STATE GOVERNMENT CONCESSIONS

503 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (9 July 2013). With reference to 2013-14 Budget Paper 4, vol. 1, sub-program 6.1 and 6.2, p. 110—

1. What funding was provided to non-government organisations to assist struggling families with their energy needs?

2. How much money is in the Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme, how is it used, and how is its effectiveness measured?

3. What is the amount of money, eligibility, effectiveness and all other relevant information in relation to the medical heating and cooling concessions?

4. How does the Centrepay scheme work, can deductions be made automatically from a citizen's federal Newstart or other Centrelink payments, and is the Centrepay scheme being used to deduct electricity or gas bills at the moment?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I have been advised:

1. $780,000 has been invested in the Utilities Literacy Program, which provides support to those experiencing financial hardship associated with utilities related cost pressures. Additionally, funding of $4.3 million over four years, from 2013-14, has been allocated to increase the number of state government funded financial counsellors based in community organisations to support more people to access the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS). NILS provides small interest free loans to approved customers for the purchase of essential household items, such as energy efficient fridges, freezers and washing machines.

2. The Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme (EEPS) increased from $200,000 to $320,000 in the 2012-13 State Budget. In 2013-14, $332,000 has been allocated to EEPS. EEPS provides assistance to households in a financial crisis who are unable to pay their electricity debt. A payment of up to $400 once every three years is available to those who have been disconnected, or at risk of disconnection from their electricity supply. Payment is available for the cost of reconnection and is available to pay a debt (including a final bill) at an applicant's previous address, provided the applicant has remained with the same retailer at their current address.

The effectiveness of the scheme is monitored by the number of people accessing the scheme and the payments provided resulting in people either being reconnected to their electricity supply or reducing the number of people risking disconnection.

3. The Medical Heating and Cooling Concession (MHCC) Scheme commenced on 1 January 2012 and has approved funding of $1.8 million over four years. On 1 July 2012, the state government increased the MHCC from $158 per year to $165 per year.

In 2012-13, expenditure for the MHCC payments was $441,329, comprising $186,616 in first time payments (including backdated payments) and $254,713 for quarterly payments from July 2012 to June 2013.

It is anticipated that by 30 June 2014, approximately 3,000 people in total will be receiving the MHCC. The 2013-14 budget allocated for the MHCC Scheme is $346,000, including indexation.

The MHCC is an energy concession that is available to South Australians who are on a low income or pension and who have a qualifying medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. Medical evidence is required to certify that the applicant has been clinically assessed as requiring the use of heating or cooling in the home to prevent severe exacerbation of their condition.

The concession is available to eligible applicants, in addition to the current energy concession, to help with the higher costs of energy incurred because of the need to use cooling or heating in the home to regulate body temperature. It is also available to eligible parents or guardians of a child who has a qualifying medical condition. Where eligible, more than one person per household may receive the concession.

To be eligible for the MHCC, applicants must meet at least one primary and one secondary criterion. The qualifying primary medical conditions are Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Lymphoedema, Fibromyalgia, Tetraplegia, Post-Polio Syndrome/Poliomyelitis, Motor Neurone Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Muscular Dystrophy. There is also a category of 'Other qualifying medical condition', which must be specified.

The effectiveness of the scheme is continually monitored and in September 2012, expert medical advice was obtained to assist in a review of the medical criteria for eligibility. The panel's recommendations, which increase the availability of the concession, have been implemented into the assessment.

4. Centrepay is a Commonwealth Government Scheme administered by Centrelink and, therefore, falls outside of any state government portfolio responsibilities.

The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion utilises approved Centrelink data to validate clients applying for concessions to determine their eligibility. Concessions for energy, once approved, are automatically applied to an eligible customer's electricity account.

Any Centrepay arrangement is between the customer and Centrelink.