A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns from Belmont seniors regarding tightened eligibility for the Safety and Security Rebate Scheme, given high burglary rates. The response highlights existing support mechanisms for seniors.

AnsweredQoN 489Legislative Council
Asked
7 May 2014
Portfolio
Seniors and Volunteering

QuestionView source ↗

SAFETY AND
SECURITY REBATE SCHEME — ELIGIBILITY
489. Hon SAMANTHA ROWE to the
minister representing the Minister for Seniors and Volunteering:
Senior residents in the Belmont area have expressed concern
about the government's decision to significantly tighten the criteria
for the safety and security rebate program in light of the high rate of home
burglaries in the area.
(1) Does the
government have plans to reassess the criteria in light of concerns raised by
seniors who are no longer eligible?
(2) Does the
government have an alternative means of assisting seniors on an ongoing basis
to purchase equipment to protect them in their homes?
(3) Does the
government have an alternative means of assisting seniors on an ongoing basis
to purchase electrical and fire safety equipment to protect them in their
homes?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of the question. Since the
safety and security rebate scheme was introduced in 2009, nearly 51 000 WA
Seniors Card holders have received over $9.4 million in rebates.
(1) The
department is constantly monitoring the uptake and will advise the minister in
the future of any significant trends or issues.
(2) Seniors
Card holders have access to discounts on a broad range of products and
services. The WA Seniors Card is the most generous in Australia, with benefits
and concessions worth more than $1 450 a year on offer.
(3) This year,
the Liberal–National government will provide $42 million worth of
cost-of-living payments to seniors, which can be used at their discretion—$163.90
a single and $245.90 a couple.

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