The State Member for Gympie, David Gibson MP, is calling on Anna Bligh to go further in protecting all Deaf Queenslanders with a proposal to financially assist the hearing impaired purchase special smoke alarms.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The State Member for Gympie, David Gibson MP, is calling on Anna Bligh to go further in protecting all Deaf Queenslanders with a proposal to financially assist the hearing impaired purchase special smoke alarms. "We had the Government saying back in October that "Smoke alarms are an important life saving initiative, and the Government has recognised the needs of the hearing-impaired community by developing this proposal." quoted Mr Gibson. "Now though we see them penny pinching by only offering financial assistance to a small group on Commonwealth benefits. This is not good enough." Mr Gibson said he was glad that those whom are least able to afford it will benefit, however the legislation requires all Queensland homes to have a working smoke alarm. "What concerns me is that the remainder of the Deaf community may still be at risk if the financial assistance does not extend to all them as well." "The cost of a special smoke alarm is generally over 25 times more than the cost of a standard fire alarm unit at around $450 - $480." "I’m calling on the Government today to provide the financial assistance to ALL Deaf and hearing impaired Queenslanders, failure to do so would only force them to purchase a normal smoke alarm which may not always be suitable." Mr Gibson said. "This Government needs to realise that the cost of being Deaf is not inconsiderable and to comply with the new legislation, all Deaf and hearing impaired will face costs not incurred by the general population." "Providing the assistance to ALL Deaf Queenslanders is what is needed. The cost of the financial assistance is a small price to pay when we are talking about saving people lives." Mr Gibson is the eldest child of Deaf parents and was the first Queensland MP to give his maiden speech in sign language.
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