Significant numbers of older Australians are missing out on cost-of-living savings by not being able to access the information they need online – so eSafety has launched a free course to help them navigate state and territory government websites.
The State and territory government services online course has simple pointers to guide people to information about concessions, rebates and other essential services.
Acting eSafety Commissioner Rebecca Razavi said eSafety research shows more than one in four people in their 80s and almost a third of Australians in their 70s never access government services online.
“Whether it’s searching for a better electricity deal, locating cheaper petrol prices in your local area, or discovering a rebate scheme for prescription glasses, this information can make a real difference to seniors’ budgets,“ Ms Razavi said.
“Our course will point you in the right direction to save money and access services more easily online, without waiting in line – and we have tips for every state and territory in Australia.”
The online course includes dedicated modules for government websites in each jurisdiction.
For example, NSW residents can access online calculators to help work out energy costs, calculate stamp duty, and compare vehicle registration costs. The Service NSW site also offers a guide to planning your retirement, and what to do if you lose your wallet and need to quickly replace licenses, concession and Medicare cards.
The free online course is provided through the Be Connected website.
The beconnected.esafety.gov.au site is a one-stop shop offering more than 150 online courses made up of over 500 engaging learning activities.
Be Connected is a joint initiative of the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, the eSafety Commissioner and Good Things Foundation.
