Cut not wise- CISS manager Leanne Petrides and Cranbourne MP Jude Perera are calling for the reinstatement of the Home Wise hardship grant program. 66697 Picture: Kim Carmtell

By Bridget Cook
LOCAL community leaders are calling the reinstatement of a program that assists Casey’s most vulnerable residents to repair or replace faulty appliances.
In May this year, the State Government ceased funding for the Home Wise hardship grant program.
The program provided no-cost assistance to low-income earners who cannot afford to repair or replace their essential faulty appliances including hot-water services, wall heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, generators, wall heaters, leaking water pipes, stoves, water tanks, toilets and leaking gas pipes.
Speaking in Parliament this month, Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said he wished to seek the reinstalment of the grant program.
“We need to take action and stand up and help our most vulnerable, and taking this well-received grant program away from our most needy is definitely not the right thing to do on the part of a government,” he said.
“Not only will residents suffer, there are also many organisations in the electorate of Cranbourne that this government is letting down by axing these much needed programs.”
Mr Perera said local organisation including Anglicare, WAYSS, Uniting Care Australia, the Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS), the St Vincent de Paul Society and Windermere Child and Family Services were just some of the organisation in his electorate who would suffer.
“My office is inundated with calls from organisations like these which simply cannot believe what this government has done,” he said.
“I urge the minister to rethink the government’s heartless decision to axe funding for a program that provides assistance to our low-income earners.”
The State Government said, however, that new rebate schemes for water and energy efficient appliances for low income households will be run by the Department of Sustainability and Environment from 1 July, which will stand in the place of the Home Wise scheme.
The Victorian Gas Heater Rebate for Concession Card Holders program will entitle Victorian card holders to receive a rebate of $700 when they replace their electric heater with a more cost-effective and energy-efficient gas heater.
Minister for Water Peter Walsh said the Coalition Government was also delivering on a key election commitment by doubling funding for rebates on water-efficient products to $40 million over the next four years.
“For the first time, rebates for water-efficient products will be made available to help all Victorians – including those on non-reticulated systems – become water efficient in their homes and gardens,” Mr Walsh said.
“In the face of rising water bills, these rebates will help households make great savings by installing a rainwater tank or purchasing water-efficient appliances.
“Up to $1000 is available for rainwater tanks that are designed and manufactured to Australian standards and are connected to a house’s toilet and laundry.”