Minister urges seniors to apply for concession card

14/12/00
Seniors' Minister June van de Klashorst said 45,000 seniors around the State are missing out on the benefits the State Government announced yesterday because they don't have a Western Australian Senior's Card.
"Under the concession for seniors announced by the Premier yesterday, seniors can receive benefits of up to $1,140 a year in concessions which include council and water rates, motor vehicle and drivers licences, a home maintenance inspection service and airconditioning subsidy for people in hot regional areas," the Minister said.
"The free Senior's Card, which is available to anyone over the age of 60 who works less than 20 hours a week, and the Commonwealth Senior's Health Card, which has age and income restrictions, are needed to receive the concessions.
"Information is available by telephoning the Office of Seniors' Interests on 1800 671 233."
The Minister also said she was appalled by the Opposition's description of a part of the rebate on council rates as
'too generous'.
"The self-funded retirees have spent a lifetime contributing to our community but are not eligible for any of the additional benefits received by those on pensions, despite trying to make ends meet on a fixed income.
"Groups representing seniors have welcomed this package and the Opposition should acknowledge that the concessions do much to overcome what was an obvious inequity," Mrs van de Klashorst said.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810