Hon. Louise Kingston questions the Treasurer on why the capped amount for pensioner council rate concessions hasn't been indexed to keep up with the rising cost of living. The Treasurer's representative highlights existing support measures for pensioners.

AnsweredQoN 1484Legislative Council
Asked
13 November 2024
Portfolio
minister representing the Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

PENSIONERS AND SENIORS
CONCESSIONS SCHEME
1484. Hon LOUISE KINGSTON to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
Eligible pensioners are entitled to
a 50 per cent discount on their council rates, which is generally capped at
$750. The capped amount is set by the state government as part of the
pensioners and seniors concessions scheme. Why has the capped amount not been
indexed to keep up with the well-documented rise in the cost of living?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. I provide the following response on behalf of the
minister representing the Treasurer.
The WA Labor government is proud to
be providing almost $2 000 in supports for pensioners with eligible concessions
in addition to the government's broader cost-of-living initiatives,
like the $750 household electricity credit
and the regional airfare cap. This includes the $334 energy assistance payment;
the $107 seniors cost-of-living rebate; concessions on utility bills,
the emergency services levy and vehicle registration; and free off-peak public
transport. Further, the value of the Regional Pensioner Travel Card was
increased to $675 in the last state budget.

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