One state’s year-long freeze on government fees and charges is coming to an end, and that means millions of drivers will soon be paying more for everyday essentials like driver’s licences and fines.
If you’re a motorist with a car in the driveway or a licence in your wallet, brace yourself—the cost of getting behind the wheel is about to go up.
Last year, the former Labor government in Queensland introduced a 12-month freeze on a range of government fees and charges, including driver’s licences and fines. The move was designed to help ease the cost-of-living crunch that’s been hitting Australian households hard.
But with a new Liberal National government now in power, the freeze is set to end on July 1.
Treasurer David Janetzki says the increases are necessary to ‘repair the state’s finances after a decade of Labor’s fiscal vandalism.’ In other words, the government is looking to balance the books—and unfortunately, that means Queenslanders will be footing a bigger bill.
From July 1, most government fees and charges in Queensland will rise by 3.4%. A five-year driver’s licence will increase from $198.35 to $205.09, while fines and other government services will also go up by the same rate.
Car registration offers a temporary reprieve—the 20% discount introduced last September remains in place until September 16, 2025. However, once that ends, registration fees are also set to rise by 3.4%.
Price increases are often met with concern, but Queensland’s car registration still isn’t the most expensive in the country. For a four-cylinder vehicle including compulsory third-party insurance, Queensland drivers currently pay $708.
In comparison, drivers in New South Wales pay $718, while Victoria tops the list at $906. South Australia comes in at $660, and Western Australia offers the lowest cost at $364 for cars weighing under 1300kg.
The annual increase is tied to inflation, but this year’s 3.4% jump is actually higher than both Brisbane’s annual consumer price index (2.7%) and the national rate (2.4%). The government says it’s about restoring ‘respect for taxpayers’ money’ and getting the state’s finances back on track after years of big spending.
As these changes take effect, many will likely feel the impact on their budgets. The government’s decision to lift the freeze on fees and charges is part of broader efforts to address the state’s finances, but the effect on households will vary.
What are your thoughts on these upcoming changes? Do you think the adjustments are necessary, or will they place additional strain on households? Feel free to share your experiences or suggestions in the comments below.
Also read: Roadside safety law tightened—slow down or cop a $960 fine
