Smoke alarm assistance extended for deaf, hearing-impaired Queenslanders

A program offering financial assistance for deaf and hearing-impaired Queenslanders to install a specialised smoke alarm in their residences has been extended, Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.

Last year, the Government introduced compulsory smoke alarm legislation designed to give Queenslanders extra time to escape from house fires.

“This program recognised that some Queenslanders' level of hearing loss may prevent them from hearing a standard smoke alarm,” Mr Roberts said.

“Under the scheme, a rebate of up to $400 is available for the costs of specialised smoke alarms, which trigger strobe lighting and vibrating pads.”

To be eligible, an applicant must be a permanent resident, have a medically confirmed hearing loss and be a holder or the dependent of a holder of a Centrelink allowance or concession card, a Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold or White Repatriation Health Card.

More than 30 rebates have been paid under the Scheme to date and there have been over 120 additional inquiries.

“I am pleased to announce that this scheme has now been extended to ensure that deaf and hearing impaired people who live in multi-level dwellings containing living and sleeping areas can receive additional financial support,” Mr Roberts said.

“In approved cases, this will mean that financial assistance of up to $800 is available if the applicant can show the requirement for additional smoke alarm protection on more than one level of their home.”

The Department of Emergency Services continues to work to introduce a voucher system to allow eligible people to purchase these specialised smoke alarms without meeting that cost upfront. An invitation to offer to administer the voucher scheme closes on 1 July.

Further information about the scheme is available from the Queensland Fire Service website or by phoning 1300 369 003.

4 June 2008
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194 or 0418 197 350