❓ Minister McGurk outlines the Cook Labor government's initiatives to support seniors in WA, focusing on the Seniors Card and associated benefits like free public transport, rebates, and concessions.
AnsweredQoN 280Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Cost-of-living relief—Seniors280.Ms Jodie Hannsto
theMinister for Aged Care and Seniors:I refer to the Cook
Labor government's commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting
communities.(1) Can the minister outline to the house how this
government is delivering on its commitment to help seniors in our communities
to live full and active lives?(2) Can the minister explain how these efforts are
delivering real cost-of-living relief to Western Australia's valued seniors?
theMinister for Aged Care and Seniors:I refer to the Cook
Labor government's commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting
communities.(1) Can the minister outline to the house how this
government is delivering on its commitment to help seniors in our communities
to live full and active lives?(2) Can the minister explain how these efforts are
delivering real cost-of-living relief to Western Australia's valued seniors?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
26 June 2025
Response time
0 days
Ms Simone McGurk replied:(1)–(2) I am very pleased to answer this
question. Some of my friends joke that I was at one stage the Minister for
Youth and now I am the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. It is a portfolio
that I hold with great pride. Our seniors are very valued in the community for
no other reason than they are members of our community and an increasing
demographic in our state, as they are throughout the country and in many
western civilisations. There is a lot of work to do to make sure that we
understand the various experiences of seniors in our community, urban areas,
regional centres, rural settings and remote areas. We are conscious that there
are cost-of-living pressures for many seniors. We are always keen to make sure
we have the settings right for the benefits that we can provide to seniors in
Western Australia.The WA Seniors Card is the most
generous card of its type in the country. That is something that the Cook Labor
government is very proud of. As of 31 March this year, there are 418,598 Seniors
Card members. That equates to over 97% of the total population of WA seniors. I
will run through the range of benefits that people who have a Seniors Card get
to enjoy. It is important that people apply for the Seniors Card. After they have
applied once, they are able to receive the benefits year on year. First of all,
there is free off-peak public transport and concession fares at all other
times. That in itself is significant, but, as of next year, the most that a Seniors
Card holder will pay on public transport for a MultiRider single-zone concession
fare is $1.44. It is an incredible benefit. That is only at peak times. At all
other times, they are able to travel for free. There is a 50% concession on
regional Transwa services and discounted entry for the Art Gallery of Western
Australia, the Museum of WA—they are both great institutions—Perth
Zoo and national parks, and discounted Rottnest Island accommodation and
national parks. There are discounts at over 800 participating businesses. Many
MPs know that we give out a seniors discount directory. They are incredibly
popular and whenever a new book is made available, they fly off the shelf; I am
sure it is the same for other members. The directory outlines the range of
discounts that participating businesses have signed onto and also other benefits
and services people can get.Mr Basil Zempilas:It gets them to the beach
for free, too!Ms Simone McGurk:Right.
To go on with what the other benefits are—sorry, it is a bit hard while
you are on your feet and in the middle of speaking and some people interject and
talk over you. They do not always have the manners they need.WA Seniors Card
holders are also eligible for a state government cost-of-living rebate. Last
financial year, 350,000 Seniors Card members received a share of $32.81 million.
In 2025–26, the cost-of-living rebate will be paid in late July to all
registered WA Seniors Card members. The security rebate is also available to
Seniors Card members. They can claim up to $400 per household when upgrading their
home safety or security with an eligible item or service. I know that is a very
popular item. Since the reintroduction of this rebate in August 2021, over 36,000
claims have been paid, totalling over $14 million. The Regional Pensioner
Travel Card, formerly known as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, is also
available.I will just go on to
Seniors Card holders who are also Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
holders or Seniors Health Card holders. They also receive benefits of up to
$600 for their water service charges and $750 for local government rates
annually.As part of the 2025–26
state budget, we are increasing the value of the Regional Pensioner Travel Card
by $100 annually, bringing the total value of the card to $775 per year. That
is significant. If we think about the benefits that are paid to regional
seniors in our state, $775 per year is a significant benefit. The Regional
Pensioner Travel Card, formerly known as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, can
be used towards fuel or taxi costs. For many pensioners living in eligible
regional areas, this card is more than just financial assistance; it is a
lifeline. It helps people get to medical appointments, visit family, attend
community events and stay connected. More than 59,000 regional pensioners are
set to benefit from this increase. Although those numbers are good, we know it
is not just about numbers; it is about impact. It is about making sure our
seniors can continue to lead full, connected lives in the communities that they
have helped to build. I encourage all eligible seniors to visit the WA
Government Regional Pensioner Travel Card website to learn more and ensure that
they have registered to receive this valuable support. I am proud to be part of
a government that is delivering real cost-of-living relief and one that
supports our seniors to age with dignity and to live life in inclusive and
accessible communities.
Cost-of-living relief—Seniors
question. Some of my friends joke that I was at one stage the Minister for
Youth and now I am the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. It is a portfolio
that I hold with great pride. Our seniors are very valued in the community for
no other reason than they are members of our community and an increasing
demographic in our state, as they are throughout the country and in many
western civilisations. There is a lot of work to do to make sure that we
understand the various experiences of seniors in our community, urban areas,
regional centres, rural settings and remote areas. We are conscious that there
are cost-of-living pressures for many seniors. We are always keen to make sure
we have the settings right for the benefits that we can provide to seniors in
Western Australia.The WA Seniors Card is the most
generous card of its type in the country. That is something that the Cook Labor
government is very proud of. As of 31 March this year, there are 418,598 Seniors
Card members. That equates to over 97% of the total population of WA seniors. I
will run through the range of benefits that people who have a Seniors Card get
to enjoy. It is important that people apply for the Seniors Card. After they have
applied once, they are able to receive the benefits year on year. First of all,
there is free off-peak public transport and concession fares at all other
times. That in itself is significant, but, as of next year, the most that a Seniors
Card holder will pay on public transport for a MultiRider single-zone concession
fare is $1.44. It is an incredible benefit. That is only at peak times. At all
other times, they are able to travel for free. There is a 50% concession on
regional Transwa services and discounted entry for the Art Gallery of Western
Australia, the Museum of WA—they are both great institutions—Perth
Zoo and national parks, and discounted Rottnest Island accommodation and
national parks. There are discounts at over 800 participating businesses. Many
MPs know that we give out a seniors discount directory. They are incredibly
popular and whenever a new book is made available, they fly off the shelf; I am
sure it is the same for other members. The directory outlines the range of
discounts that participating businesses have signed onto and also other benefits
and services people can get.Mr Basil Zempilas:It gets them to the beach
for free, too!Ms Simone McGurk:Right.
To go on with what the other benefits are—sorry, it is a bit hard while
you are on your feet and in the middle of speaking and some people interject and
talk over you. They do not always have the manners they need.WA Seniors Card
holders are also eligible for a state government cost-of-living rebate. Last
financial year, 350,000 Seniors Card members received a share of $32.81 million.
In 2025–26, the cost-of-living rebate will be paid in late July to all
registered WA Seniors Card members. The security rebate is also available to
Seniors Card members. They can claim up to $400 per household when upgrading their
home safety or security with an eligible item or service. I know that is a very
popular item. Since the reintroduction of this rebate in August 2021, over 36,000
claims have been paid, totalling over $14 million. The Regional Pensioner
Travel Card, formerly known as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, is also
available.I will just go on to
Seniors Card holders who are also Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card
holders or Seniors Health Card holders. They also receive benefits of up to
$600 for their water service charges and $750 for local government rates
annually.As part of the 2025–26
state budget, we are increasing the value of the Regional Pensioner Travel Card
by $100 annually, bringing the total value of the card to $775 per year. That
is significant. If we think about the benefits that are paid to regional
seniors in our state, $775 per year is a significant benefit. The Regional
Pensioner Travel Card, formerly known as the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, can
be used towards fuel or taxi costs. For many pensioners living in eligible
regional areas, this card is more than just financial assistance; it is a
lifeline. It helps people get to medical appointments, visit family, attend
community events and stay connected. More than 59,000 regional pensioners are
set to benefit from this increase. Although those numbers are good, we know it
is not just about numbers; it is about impact. It is about making sure our
seniors can continue to lead full, connected lives in the communities that they
have helped to build. I encourage all eligible seniors to visit the WA
Government Regional Pensioner Travel Card website to learn more and ensure that
they have registered to receive this valuable support. I am proud to be part of
a government that is delivering real cost-of-living relief and one that
supports our seniors to age with dignity and to live life in inclusive and
accessible communities.
Cost-of-living relief—Seniors
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