Western Australian Seniors Card members can now claim up to $400 per household towards the purchase of eligible home security equipment - as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.
Premier Mark McGowan today announced the return of the Safety and Security Rebate which can be claimed for the cost of purchase of equipment or installation costs by a licensed tradesperson.
The $12 million program will provide WA Seniors Card members with a rebate of up to $400 for the purchase and installation of devices such as:
- home alarm and CCTV systems;
- security door screens;
- door and window deadlocks;
- security window screens or shutters;
- security sensor lights;
- WiFi video doorbells;
- residual current devices;
- mains powered smoke alarms; and
- fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
The Safety and Security Rebate was abolished in 2015 by the then Liberal National Government.
This commitment is part of the McGowan Government's record investment in community safety, including an additional 1,100 police officers, to help keep older Western Australians safe.
To meet the requirements of the Safety and Security Rebate, items purchased must meet the relevant Australian Standards, and any installation work required must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson.
The rebate is administered by the WA Seniors Card Centre, with more information available by calling 1800 671 233 or visiting http://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au
Hard copy application forms can be requested from the WA Seniors Card Centre or downloaded from the WA Seniors Card website.
Many safety and security equipment suppliers also provide discounts to WA Seniors Card members. A list of suppliers providing discounts to WA Seniors Card holders is available here.
To be eligible for a WA Seniors Card, people must be aged 64 and above, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, reside in WA and work less than 25 hours per week.
The State Budget includes an additional $4 million to deliver on the McGowan Government's election commitment to establish Elder Rights WA, a State-wide elder abuse advocacy service, to comprehensively prevent and address elder abuse in the community.
The funding will be provided to Legal Aid WA to establish the service - supporting seniors by helping them connect with information and legal advice to help combat elder abuse.
The additional funding will enable Legal Aid WA to provide legal assistance to older people experiencing all forms of elder abuse, and to safeguard and advocate for the rights of older people.
Elder Rights WA will provide a complete 'wrap-around' service for those experiencing elder abuse in Western Australia, providing security to those needing to access legal services.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The Safety and Security Rebate is an important program that gives older Western Australians a helping hand to improve their home security systems.
"My Government's strong focus on responsible financial management has given us the capacity to restore this important program after it was abolished in 2015.
"I encourage eligible Western Australians to make use of the rebate to protect themselves and their loved ones.
"By establishing Elder Rights WA, we are ensuring Western Australia has a dedicated advocacy service to provide advice and representation to older people in our communities who may be experiencing elder abuse."
As stated by Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch:
"The reinstatement of the Safety and Security Rebate delivers on an important election commitment.
"The Safety and Security Rebate will provide up to $400 to assist in purchasing security equipment like alarms, security screens and deadlocks.
"Every Western Australian deserves to feel safe and have peace of mind in their homes and this is especially so for our seniors - and the Safety and Security Rebate is an investment in keeping our seniors safe.
"Elder abuse is a misunderstood and underreported form of domestic abuse, often perpetrated by people in positions of trust.
"Addressing elder abuse is essential to ensuring older Western Australians feel safe and supported - and that's why we are establishing the dedicated Elder Rights WA to carry out this important work."
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"Our seniors deserve respect and to feel safe in their homes.
"This rebate will allow some of the most vulnerable in our community to have financial support to make their homes safer and more secure.
"I'm pleased the McGowan Government has reinstated this very worthwhile program after it was cut by the mean-spirited Liberals."
