$20.3 million to increase value of Regional Pensioner Travel Card

• $20.3 million increase to the Regional Pensioner Travel Card (currently known as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card) in 2024-25 State Budget
• $100 increase in the card value to $675 per year for eligible pensioners from 1 July 2024
• Cook Government's responsible financial management delivering continued cost of living support for Western Australians

The Cook Labor Government has today announced an important cost of living relief measure for pensioners in regional Western Australia, with a $20.3 million funding increase for the Regional Pensioner Travel Card in the 2024-25 State Budget.

This will see the card's value increase by $100 to $675 per year from July 1 2024, offering more transport support for eligible pensioners in the regions.

The card, currently known as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, is available for eligible pensioners towards the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel from participating providers.

To be eligible you must be receiving a Centrelink Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or a Department of Veterans' Affairs Service Pension, Social Security Age Pension or Income Support Supplement and be living in an eligible regional location.

The increase builds on the Cook Government's commitment to providing cost of living relief for all Western Australians, including the regional airfare zone cap scheme, electricity credits, the free summer of public transport, free student travel for school children, and the WA Student Assistance Payment.

For more information on the Regional Pensioner Travel Card contact the information line on 1300 666 609 or enquiries@wexaustralia.com and visit the website How to apply for a country age pension fuel card | Western Australian Government (www.wa.gov.au)

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"My Government is committed to addressing cost of living issues, which we know are hitting Western Australians hard across the State.

"Our responsible financial management means we have the capacity to give every eligible Regional Pensioner Travel Card member an additional $100 back in their pocket every year."

Comments attributed to Treasurer Rita Saffioti:

"This is an important scheme that we know is popular amongst eligible regional pensioners and helps them to stay connected with their community, so we're really pleased to increase the card value by $100 in this year's State Budget.

"Providing cost of living relief remains our Government's top priority, and thanks to our Government's strong economic management, we're in a position to provide that extra assistance to eligible pensioners in our regions."

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:

"We understand there are many cost of living pressures facing regional residents.

"This Regional Pensioner Travel Card complements other State Government initiatives like the Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme, seniors card benefits and other cost of living measures.

"I hope this additional support will go some way to easing the extra costs associated with regional travel for our country pensioners."

Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport David Michael:

"Pensioners living in regional WA do not have access to metropolitan levels of public transport and often have to rely on their own means to travel to access essential services.

"The Regional Pensioner Travel Card is an important tool to bridge that gap and I hope the additional funding for the program will go a long way to easing the burden on pensioners across regional WA."