Financial assistance for smoke alarms for deaf and hearing-impaired

The State Government will offer up to $400 in financial assistance for Queenslanders buying smoke alarms designed for the deaf and hearing-impaired, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said the financial assistance was being offered by the Department of Emergency Services to support people whose level of hearing loss may prevent them from hearing a standard smoke alarm.

“Smoke alarms are now compulsory in Queensland homes. However, not all Queenslanders can hear the standard smoke alarm,” Mr Roberts said.

“We want to assist those Queenslanders, who are also financially disadvantaged, by reducing the cost difference between standard and the more expensive, specialised alarms.”

“By doing so, we can potentially save lives and property by ensuring some of the most vulnerable in our community receive the benefit of an early smoke warning system.”

Financial assistance would be available for the purchase of smoke alarms that send out strobe lighting and/or link to a vibration pad which can shake enough to wake a person from their sleep. The average cost of these devices is about $400.

The scheme will not subsidise the costs of “hard-wiring” the devices. A standard smoke alarm can be purchased for $10.

Mr Roberts said the Department had allocated $150,000 per annum over three years to assist eligible applicants.

He said assistance will initially be provided through an interim rebate program, while a voucher payment system is developed.

“The aim of the voucher system is to help eligible deaf and hearing-impaired Queenslanders with the cost of a specialised alarm without having to pay upfront and be reimbursed later,” Mr Roberts said.

“The Department hopes the voucher payment system will be up and running in the first half of 2008.”

"People who purchase smoke alarms under the assistance package will be able to choose the make and model than best suits their situation."

Mr Roberts said in the meantime, the financial assistance will be provided in rebates of up to $400 on purchases of specialised smoke alarms per household. Purchases from today (20 December 2007) will be eligible for the rebate.

Applications for rebates must be also supported by proof-of-purchase and address the eligibility criteria. Payment of successful applications for the rebate are expected to be paid within 60 days.

To be eligible, the person must be a permanent resident.

They must either have a signed confirmation from a GP or hearing practitioner (audiologist) that their level of hearing loss may prevent them from hearing a standard smoke alarm (85 decibels) or a previous assessment within three years of making an application that they are profoundly deaf.

To be eligible for financial assistance, they must also have - or be the dependent of a holder of - a Centrelink allowance or concession card, a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Repatriation Health Card or a White Repatriation Health.

Mr Roberts said the Department of Emergency Services and Queensland Fire and Rescue Service had developed the financial assistance package in consultation with stakeholders.

For further information about the financial assistance available is available by contacting Smoke Alarms for Hearing-Impaired Persons Assistance Program GPO Box 1425 Brisbane QLD 4001 or 3247 8149. Information will also be published on the Department of Emergency Services website www.emergency.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0418 197 350