LNP sees mileage in rebate

MILLIONS could be pumped into the North Queensland economy with a $300 rebate for vehicle owners from an LNP government.

Leader Deb Frecklington has promised to put $52.6m in North Queensland and $42.4m in Townsville drivers’ pockets by Christmas if the party is elected on October 31.

The “Rego Rebate” is part of a $1.15bn injection into the Queensland economy as part of Ms Frecklington’s plan to create jobs and lead the state out of a recession.

Burdekin MP Dale Last said his constituents had been very “receptive” to the plan.

“I think when it comes to stimulating the economy and local spending, what better way to do it,” he said.

But Labor has slammed the plan as “poorly designed” because the policy only affects registered car owners and some Queenslanders could miss out.

Mr Last said this was just “sour grapes” on Labor’s part.

Asked why the distribution of taxpayer money would apply equally to high-income earners and low-income earners, instead of a higher rate to those with less money, Ms Frecklington said the cashback scheme was a refund for drivers who had not used their cars as frequently as usual during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Let’s remember, more money into our economy means the economy is growing and that’s what we need right now in Queensland,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Queenslanders deserve to get their money back into their bank accounts and they deserve to be able to spend it in our local economy.

“Not everyone who owns a car is a high-income earner.

“It’s a $300 rebate back into their account. They pay their rego, they can get it back into their account.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the plan was “poorly designed”.

“The more cars you own, the more money you will get from Deb Frecklington,” he said.

“How you design these policies speaks to your values.

“That is why this government chose to give every Queenslander a rebate on their electricity bill, because just about every household has an electricity bill,” Mr Miles said.