In the wake of storms that swept Victoria last week, the Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has urged the state government to extend financial support to impacted residents.
“Labor’s Prolonged Power Outage payment only applies for people who have been without power for seven days, and others are slipping through the cracks,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Latrobe Valley was not as badly affected as other areas, but my office has received calls from people who have lost hundreds of dollars’ worth of food due to spoilage, and many simply cannot afford to replace it,” Mr Cameron said.
“One Morwell resident, who is on a pension, estimates they lost $1000 worth of fridge and freezer food during a 48-hour outage.
“They have been told by their energy retailer and AusNet that they are not eligible for any monetary compensation; only a $90 credit on their next power bill.
“A small bill credit does precious little for this person who has no food until their next pension payment.
“People shouldn’t have to be begging for assistance simply so they can feed themselves.
“The state government must consider how the power outage has impacted our most vulnerable and extend financial support where it’s needed.”
