Families risk missing out on a $75 electricity bill rebate because the O’Farrell Government has failed to publicise the scheme – one of its key promises at the 2011 election.
Opposition Leader John Robertson today strongly urged NSW residents to get their application in before the June 14 deadline:
Mr Robertson said: “Mr O’Farrell promised families a $75 electricity bill rebate – but two years later, households in NSW are yet to receive a single cent.
“The O’Farrell Government should really be automatically issuing this rebate to households – we know it has access to the information of eligible families.
“However, if the Government won’t listen – I’m determined to ensure no family in NSW misses out because of the O’Farrell Government’s mismanagement.
“My advice to residents – don’t delay. Get your application in. Your family is entitled to this assistance.”
The revelations about the botched program follow a Freedom of Information request by the State Labor Opposition. It showed the O’Farrell Government is yet to approve any applicant for the rebate. Just 664 NSW families know about the rebate and have applied for it.
This is a monumental stuff up by Mr O’Farrell. At a time when electricity costs are soaring, people don’t even know about the rebate’s existence. Families in my electorate are already struggling with energy bills that have risen by more than 40 per cent since Mr O’Farrell came to office.
The worst possible outcome would be if financial assistance for families went unclaimed.
With winter around the corner, electricity bills are only going to keep rising.
I urge families to claim what Mr O’Farrell promised them.
No comments:
Post a Comment