In response to constituent enquires about why Queensland Pensioners pay vehicle registration fees when some other states such as NSW don’t, the Department of Transport and Main Roads have provided the following information:

  • In Queensland, annual vehicle registration charges are made up of three major components namely, the registration fee, the traffic improvement fee (TIF) and compulsory third party (CTP) insurance premium. 
  • Holders of a pension concession card issued prior to 1 July 1994 receive a reduction in the registration fee component to a flat rate of $98.25. For holders of a Queensland pension concession card issued from 1 July 1994 and eligible senior card holders, the registration fee component is reduced by 50 per cent. The concessional fee payable for a four-cylinder vehicle will be $174.35. The TIF and the CTP insurance premium are not reduced.
  • When comparing the fees payable for pension concession card holders in Queensland to other states such as New South Wales (NSW), consideration should also be given to the full registration requirements in that state. While NSW does not require pensioners to pay registration fees, pensioners are still required to pay the full CTP insurance premium, which is generally more expensive than an equivalent CTP premium in QLD. Registered operators of vehicles in NSW must also pay for an annual safety inspection if the vehicle is more than five years old. This safety inspection applies to cars and light commercial vehicles up to five tonnes tare weight, all motorcycles and some buses. There are no compulsory safety inspections for light vehicles in Queensland.
  • The outlay for a pensioner in maintaining their vehicle registration in NSW is, in many cases, comparable to Queensland. For example, in Queensland the total cost to register a vehicle for holders of a pension concession card issued prior to 1 July 1994 is $523.10 for a four or six cylinder vehicle. Holders of a pension concession card issued from 1 July 1994 are charged $599.20 and $700.90for four and six-cylinder vehicles respectively. In comparison, the total cost to register a vehicle in New South Wales for eligible pensioners for a medium size passenger vehicle is approximately $503.00.
  • While licensing authorities in other states and territories may offer concessions, this requires the authority to recoup the exempted fees through increased charges for other customers. The methodology for determining Queensland licence fees ensures all individuals benefit from a minimal licence fee.
  • The CTP Insurance scheme in Queensland is regulated by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC). TMR acts as a collection agent only for CTP insurance premiums on behalf of licensed insurance companies. Any enquiry regarding the cost of CTP insurance or other enquiries about the scheme or premiums should be directed to the MAIC by telephone 1800 287 753, by email to maic@maic.qld.gov.auor by visiting its website at maic.qld.gov.au.
  • The Queensland Government is committed to providing concessions to our pension concession and senior card holders whenever possible. In the 2022-23 budget, the Government committed $6.786 billion to fund concessions in Queensland. This represents a significant Government and taxpayer commitment to improving the accessibility and affordability of a diverse range of services.
  • The majority of pensioners have access to concessions, including a reduction of vehicle registration fees and public transport travel. The concession program must be carefully managed to ensure that benefits are received by those who need them most and some limits must remain to ensure the scheme continues into the future.

For anyone wishing to advocate further regarding this or any other Transport and Main Roads matters, Minister Bailey’s office can be contacted via transportanmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au and please copy to our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au