CONCESSIONS PROVIDE RELIEF FROM THE HEAT

Thursday, 23 October 2008
An expanded and extended Brumby Government concessions program will now give relief to more people suffering from heat-related medical conditions for a longer period.
Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said today that from 1 November this year, the Summer Multiple Sclerosis Concession will be expanded and re-named the Medical Cooling Concession.

Ms Neville said the expanded initiative will provide $2.5 million in concessions and benefit around 14,000 Victorian households.

Ms Neville joined Dr Michael Summers of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and people living with heat-related medical conditions to announce the expanded initiative at the Bureau of Meteorology in Melbourne today.

“Climate change is affecting everybody in our community in a number of ways, including the increasing cost of utilities and the general cost of living,” Ms Neville said.

“As a result of these trends, the Brumby Government announced several key changes to our current concessions and hardship programs in this year’s State budget.

“These changes assist the most vulnerable members of the community to afford water, energy and other essential services.”

Under the revised medical cooling program, eligible customers will receive a 17.5 per cent concession on their electricity bills over a six-month period over summer, rather than the current three-month period.

The concessions are available to people with a Pension Concession Card, Health Care Card (except Child Disability or Foster Care cards) or Veteran Affairs Gold Card (except Dependent).

In addition, the cardholder or someone in the household must have multiple sclerosis or another qualifying medical condition where they are unable to regulate their own body temperature.

“Heat intolerance is a significant medical problem for people suffering from multiple sclerosis and other medical conditions that can lead to extreme fatigue and debilitation,” Ms Neville said.

“The Medical Cooling Concession program will make electricity bills more affordable for sufferers of multiple sclerosis and other medical conditions.

“The Brumby Government is committed to tackling disadvantage and building a more inclusive society. The expanded Medical Cooling Concession program I’m announcing today is an important part of this.”

People wanting further information should contact the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.