The WA government is considering reciprocal public transport concessions for Seniors' Card holders in other states, but progress is paused due to a potential federal government initiative. WA is seeking more information from the Commonwealth regarding the feasibility and cost of the proposed national scheme.

AnsweredQoN 1853Legislative Assembly
Asked
11 June 2002
Portfolio
Community Development, Women's Interests, Seniors and Youth

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Has any consideration been given to organising, with the other States, a reciprocal arrangement whereby Western Australian Seniors’ Card holders can access public transport fare concessions in those States?
(2) If not, will the Minister undertake to give consideration to approaching other States with such a proposal?
(3) If not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
27 June 2002
Responded by
Minister for Community Development, Women's Interests, Seniors and Youth
Response time
16 days
In 2000 the Community Services Ministers Conference (CSMC) considered this issue and requested that a cost benefit analysis of establishing such a scheme be prepared. I placed the resulting report's findings on the Agenda of the August 2001 CSMC. An option likely to be accepted in all jurisdictions was identified. It was agreed at the meeting that individual States should take these findings to their State Cabinets for further consideration. This process was interrupted by the Prime Minister announcing in the lead up to the last Federal election, that if elected his Government would contribute funds to establishing such a scheme so that seniors could travel at concession rates throughout the country. Western Australia has entered into discussions on this election commitment with the Commonwealth. More information is being sought from the Commonwealth as the scheme announced by the Prime Minister has the potential to be expensive and complex to administer. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable.
This process was interrupted by the Prime Minister announcing in the lead up to the last Federal election, that if elected his Government would contribute funds to establishing such a scheme so that seniors could travel at concession rates throughout the country. Western Australia has entered into discussions on this election commitment with the Commonwealth. More information is being sought from the Commonwealth as the scheme announced by the Prime Minister has the potential to be expensive and complex to administer. (2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.

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