Introducing the Gas Priority Services Program: Supporting Vulnerable Victorians
As proud members of the Master Plumbers Association, we are excited to announce that we’ve been approved as a trade panel partner for the Gas Priority Services Program, launching in Victoria on Thursday, 19th September 2024. This initiative, in collaboration with the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (Multinet Gas Networks and Australian Gas Networks) and Master Plumbers, aims to provide essential services to vulnerable households across the state.
What is the Gas Priority Services Program?
The Priority Services Program is designed to assist households experiencing vulnerability and fuel poverty by offering vital gas fitting services. The program will connect licensed plumbers with homeowners who require urgent assistance, ensuring that those in need have access to safe and reliable gas systems. As part of the program, Australian Gas Networks will cover the cost of repairs and servicing, so households don’t have to bear the financial burden.
Our Role in the Gas Priority Services Program
As a registered Master Plumbers Association member, our team of licensed and insured gasfitters is fully equipped to handle repairs to existing gas fitting lines, especially when leaks are found, and service and repair Type A gas appliances, such as heaters, stoves, and hot water systems.
What makes this program even more impactful is the ability for trade partners like us to directly refer eligible households to Priority Services. This ensures that no household is left behind and that every vulnerable family can access the assistance they need when they need it most.
How Does It Work?
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with gasfitting or gas appliances, the Priority Services Team can refer you directly to one of the trusted plumbers on the trade panel. Once referred, we’ll come to your home, assess the issue, and complete the necessary work. Best of all, the payment for these services will be handled by AGIG, so you can focus on getting back to a safe and comfortable living environment. Priority Services may include:
- Gas appliance safety checks
- Emergency repairs to gas hot water services
- Emergency repairs to gas heaters
- Emergency repairs to gas stovetops and cookers
- Emergency repairs to gas ovens
We’re proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to helping those who need it most, one household at a time.
Eligibility for Gas Priority Services Program
Whilst not officially announced yet, McCarthy Plumbing Group expects eligible circumstances for priority services will include those who –
- Are experiencing temporary financial hardship or cost of living concerns
- Speak a language other than English at home, or require alternative communication methods
- Are at risk of chronic or serious illness, including mental health issues
- Are elderly, or have a young family at home
- Experiencing unexpected negative life events
As the program officially rolls out in Victoria, we are committed to doing our part to ensure that no family experiences fuel poverty or is left without safe gas services. If you know of any households that may benefit from the Priority Services Program, feel free to reach out to us on 03 9931 0905.
Together, we can make a difference for vulnerable families across Victoria.
