QCOSS has been actively involved in the review of the Code, making a substantial submission to the review in March 2014 and is pleased to note that some of our recommendations have been included in the draft Code.
In this submission we have concentrated on the areas where the draft Code still needs to be strengthened in order to sufficiently protect and empower water consumers across SEQ. Specifically these relate to:
Clarifying and strengthening the mechanisms to ensure adequate monitoring and compliance with the Code.
Ensuring early intervention and prevention of financial hardship through mandating proactive measures such as Centrepay, improved hardship provisions, and more accessible hardship information.
Allowing tenants to have access to the relevant protections that relate to their needs as occupants and water users.