tv rort on its way

Can't this mob do anything right? It is probably cheaper to give a voucher for a brand new digital TV for around $250-350.

From The Herald Sun

UPDATE 11.07am: FEDERAL Treasurer Wayne Swan has defended a plan to give pensioners a free digital TV set-top box.

A new public waste scandal could be at hand after it was revealed that a program to provide pensioners with digital TV set-top boxes has set aside up to $400 each for boxes that can be bought for as little as $30.

The Federal Government has promised every pensioner a new set-top box.

The package would include installation, wiring, a lesson in using it and a year's access to a technical support helpline.

But the Opposition argues the costs for the work required are hugely overblown.

Mr Swan said he would never apologise for supporting pensioners.

He said more than 38,000 pensioners had already received new set-top boxes.

"It's a tender process that it's gone through," Mr Swan said ahead of tonight's budget.





"There are accredited people who not only provide the box but set it up and work with the household to make sure it works.

"This program is working well, it is of great benefit to our pensioners, who have worked hard over generations to make our economy strong and it's an important program and it's one that we strongly support."

Digital Minister Stephen Conroy's office said yesterday the cost of each package was about $350.

But his spokesman declined to provide a breakdown of labour, equipment and administrative costs, claiming that it was "commercial in confidence".

Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey said the scheme was as wasteful as the Building the Education Revolution program and the bungled home insulation scheme.

"How many hours does it take to install a set-top box?" he asked.

"Even if you are charging $25 an hour for one labourer, I am pretty confident you're not going to be spending a day installing each set-top box."

Treasurer Wayne Swan said the $308 million Budget sweetener was to prevent pensioners being left in the dark and, in the worst case, without emergency services updates at times of crisis.

Mr Conroy's office said installers had to be endorsed under a government scheme, or have completed six areas of competence in digital reception technology.

The analog spectrum will eventually be sold by the Government for up to $1 billion.

In states where the analog signal has already been switched off, and 37,000 pensioners have been given boxes, only a handful of contractors have been chosen to complete the work.


I'm guessing that the majority of TV viewing pensioners have already moved into the digital age, a $350 increase in their pension would be more appropriate, allowing them to make a choice on where it was best spent - be it on the rising costs of essential living expenses, or entertainment / new technology, computers etc. (Services now are encouraging the need for everyone to have a computer where you log in to their websites to view your bills. A fee is charged if you request a printed and posted account by mail. Perhaps next years budget should include a computer for all pensioners ! How about giving pensioners some respect and choice.