Helping Victorian households and small businesses maintain access to essential services during the pandemic has been a key focus for the state’s economic regulator over the past year.
Eighteen months into the coronavirus pandemic, the community help sector has told the state’s economic regulator that rising debt is the number one issue for clients who are seeking help.
Senior leaders from 18 of the state’s water businesses met with the Essential Services Commission as part of an ongoing series of industry and community roundtables.
Energy businesses say short term household debt has increased following the winding back of pandemic-related government financial support, but say they’re committed to helping customers stay connected.
Safeguarding the community and protecting the rights of Victorian households and small businesses have been among the main priorities for Victoria’s independent economic regulator during the past year of unprecedented challenges.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have significant financial impact on Victorian households and small businesses, according to the state’s independent economic regulator.
Victoria’s community support and consumer advocacy groups are concerned that inconsistent outcomes and ongoing challenges will remain once restrictions have lifted.
Victoria’s community support and consumer advocacy groups are concerned about increasing financial difficulties for vulnerable Victorians in the back half of 2020.
With an increased need to stay at home raising the cost of utility bills, coupled with a downturn in the Australian economy, having a clear role for regulators to help Victorians navigate the coronavirus pandemic is more important than ever.