A big crowd is expected in Geelong for the latest public forum hosted by the Keep Me Posted campaign as it continues to lobby banks, telcos and other service providers who charge customers to receive paper bills.
“It is critical to raise awareness about the Keep Me Posted campaign,” says Kellie Northwood, executive director of the campaign, “We want to hear the impacts on the community and understand how we can assist people with these concerns."
Rural and Regional areas are the most affected by the digital divide in Australia, and studies show it is the most vulnerable who are impacted the most, with 57% of households earning less than $40,000 not having access to the internet. Senior groups are particularly impacted with 21% of Australians aged 65 and over having never accessed the internet and older Australians making up for 71% of those who have never accessed the internet.
“This is just another example of the disregard in which the builders of this great country are being held,” says Colin Ormsby from Fair Go for Pensioners. “These greedy, money-grubbing fees directly affect the most vulnerable in our communities, our aged and ageing, our disadvantaged, our young and our indigenous communities to name a few. The concept of pay-to-pay is as evil as it is wrong and must be stopped.”
Christine Couzens MP will host today's forum and guest speakers will include Northwood, Ormsby, Colin Vernon, secretary of Geelong Trades Hall, and Michael Martinez, CEO of Diversitat.
“Geelong residents have contacted me regarding the cost of fees for receiving these bills for utilities, phone and other services via mail, and its effect on their already low income,” says Couzens. “Older Geelong residents, the unemployed, and those on a low income are being charged with extra fees that can easily stretch to hundreds of dollars a year.”
The forum at Geelong West Town Hall follows similar community meetings in Devonport, Yeronga and Bendigo. Two other meetings are planned: in Canberra in March and Newcastle in April. The forum is an open invitation to all members of the community providing an opportunity to hear about the impact of these fees and advice on how residents can ask for these fees to be removed.
WHERE: Supper Room, Geelong West Town Hall, Pakington Street, Geelong West
WHEN: 10am Wednesday 1st March