Fees frozen amid Covid-19 crisis

WA households have been given an economic windfall with the McGowan government today freezing household fees and charges, effective immediately.

The announcement comes amid the escalating Covid-19 crisis and will see electricity and water bills, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fees frozen until July 2021.

WA premier Mark McGowan said the measures were part of a $607 million stimulus package to provide immediate relief for households, seniors and small businesses.

“We are in uncharted territory and there’s no doubt our economy is going to feel the effects of COVID-19,” he said.

“We had been examining ways to provide relief to households as part of the upcoming State Budget but, due to the ongoing concerns around COVID-19, we have opted to announce the freeze now, to give families some certainty going forward.”

The Energy Assistance Payment will also be doubled to $600 to support small business.