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Energy | May 16, 2023

Call to stop unsolicited phone calls re Energy Upgrades Program

Unsolicited phone calls from call centres purporting to be representatives of the Victorian Governments Energy Upgrades Program has been raised in State Parliament by The Nationals.

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said her office continued to be contacted by distressed residents and businesses who were being inundated with unsolicited calls, particularly in the evenings.

“I am aware of one case where a private resident received four calls in 24 hours – two on a Sunday evening and two the following day,” Ms Kealy said.

“Even more concerningly, most of the constituents who have contacted my office and the offices of my National Party colleagues are on the “do not call register”.

“I wrote to the Minister for the Environment in January this year asking for advice on what steps the Andrews Labor Government are taking to stop the harassment of private residents and businesses who do not want to participate in the scheme.

“Despite follow up contact from my office, no response has been received.

“Given the problem is ongoing and the Minister’s lack of response to my letter, The Nationals had no option but to raise the issue in Parliament, asking the Minister again for advice on what actions the government is taking to protect those who do not want to participate in the scheme.”

The Minister has also been asked to advise if the Andrews Labor Government has engaged these centres and if so, where they are located, as some have reported the initial delay associated with international calls.

The Minister now has 30 days to respond to the questions asked.