Freeze rego hike to ease burden on drivers: RACQ

Treasurer Cameron Dick on Friday announced an increase of 1.7 percent would apply from 1 July 2021, following last year’s 1.8 percent hike during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said it was time drivers were given genuine relief after years of registration being increased at well beyond the inflation rate.

“While the 1.7 percent increase is lower than previous years, after a year of financial hardship due to COVID-19, the last thing Queenslanders need is more strain on the household budget,” Dr Michael said.

“We know households already pay on average $1,320 per year for registration across all vehicles, making transport one of our biggest weekly expenses.

“Last year, Western Australia froze increases to household fees and charges, including registration, until at least July 2021 as part of its economic relief package, so now it’s time for Queensland to step up and follow suit.”

Dr Michael urged the State Government to reconsider the increase and implement a three-year freeze on vehicle registration costs.

“We appreciate these are hard times for everybody, but transport is essential for accessing employment, education and health,” she said.  

“With less than two months until the State Budget, this is a prime opportunity for our leaders to prove they’re listening to Queenslanders and to show true leadership by stopping this planned hike and instead freeze vehicle registration increases.”