State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the State Government to do more for a section of the community that is being left behind with the rollout of QR codes across NSW.
Seniors and people without a smartphone are being excluded from businesses because they are unsure how to use a smartphone or don’t own one.
Ms Hornery is offering assistance to local residents and businesses who need some help in how to set up a QR for their business or how to install the Service NSW app or how to scan a QR for local residents.
Ms Hornery is also calling on the NSW Government to offer more assistance to businesses and people in the community to help them navigate the new system.
“We are seeing sections of the community who are scared to go out to shop or feel they are unable to attend a local business because they don’t own a smartphone or don’t know how to use one,” Ms Hornery said.
“Checking in via QR codes is going to be with us for some time and unless we make sure everyone is able to use them, we are going to see more and more people left behind.
“My office will be offering assistance to all local residents and businesses in how to use a QR code or even how to set one up and what to do if you don’t have a smart phone. Anyone can call or drop into my office and get some assistance from my staff on how to use the new system.
“It would be good if the State Government did the same, by setting up workshops or having drop in sessions at local Service NSW offices.
“I am seeing and hearing from local residents who are unable to go to local pubs and clubs or restaurants because they can’t use a QR code or don’t have a smart phone.
“After a tough 2020, it is important that people maintain some semblance of social activity and we need to ensure they can do this simply and easily.
“If my office can do it, so can the NSW Government. It is very important that we make sure nobody is left behind,” said Ms Hornery.