March 2012 issue of The Link
This issue includes information about resolving energy and water disputes, Non Mains Energy and Medical
Cooling Concessions, affordable computers and transport assistance for rural and regional patients. We provide
tips for summer energy savings and share a day in the life of a Community Information volunteer.
Victoria to officially recognise carers
The Victorian Government introduced the Carers Recognition Bill 2012 into Parliament on 7 February this year,
which together with the Carer Card helps to support and recognise the work of Carers in Victoria. The Bill
follows an election commitment to recognise, promote and value the role of carers.
The purpose of this Bill is to recognise, promote and value the role of carers and people in care relationships
and to raise the community’s awareness of the need to give consideration and support to carers.
The legislation sets out clear expectations for organisations that engage with people in care relationships about
how they should be treated. It requires all government departments, local government and public service care
agencies to consider the care relationship principles in the Bill when developing policies and providing services.
Organisations must report on their compliance with the principles in the Act in their annual reports.
Consistent with the carer recognition legislation in other jurisdictions, this Bill recognises carers for their valuable
contribution but does not give rights or entitlements enforceable at law.
To view the introduction print of the Bill, visit www.parliament.vic.gov.au/static/www. legislation.vic.gov.aubills.html
Unpaid primary carers in Victoria are already eligible to receive the Carer Card, which allows carers to enjoy
discounts, benefits and savings from over 1400 Victorian businesses and venues. The card is available to Carer
Payment and Carer Allowance recipients, foster, respite and kinship carers.
For more information visit the Carer Card website www.carercard. vic.gov.au or contact the Carer Card
Clean Energy Future – Household Assistance Package
The Australian Government is introducing a variety of payments for low to middle income households to assist
with the cost of living impact of the carbon price.
Pensioners, other income support recipients, families receiving Family Tax Benefit payments, Seniors
Supplement recipients and low income households may receive assistance under the Clean Energy Future
Household Assistance Package. Clean Energy Advance payments will be paid in the form of a lump sum in May
or June 2012, before the carbon price comes into effect. Clean Energy Supplement payments will commence at
the end of the period covered by the Clean Energy Advance. The payment amounts will be based on individual
circumstances.
Department of Human Services
The Essential Medical Equipment Payment is an annual $140 payment to eligible people covered by a
Commonwealth concession card who experience additional increases in home energy costs from the use of
essential medical equipment to manage their disability or medical condition. Eligible people need to apply for
this payment; payments will start from 1 July 2012.
Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package payments will be delivered by the Australian Government
Department of Human Services and by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs.
For further information, visit humanservices.gov.au/cleanenergy or
www.fahcsia.gov.au/about/benefits/Pages/CleanEnergyFuture– HouseholdAssistancePackage.aspx or call
1800 057 590.
Concession Assist
Keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer – and save money too!
Zero Carbon Moreland’s Concession Assist provides a free energy and water audit for concession card holders
living in the Moreland and Hume suburbs of Coolaroo, Campbellfield and Meadow Heights. Concession Assist
is run in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Lawrence and Kildonan Uniting Care.
The program will help make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills by giving you:
• Free products – installed at no charge - to make your home more energy and water efficient.
• The right energy efficiency advice for your home.
• Ongoing support through the Zero Carbon Moreland community program, (including updates on how to
continue the good work you’ve started with Concession Assist).
For eligibility details or to register, call Moreland Energy Foundation on 9385 8585 or visit
www.mefl.com.au/concessionassist
Concession Assist is funded by the Federal Government and Sustainability Victoria and aims to assist those in
the community who are hit the hardest by the rising cost of utilities.
Similar programs are available elsewhere. To find a program in your area, visit
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1464-energy-task-force.asp.
Tips for dealing with door-to-door merchants
Answering the door or phone to retailers can be daunting and confusing for some people.
Understanding your rights can help you to feel confident in managing these interactions. Did you know?
• If someone comes to your door, by law they must show their identification.
• If you ask someone to leave your premises, they must do so immediately.
• You do not need to show your energy bill to anyone.
• You have up to 10 business days to end an agreement made from door-to-door and telemarketing sales.
• You can get a Do Not Knock sticker from donotknock.org.au to stop door-to-door salespeople knocking at your
door.
And don’t forget to:
• Read and understand all documents before signing them and
• Check with your current energy retailer whether any cancellation fees apply if you switch electricity providers.
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Remember don’t feel pressured into making a decision on the spot – work out which company offers the best
deal for your circumstances.
For further advice visit yourchoice.vic.gov.au for impartial tips and tools for choosing an energy retailer.
To be registered on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register visit donotcall.gov.au or call 1300 792
958.
For more information on dealing with door-to-door merchants contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81
81 or visit consumer.vic.gov.au/energy
Facilitator training in financial services
Workshop dates
March – Location: Frankston Tuesday 13 March, Wednesday 14 March and Tuesday 20 March.
May – Location: Fitzroy Tuesday 22 May, Wednesday 23 May and Wednesday 30 May.
June – Location: Frankston Tuesday 19 June, Wednesday 20 June and Tuesday 26 June.
To register please email:
moneyminded@bsl.org.au or fmendez@bsl.org.au
MoneyMinded is a free and flexible financial education program helping people develop financial skills and
capabilities for the future. The resources enable community workers to access training that relates to the
specific financial needs of their clients. MoneyMinded can be used within a group learning environment or in
casework activities.
The resource provides eight topics ranging from Planning and Budgeting, Dealing with Debt, Superannuation
and Rights and Responsibilities.
Facilitator training is a 3 day workshop for all community workers who are interested in gaining access to
financial resources to help clients increase their financial knowledge.
Eyecare services
The Australian College of Optometry provides quality, affordable eye care for Victorian concession card holders
through the Victorian Eyecare Service, funded by the Department of Health.
In addition to comprehensive eye examinations, the Australian College of Optometry also offers specialised
clinical services - including children’s vision, contact lens care, disability services and ocular disease clinics.
Services are available at Carlton, Braybrook, Broadmeadows, Doveton, East Preston, and Frankston and at the
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service in Fitzroy. A network of private optometrists services regional Victorians.
Additionally, support to access Eyecare Services for people from non-English speaking backgrounds, and
outreach services for specific sites, including homeless shelters and aged care facilities, can also be arranged.
Victorians with a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or DVA Card are broadly eligible for subsidized
glasses with reading or distance glasses from $36 and multifocals from $50. Full time tertiary students and
children under 18 are welcome however may not be eligible for subsidised glasses.
Phone: 03 9349 7400 Email: clinic@aco.org.auWeb: www.aco.org.au
A Day in the Life – Nick – Concessions
Nick has worked on the Concessions Information Line and the Victorian Bushfires Appeal Fund Information Line
at the Department of Human Services since 2011.
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Tell us about a typical day in your role. Each day our team deals with enquiries from concession card holders,
bushfire and flood victims. These calls can range from general advice to help completing a form. We field a
variety of enquiries though, so each day is fresh and different, but for me, always includes a few cups of tea and
plenty of filtered water!
What do you enjoy most about your role? It’s a good feeling to help out folks who are struggling. Knowing we
can make a difference gives me the greatest satisfaction. It’s often just a case of connecting the dots for
someone who might not have the means to do so themselves.
What is one of the biggest challenges in your role? Having to turn people to other services, or advising someone
that there is no assistance for their particular scenario.
What led you to choose your field of work? I love the feeling I get from helping others, I’m confident in my
knowledge of Victorian Concessions and I have a pleasant phone manner, so the position is a good fit.
For Department of Human Services information about concessions visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/concessions
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 50 Lonsdale St. Melbourne. (0050112)
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