An extra $500,000 will be invested into the plan and made available to Tasmanian veterans, carers and disability pensioners, representing a further 7,000 homes. 

Mr Barnett said he had been disappointed with the initial plan released in October, which was only accessible by Tasmanians on age pensions, or seniors with health care cards.

“I don’t think the government really appreciated how many people would be affected by this,” he said.

“There are a lot of older veterans out there who aren’t on an old age pensions.

“I think it is wonderful that they have extended it now.

“I think the feedback was very much along the lines of, well what about us?

“To give the government credit, they have listened and they have rectified it.”

Mr Barnett said the one-off bonus payment will take some of the pressure off veterans ahead of the Christmas period. 

Minster for Energy Guy Barnett said containing the cost of rising power prices in Tasmania is a top priority for the government.