The State Government must take urgent action to encourage elderly people to stay cool, otherwise deaths will result in the current hot spell, say the Australian Democrats.

"Yesterday I was told of an elderly couple - he in his early 80s with a plastic aorta, and she in her late 70s with a heart valve replacement - sitting in their first floor unit in 40+ temperatures, because they believe that this is what AGL wants them to do," says Sandra Kanck, Democrats Deputy Leader.

"I’m very concerned elderly people are at risk, indeed I fear deaths may already have resulted from people not using their airconditioners in these extreme conditions

"AGL's advertising campaign conserve energy when the temperature reaches 35 degrees, however well-meaning, is proving too effective.

"The impulse to switch off is a compelling one for those who grew up in the '30s and '40s - this is a generation which was taught to conserve.

"Seven years of Liberal Government incompetence has left South Australia with insufficient supplies of electricity this summer. There has been inadequate planning and no commitment to energy conservation measures.

"As Premier, John Olsen, bears responsibility and must intervene to ensure that elderly people get the message that it’s okay to take measures to keep cool.

"Continued Government inaction on the State's energy needs has now created a public health hazard.

"South Australians are becoming increasingly angry about the national electricity market and privatisation: they will be even angrier if they lose loved ones in this day and age because of a shortage of electricity."

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Sandra Kanck

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