Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Burwood electorate

Mr FOWLES (Burwood) (14:48): (6185) My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. Can the minister please provide an update on the power saving bonus program, which was due to close on 31 January 2022? As part of the Andrews government’s 2020–21 state budget, the power saving bonus program provided a $250 payment to vulnerable households to assist with their energy bills. This is crucial financial support for Victorians who are doing it tough. $250 can make a significant difference to households relying on Centrelink payments. More than 350 000 Victorians have accessed the payment, providing more than $87.5 million to those who need it most. My office has assisted hundreds of members of my community with their applications, especially those who do not have access to a computer or the internet or otherwise struggle with online forms. I have received many grateful calls from constituents after receiving their payment, and I am proud to be part of a government that cares for the community through outstanding programs like this one.

Ms Staley: On a point of order, Speaker, I refer to question 6126 addressed to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure that was due to be answered by 17 December, and I ask you to ask her to answer my question.

The SPEAKER: I will follow that matter up for the member. Can I just remind members in a general sense when they are asking constituency questions to direct their questions through the Chair, not to directly ask a minister a question.