Smoke alarms for hearing-impaired Queenslanders

The Queensland Government is finalising a proposal to financially assist eligible hearing-impaired residents in Queensland to purchase special smoke alarms.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts told State Parliament the Queensland Government made it compulsory for all Queensland homes to have working smoke alarms installed from July this year.

“The Department of Emergency Services is finalising a proposal to financially assist hearing-impaired residents in Queensland to purchase special alarms,” Mr Roberts said.

“The proposal is to provide assistance for specialised alarms that provide an audible alert as well as strobe lighting and/or vibrating pads that can be placed under a pillow.”

“Smoke alarms are an important life-saving initiative, and the Government has recognised the needs of the hearing-impaired community by developing this proposal.”

Mr Roberts said the Department of Emergency Services had developed partnerships with key community, government and industry representatives to ensure any recommendations are appropriate to the needs of the hearing-impaired community.

“Key research has been undertaken to identify the number of eligible people, criteria for eligibility, suitable smoke alarm systems, administrative arrangements, installation options and costs,” Mr Roberts said.

“Officers of the Department of Emergency Services will meet with the key stakeholders tomorrow to identify ways in which this proposal may be administered.”

Mr Roberts announced progress on the proposal in State Parliament today, as part of National Week of Deaf People.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 07 3247 8194, 0418 197 350
Brendan Connell 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976