NSW Government to offer concession card holders discounted washing machines in partnership with The Good Guys in new cost of living support initiative

Sky News AU

4 days ago

The New South Wales Government has announced a new cost of living relief measure by offering some 8000 people across the state with a discounted washing machine.
The measure comes after the Minns Government handed down the state budget, which was pitched as a cost-of-living relief budget.
Part of this budget included a move to install more energy efficient appliances in homes and rentals across New South Wales, with the government partnering with electrical retailer The Good Guys to offer discounted washing machines.
The program will benefit some 8000 households and will be focused mainly on those who are in social housing, pensioners and veterans.
The washing machines, which usually retail for $686 will instead be offered to those eligible categories for $250, with the fee covering the delivery, installation as well as a two-year warranty and the removal and recycling of their old appliance.
'This could not come at a better time, we know people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures and high water and energy bills are a huge part of that,' said minister for water, Rose Jackson.
'We're not just talking about cost-of-living relief, we're delivering it. This program will lower power bills, cut water use, and make life a little bit easier for thousands of people,' she said.
'These new washing machines are not only good news to help people save, but they're also better for the environment too, saving an estimated 20,000 litres of water each year,' the water minister added.
Minister for Veterans David Harris said, 'This is a fantastic initiative allowing veterans, pensioners and social housing tenants to get their hands on a great appliance valued at more than $650 for just $250, including installation and removal.'
'Veterans served in defence of this great land, so the least we can do to assist in lowering their energy bills.
'This is just one of the ways the NSW Government is helping people every day with cost-of-living pressures," he said.
The Minister for seniors, Jodie Harrison added, 'I encourage pensioners to apply for one of these new washing machines.
'At a highly discounted rate, this service will take your older machine away and replace it with a new and improved model,' she added.
'Not only will you end up with a brand-new washing machine at less than half price, but it could also potentially lower your utility bills, too.'
Managing director of The Good Guys, Biag Capasso added, 'We're delighted to be teaming up with the NSW Government to roll out these subsidised washing machines across the state to people who need them most. It's one of many ways The Good Guys help families with their day-to-day needs.
'This program will be in high demand which is why we have plenty of stock, and our delivery team is ready to help customers, in both regional and metro areas, by removing old top loaders and install the new Westinghouse machines.'
The discounts come as the Albanese government announced a $1.8 billion extension of the Energy Bill Relief Fund by six months in the 2025–26 Budget.
Households and eligible small businesses with electricity bills will receive up to $150 in energy bill rebates until the end of 2025, but critics have argued this does nothing to solve the cost of wholesale electricity prices which increased to 9.7 per cent under new rules set by the Australian Energy Regulator.