They said families could also access the federal government’s national energy relief program, which offers families and small businesses $150 off their electricity bills in this financial year.
For most people, these will be paid as two $75 payments automatically applied to their electricity bills – the first on July 31, and the second on October 1.
The spokesperson said the rollout of renewables and incentives for energy-saving upgrades around the home would also put downward pressure on energy bills.
“The NSW government’s energy crisis support payments continue to be available for NSW households struggling to pay their bills, due to short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency, such as loss of income, unexpected costs or natural disasters,” the spokesperson said.
Under that support, households can apply to receive relief of $1600 per year: two $400 payments for gas and two $400 payments for electricity.
Handed down last week, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s third budget also did not include an extension to the $60 a week toll cap, in favour of pursuing broader toll reforms.
This masthead has reported that $100 million from the toll relief scheme went unclaimed.
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The budget featured $1.2 billion to overhaul the state’s child protection system, including an increase to the foster care allowance, pay rises for 2126 caseworkers and an end to housing vulnerable children in motels instead of appropriate out-of-home care.
It also included the establishment of a pre-sale finance guarantee, where the government will guarantee certain homes from trustworthy developers to ensure low- and medium-density developments can get the financing to be built.
If the homes go unsold, the government will purchase them at a discounted rate for affordable and social housing stock.
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