any assertions from the opposition regarding the Labor government's plans for rebates were unfounded, asserting that the former administration had allocated no funds in the 2025-26 budget for energy rebates.

Additionally, Janetzki reiterated the government's commitment to addressing cost-of-living challenges through structural reforms designed to create long-term reductions in energy prices.

He noted that the upcoming budget would feature measures aimed at alleviating financial pressure on households and businesses.

Janetzki mentioned that the government is exploring various avenues of reform, which include addressing issues related to crime to potentially lower insurance costs and increasing property approvals to stabilize housing expenses.

The government plans to reveal more details on their strategy in the forthcoming budget announcement on June 24.