Over-zealous call centre staff purporting to be representatives of the Victorian Government’s Energy Upgrades (VEU) are causing distress to East Gippsland residents.

It has prompted Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull to raise the matter in State Parliament recently, asking the Minister to ensure these people indeed worked in the VEU scheme and given they were, what steps are in place to stop the harassment of residents and whether the call centres were internationally located.

“Multiple constituents have contacted my office stating several different representatives from a call centre have made unsolicited contact, pushing the Victorian Government Energy Upgrade initiatives and instructing homeowners to make a booking.

“This is despite constituents stating they do not want to be contacted or participate in the scheme. One received four calls in 24 hours - two on Sunday at 5pm and 10pm, another the following morning and then again after lunch, where they would not take no for an answer.

“These are people on the ‘do not call register’ and after the first call they requested not to be phoned again.

“Given this situation, I have asked the Minister to confirm whether these call centres have been engaged by the State Government and, if so, what parameters have been put in place around what could generally be described as respectful behaviour for those declining the offer.

“I have also asked the Minister to advise that if the government has engaged these centres, where they are located, as some have reported the initial delay associated with international calls.”

 Monday, 15 May 2023