Energy supplement cheques for pensioners are in the mail, says Minister Guy Barnett

ENERGY Minister Guy Barnett has refused to apologise on behalf of the State Government for the late arrival of a $125 energy supplement for pensioners.

Energy Minister Guy Barnett talking to reporters today about pensioners’ cheques from Westpac not being delivered by Christmas as promised by the State Government. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

ENERGY Minister Guy Barnett has refused to apologise on behalf of the State Government for the late arrival of a $125 energy supplement — a delay which has sparked outraged from Tasmanian pensioners.

He said all 80,000 eligible households should receive the supplement by the end of this week.

Mr Barnett welcomed Westpac’s apology on Wednesday about the special energy bonus.

MORE: WESTPAC ACCEPTS BLAME FOR ENERGY CHEQUE DELAY

“I am extremely disappointed that despite repeated assurances, not all cheques were dispatched by Westpac’s mail distribution provider in the time frame we were advised they had been,” he said.

Mr Barnett told Tasmanians on December 23: “Pensioner Concession Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will be a little better off in time for Christmas thanks to the Hodgman Government’s Special Energy bonus.”

But Labor Leader Rebecca White said the Government’s tactics had backfired spectacularly.

“It is quite obvious they could have provided that money to people through a direct credit to their accounts before Christmas,” she said.

“Instead what they chose to do was send a letter that they could sign and get all the glory.

”Unfortunately that has backfired on them spectacularly.”

MORE: PENSIONERS STILL WAITING FOR BONUS CHEQUES

Ms White said the Government was trying to score political points rather than genuinely support people in need.

Mr Barnett said the payment method had been recommended by Aurora.

He said he was first made aware by Westpac of a potential issue on Tuesday afternoon.

“We have spent the past 24 hours talking to Westpac and getting to the bottom of the problem,” Mr Barnett said.

“I share the frustration of many Tasmanians who have not yet received their cheques, and have expressed these frustrations directly to senior Westpac management.

I share the frustration of many Tasmanians who have not yet received their cheques, and have expressed these frustrations directly to senior Westpac management — Energy Minister Guy Barnett

“The good news is Westpac has now confirmed that all cheques for those registered with an electricity concession with Aurora have either been sent or are in the process of being sent.”

Mr Barnett said Westpac had provided the Government with an update.

“Westpac has worked overnight with its partners to ensure that all outstanding energy rebate cheques are with and being delivered by Australia Post,” he said.

“As a result, the vast majority of customers should receive their cheque by the end of this week.

“Westpac apologises to Tasmanians who did not receive their cheques on time and are reviewing the procedures to ensure that this does not occur again.”