GOODNA single mother Tracey is no stranger to tough choices.
But with the cost of living continuing to climb, she says those decisions are becoming impossible.
“We’re already skipping meals some days to keep the lights on,” Tracey said.
“Now they want to hit us with higher rego and licence fees? It’s too much.”
From July 1, all Queensland Government fees and charges – including drivers licences and other essential services – will rise by 3.4 per cent. Then, from September 16, the 20 per cent vehicle registration discount introduced by the former government will be scrapped, pushing annual rego costs significantly higher.
The cost of registering a four-cylinder vehicle will jump from the discounted $288.45 to about $372.85. For five or six-cylinder vehicles, it will rise from $456.75 to about $590.35. A five-year driver’s licence will increase from $198.35 to approximately $205.10.
For families like Tracey’s, the added expense is more than just an inconvenience – it’s another burden on a budget already stretched beyond its limit.
She’s one of many Ipswich residents voicing frustration at the rising cost of essential services, warning that working families are increasingly being forced to choose between basic necessities.
Redbank Plains tradie Jared Wilson echoed the concern, saying vehicle costs hit hardest for people who rely on their cars for work.
“I rely on my car for work as a tradie – I drive all over Ipswich and Brisbane,” he said.
“Nearly $600 just to register a six-cylinder ute? It’s like we’re being punished for working.”
Local MPs have slammed the upcoming fee hikes, with State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard describing the move as a betrayal of promises by the LNP.
“The rego fee hike is truly disappointing,” Ms Howard said. “David Crisafulli promised he would give Queenslanders immediate cost-of-living relief. Instead, he’s increasing rego fees. This doesn’t look like cost-of-living relief to me.”
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum also weighed in, warning that more families were being pushed to breaking point.
In response, Treasurer David Janetzki said the changes were necessary and part of a broader plan to deliver cost-of-living relief in other areas.
He pointed to the introduction of permanent 50 cent public transport fares and the scrapping of stamp duty on new homes for first-home buyers as key support measures.
The State Government will present its first Budget on June 24, with many residents desperate for cost-of-living relief.
