Shocking new information has revealed at the end of January 2025, there were around 55,000 customers who have a combined outstanding debt of $62.9 million with SA Water that is past its due date.
Revealed through Questions on Notice from the Department for Treasury and Finance Budget and Finance Committee hearing, the data shows just how badly South Australians are hurting during the cost-of-living crisis.
Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said enough is enough and called on Peter Malinauskas to immediately reverse the water bill price hike of 3.5 per cent above CPI.
“The last thing South Australians need right now is higher fees and charges,” Mr Tarzia said.
“Hardworking families should not have to foot an extra $85 and small business owners a whopping $348 annually for their water bills because of Labor’s poor planning and it’s clearly hitting hip pockets hard.
“Every dollar increase to SA Water bills that hits South Australians during the cost-of-living crisis falls at the feet of the Peter Malinauskas and Labor who promised there would be no new taxes and no tax increases.”
The former Liberal Government slashed water bills by more than $200 on average for households and approximately $1,350 for small businesses.
“The Liberal Party is serious about reducing water bills, and reversing the water bill price hike is a common-sense lever the Government could pull right now,” Shadow Minister for Cost of Living, Heidi Girolamo said.
“The Government need to stop gouging South Australians at a time when household costs are soaring and operating expenses continue to grow for struggling businesses.”
