Davies welcomes boost to country age pension fuel card scheme
Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 13-May-2010
Member for the Agricultural Region, Mia Davies has welcomed this week’s announcement that more people will be able to access the Country Age Pension Fuel Card Scheme.
Ms Davies said the Royalties for Regions Country Age Pension Fuel Card is already assisting thousands of seniors in regional areas with their transport needs.
“It’s great to see this scheme expanding, with more than 15,000 more country pensioners set to benefit,” Ms Davies said.
The fuel card policy currently includes country pensioners who receive Centrelink Age pension and Department of Veteran’s Affairs Service pension, Social Security Age pension and Income Support Supplement pension.
From 1 July 2010 the Fuel Card scheme will be expanded to include country pensioners receiving Centrelink income support pension or benefit categories Widow B, Disability Support, Carer Payment and Wife pension.
Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls announced the expansion following a review of the fuel card earlier this year, which recommended four additional semi-rural country postcodes and four additional income support pension categories should be incorporated into the scheme.
“The expanded scheme will mean more than 43,000 people can access the card by the end of the year,” Ms Davies said.
“Pensioners in regional areas do not have access to the same public transport services that exist in the city and they rely significantly on independent transport – more than 3340 people in the Mid West alone have been issued a fuel card since last year.
“Right across regional WA I receive positive feedback about the Fuel Card, from pensioners who can more readily access health facilities, community services and visit family.”
“Royalties for Regions will provide more than $112 million across five financial years to ensure eligible country pensioners receive an ongoing transport subsidy,” Ms Davies said.
