The Bligh Government has increased rebates and concessions for eligible people with a range of medical conditions.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said strong representations by himself and other Far North MPs has paid off - with Steve writing to the Premier, Treasurer and Health Minister to consider these concessions in the budget.

Mr Wettenhall said initiatives in the 2010-2011 state budget included a new rebate scheme

for eligible people with multiple sclerosis and related illnesses as well increases in rebates for eligible people running life support systems and kidney dialysis.

“When you’re on a low income, costs associated with running appliances to address a medical condition can add to costs that may already be difficult to meet,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“For people with MS and similar conditions, there’s a need to use air-conditioning to keep body temperatures stable and we’ve introduced a $216 a year rebate to help offset that expense for pensioners and health-care card holders.

“The MS Society of Queensland and other community groups have been lobbying the government for this scheme and should be congratulated for their efforts. “It’s just one of the ways the Bligh Government is giving Queenslanders a helping hand.

” Mr Wettenhall said the budget also included increases in rebates through the Electricity Life Support Scheme to $440 a year and the Kidney Dialysis Scheme to almost $295 a year.

“Eligible people who have been supplied with an oxygen concentrator or kidney dialysis machine by Queensland Health may be eligible for rebates to help them meet increased costs of running the appliances,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“If you have a serious illness that requires this kind of support, the last thing you want to worry about is having to pay bigger electricity bills.

“With these increases and the new scheme for people with MS and related illnesses, it’s one less thing to worry about.” To find our more information about concessions available to Queenslanders with medical conditions, visit www.communityservices.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04 for the cost of a local call.

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