Service NSW will set-up ‘cost of living’ desks to help families which could save them $1000
BRANDED “cost-of-living” service desks will be set-up in Service NSW centres across the state in a key Budget measure to ensure families are getting all the help they need.
NSW
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BRANDED “cost-of-living” service desks will be set-up in Service NSW centres across the state in a key Budget measure to ensure families are getting all the help they need.
As the government targets alleviating the financial pain felt by families, it will set-up one-stop shops to connect voters with government-provided hip pocket relief in a move that could save some people more than $1000.
The state government has 40 cost-of-living programs across more than 12 agencies.
However, research by Service NSW showed 59 per cent of customers were not aware of what cost-of-living programs the government had, and 80 per cent of people said they needed help to understand what exactly they can access.
Under the plan, customers will be able to walk in and sit down with specialist advisers who can tell them what they are eligible for, and then assist them with applying for the measures.
This will also be offered online and on the phone.
The state Budget will include $24.5 million for Service NSW to provide these one-stop appointments, which will be piloted from next month.
It is part of a targeted policy effort by the Berejiklian government to address the pressures felt by voters across NSW. Service NSW centres in Wynyard, Lismore, Parramatta, Taree and Wetherill Park will be the first to try the scheme, with a statewide rollout to take place later this year.
Cost-of-living support measures include:
■ Active kids vouchers, with 382,000 worth $37.8 million doled out so far;
■ CTP green slip refunds, with 1.54 million policy holders claiming $88 million; and
■ Toll relief, with 100,000 drivers set to be eligible for free rego from July 1.
The service will also help voters access unclaimed money from Revenue NSW, seniors cards, tertiary concessions, transport concessions, dental benefits and a range of other programs.
“The NSW government understands the cost-of-living pressures faced by families and individuals, and we want to make it as easy as possible to save money,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“Individuals and families already have access to a range of government cost-of-living programs … This service will … make it hassle-free to claim these as well as other programs such as seniors discounts or early childcare costs.”
The Daily Telegraph revealed in an interview with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet last week that he saw the Budget as being “people-focused”.
“We are committed to alleviating cost-of-living pressures for families, which is why we have made this multimillion-dollar investment in the Budget,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It helps to have someone talk you through what you may be eligible for and make sure you don’t miss out.”
Quakers Hill father-of-two Mitul Mevawala has saved almost $1000 through various government programs, including the new CTP refund. “My wife actually told me about the car rebate, who heard it from a friend,” he said. “In a matter of days after application we got the money in our account.”