WARRNAMBOOL’S Jack Daffy is concerned people who don’t have access to the internet may miss out on a $50 cash handout.
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Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday householders who visit an energy comparison website will receive $50.
But the government needs to make it easier for everyone to access the payment, according to St Vincent de Paul member Jack Daffy.
“It will definitely be an issue for some people – not everybody has the internet,” Mr Daffy said.
Mr Daffy said he would be raising the issue at this week’s local St Vincent de Paul meeting.
“I will certainly be raising the issue, we will have to work out how we can help people if they don’t have access to the internet,” he said.
The payment will be made to users whether they switch their energy deals or not.
Mr Andrews said power companies banked on the fact people were often too busy to shop around and get a better deal.
“With a $50 payment the Victorian government will make to everyone who visits Victorian Energy Compare, we will not only break that model but we will support Victorian households to shop around to get the best deal possible for them and their families,” he said.
The 2018-19 State Budget, to be handed down next week, will also allocate $21.7 million to increase the ‘Utility Relief Grant’ cap from $500 to $650.
But Shadow Treasurer Michael O’Brien was not impressed with the package announced by the government on Sunday, saying the $50 payments were an election ‘bribe’.
“Daniel Andrews has forced people’s power bills up by $300 a year and a $50 election year bribe isn’t going to cut it,” Mr O’Brien said.