Free transport an insult to country voters, Crook
Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 08-August-2008
Premier Alan Carpenter’s first election promise is a “slap in the face” for regional WA voters according to Nationals WA Kalgoorlie candidate Tony Crook.
The Premier today announced that a re-elected Labor government will provide free public transport to all seniors’ card holders. Mr Crook said whilst he applauded the concept and supported anything that would assist aged pensioners, the policy showed blatant disregard for those who are living in rural areas.
“The Labor party says it is prepared to spend $50 million over four years for this benefit, however the decision will only help those who have access to public transport in the greater metropolitan area,” Mr Crook said. “This sends a very unkind message to our valued senior citizens living regional centres where public transport is not available."
“It further disenfranchises those valued citizens because of where they live. Yet again, the people from the bush whose heart and soul has helped make WA the great State that it is today are left wanting.”
Mr Crook said the introduction of “One Vote One Value” had supposedly meant that everyone’s vote would be equal; however, it seemed yet again that regional votes have no value.
“It’s all very well to say that our votes will now be equal but what’s the point when clearly our regional services are not being delivered on an equitable basis,” Mr Crook said. “We are certainly not considered equal when we have 48 parliamentary seats in the city and 11 in the bush."
“Once again we are being overlooked by a party that is city-centric and only looking out for the interests of those who live and work in the Perth CBD.” Mr Crook said the National Party of WA was determined to support aged pensioners in the regions and this was evident in the party’s recent announcement of a special $500 debit card.
“If The Nationals gain the balance of power at the next State election the party will use its voting leverage in the Parliament to ensure the Government of the day introduces an annual Country Age Pension (CAP) Fuel Card per household where there is an eligible aged pensioner,” he said.
