July hit to hip pockets
THE beginning of a new financial year ushers in new legislation and typically a higher benchmark for fees and charges.
From July 1, Queenslanders will be slugged with increased costs of tolls, parking and other essential services.
But the cost-of-living pressures have been acknowledged with support for a number of communities including those with families, on welfare or on the minimum wage.
Here’s all the changes coming on Friday
Tolls:
The price of tolls will rise by about six per cent across the board from July 1.
For cars, a trip through the Clem7 will cost $5.70, up from $5.35, while Legacy Way will rise to $6.14, up from $5.79.
Trucks will pay $18.43 to travel Legacy Way in peak hours – up from $17.38 – and the Clem7 cost $17.09 – up from $16.12. Toll notice charges have also risen to $9.48 for a notice fee and $26.55 for a demand notice.
Traffic penalties:
There will be a dramatic jump in the cost of fines for traffic-related offences in Queensland from July 1.
Fines for not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt will jump to $1078 and four demerit points.
Drivers disobeying traffic signals, including not stopping at yellow or red traffic lights and yellow or red bus and tram lights, will rise to $575.
For speeding, the following penalties will apply:
• 1-10km/hr above the limit: $287 and 1 demerit point
• 11-20km/hr above the limit: $431 and 3 demerit points
• 21-30km/hr above the limit: $646 and 4 demerit points
• 31-40km/hr above the limit: $1078 and 6 demerit points
• More than 40km/hr above the limit: $1653, 8 demerit points, and an automatic 6-month licence suspension Car registration:
From July 1, light vehicle registration fees will be increased by 2.5 per cent in line with the government indexation rate.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads said the increase was below inflation, “recognising the current cost of living pressures” on Queenslanders.
Super:
The percentage rate for the Super Guarantee will rise from 10 per cent to 10.5 per cent from July 1.
The change essentially means employers will be required to pay extra cash into staff super accounts.