As ratepayers across Brisbane receive their notices this week, many have been surprised by the flyer inside detailing an additional fee to continue receiving hardcopy rates bills.
The new fee ($1.98) will come in on January 1st for those who don’t make the switch to electronic rates notices. It follows a 3.8% rate rise announced in June and increases to other fees, charges and fines.
Local resident, Ava Warren has launched a petition calling on Brisbane City Council to reconsider the decision, citing security concerns.
“The Brisbane public was not consulted on this, and it is another clear example of politicians screwing over the general public under the mask of saving the environment,” Ms Warren says.
“Once again, pushing the responsibility onto the average households rather than big corporations. It also opens us up to potential security breaches which is a valid concern based on the previous data breaches.”
Numerous elderly residents and their carers have contacted their local councillors to express their concerns, with many senior citizens not having access to the internet or emails.
Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Jared Cassidy says it’s a low blow by the Schrinner Administration, who are targeting the hip pocket of pensioners.
“This sneaky move by the LNP shows just how out of touch they are,” Cr Cassidy said.
“This Council have run cash reserves dry and blown the budget on their pet projects and now they’re literally trying to squeeze every dollar out of ratepayers in the hope they won’t notice.
“It’s not surprising that this fee failed to get mentioned in the Lord Mayor’s budget speech also. What else is he hiding?”
“The LNP cannot be trusted. Under this Council, Brisbane ratepayers are paying more and getting less,” Cr Cassidy said.
