Swan defends pensioner set-top box scheme
There has been some backlash with the Federal Government’s free set-top box for pensioner’s scheme, with reports revealing each box will cost taxpayers up to $400 after installation.
Treasurer Wayne Swan announced last weekend that he had earmarked $308 million in the Federal Budget to switch pensioners over from analogue television to digital.
Anyone receiving the maximum rate of pension will be eligible to receive a free digital set-top box, have it installed and get instructions on how to use it.
About 38,000 pensioners have already received new set-top boxes, and while reports state Mr Swan believes the “program is working well”, some do not agree.
The Herald Sun newspaper today reported that some pensioners in regional Victoria are claiming the boxes do not work and have not been installed correctly.
The newspaper reported how a Ballarat TV technician received more than 20 calls from pensioners alleging their set-top boxes were not working, and that no contact details were left for assistance.
Aged Care Association Australia chief executive officer, Rod Young, welcomed the Budget initiative to provide digital set top boxes for pensioners.
“While important in itself, this measure could be a good first step in providing assistive technology devices for frail older people,” he said.
Mr Swan said he would “never apologise for supporting pensioners”.
“This program is working well, it is of great benefit to our pensioners, who have worked hard over generations to make our economy strong, and it’s an important program, and it’s one that we strongly support,” he said.
