❓ The Barnett government commits to continuing the Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS) and financial counselling, allocating almost $6 million in 2010-11. The scheme assists Western Australians experiencing financial hardship to pay utility bills and avoid eviction.
AnsweredQoN 303Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
HARDSHIP UTILITY GRANT SCHEME
Is the Barnett government committed to continuing the hardship utility grant scheme? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY
Is the Barnett government committed to continuing the hardship utility grant scheme? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. Hon Liz Behjat is very concerned about families in her area, as I am. Yes, the Barnett government is committed to continuing to support Western Australians experiencing financial hardship through not only the hardship utility grant scheme, but also financial counselling. This commitment is demonstrated by the almost $6 million in 2010–11 to continue HUGS and increase the capacity of financial counselling services. It will assist people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts and maintain connection to essential services including electricity, water and gas and to avoid eviction. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. Hon Liz Behjat is very concerned about families in her area, as I am. Yes, the Barnett government is committed to continuing to support Western Australians experiencing financial hardship through not only the hardship utility grant scheme, but also financial counselling. This commitment is demonstrated by the almost $6 million in 2010–11 to continue HUGS and increase the capacity of financial counselling services. It will assist people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts and maintain connection to essential services including electricity, water and gas and to avoid eviction. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. Hon Liz Behjat is very concerned about families in her area, as I am. Yes, the Barnett government is committed to continuing to support Western Australians experiencing financial hardship through not only the hardship utility grant scheme, but also financial counselling. This commitment is demonstrated by the almost $6 million in 2010–11 to continue HUGS and increase the capacity of financial counselling services. It will assist people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts and maintain connection to essential services including electricity, water and gas and to avoid eviction. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Yes, the Barnett government is committed to continuing to support Western Australians experiencing financial hardship through not only the hardship utility grant scheme, but also financial counselling. This commitment is demonstrated by the almost $6 million in 2010–11 to continue HUGS and increase the capacity of financial counselling services. It will assist people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts and maintain connection to essential services including electricity, water and gas and to avoid eviction. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. Hon Liz Behjat is very concerned about families in her area, as I am. Yes, the Barnett government is committed to continuing to support Western Australians experiencing financial hardship through not only the hardship utility grant scheme, but also financial counselling. This commitment is demonstrated by the almost $6 million in 2010–11 to continue HUGS and increase the capacity of financial counselling services. It will assist people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts and maintain connection to essential services including electricity, water and gas and to avoid eviction. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. Hon Liz Behjat is very concerned about families in her area, as I am. Yes, the Barnett government is committed to continuing to support Western Australians experiencing financial hardship through not only the hardship utility grant scheme, but also financial counselling. This commitment is demonstrated by the almost $6 million in 2010–11 to continue HUGS and increase the capacity of financial counselling services. It will assist people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts and maintain connection to essential services including electricity, water and gas and to avoid eviction. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Yes, the Barnett government is committed to continuing to support Western Australians experiencing financial hardship through not only the hardship utility grant scheme, but also financial counselling. This commitment is demonstrated by the almost $6 million in 2010–11 to continue HUGS and increase the capacity of financial counselling services. It will assist people in financial hardship to pay their utility accounts and maintain connection to essential services including electricity, water and gas and to avoid eviction. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008—so it is a relatively new program—to the end of April 2010 — Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich interjected. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : I think the previous government set it up and was probably out of power within that month. Actually, it was probably set up only a few days before Premier Carpenter called the election. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : The number of hardship cases has — Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : If the member waits until she hears the answer, I will tell her. Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon Nick Goiran : There are a few hardship cases around here. Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Yes, there are some hardship cases around this place. From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
From the commencement of the hardship utility grant scheme in August 2008 to the end of April 2010, a period of 21 months, HUGS provided 8 183 grants totalling $2.693 million. Initially, HUGS was set up to pay electricity bills; however, the Water Corporation joined HUGS on 14 April 2009 and AlintaGas joined on 10 August 2009. With the electricity and gas retail tariffs increasing 7.5 per cent from 1 April 2010 and a further 10 per cent increase from 1 July 2010, the HUGS grant limits have increased. From 1 July 2010, the standard HUGS grant will increase to $450, and $750 for exceptional circumstances. For people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel, the new limits are $750 for a standard grant and $1 120 for exceptional circumstances—which is very, very generous—such as an unforeseen crisis situation that is likely to have a severe impact on the individual’s or family’s social and emotional wellbeing. When I said it was very, very generous, it was very, very generous of this government because when the last government set the scheme up, it had $300 standard grants, $500 for exceptional circumstances, and $800 for exceptional circumstances for people living north of the twenty-sixth parallel. Therefore, as the tariffs have gone up, we have increased the grants. Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
Going back to the $2.693 million that has been paid out in the past 21 months, one can clearly see that the $5.9 million allocated in the budget is more than adequate for the next financial year. For Hon Sue Ellery to go on radio and say that we have cut the HUGS funding is an absolute farce. Since we have started the HUGS funding, it has been well funded. I said yesterday that if we need more funding, I will go to the midyear review. However, it is unlikely, with $5.9 million, that I would have to — Point of Order Hon JON FORD : This is not an answer to a question. This is clearly a ministerial statement. If it was presented as a ministerial statement, at least we could debate it later. This is not an answer to a question. The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
The PRESIDENT : I was keeping an eye on the clock and there was an answer to an earlier question that was about the same length that this one has already taken. However, I hope and trust that the minister is coming to her concluding remarks. Questions without Notice Resumed Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY : Point taken, Mr President. I will finish by saying that this government is very committed to helping people who are in financial hardship.
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