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Martin Cameron urges Victorian government to expand aid beyond current power outage relief as Gippsland residents struggle

Following Victoria's storms Martin Cameron, urges the state to broaden financial aid beyond Labor's seven-day power outage relief, emphasising the plight of those, including pensioners, unable to afford food replacement.

By news@gippsland - 21st February 2024 - Back to News

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.

Martin Cameron highlights Labor's limited power outage aid and residents' struggles with food loss, despite less severe impact in Latrobe Valley with $1000 worth of fridge and freezer food during a 48-hour outage

Power outage hardships

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. 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," said Mr Cameron.

Pictures from AusNet Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com