Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has slammed the Minns Labor Government’s short-changing of Central Coast seniors by replacing the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card with a four-cent fuel discount at select petrol stations.
“It’s shameful that the Minns Labor Government is framing this four-cent discount as an adequate replacement for the Regional Seniors Travel Card.”
“What is even worse is that this four-cent discount is only for participating United service stations, meaning that seniors from Tarragal Glen will have to drive all the way to Empire Bay to save four cents off their petrol bill.”
Mr Crouch said that the four-cent discount was an insult to seniors across the Central Coast compared to the previous $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card provided under the former Coalition Government.
“The Central Coast Labor MPs need to stand up and tell the Premier and Minister for Seniors that this just isn’t on, and immediately re-instate applications for the Regional Seniors Travel Card.”
Previously, applications for the card were open until November 2023, however the State Government suspended applications in July without notice said Mr Crouch.
Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Scott Farlow said the move was a slap in the face to Central Coast seniors.
“This four-cent discount for seniors equates to a worse off shop-a-docket that you can get from Coles or Woolworths compared to the cherished $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card, which is used by over 47,000 Central Coast seniors.”
“What is worse is that there are only six United service stations on the Central Coast, which means any four cent per litre savings will be eaten up just by driving to these service stations.” Mr Farlow said.
Mr Crouch also noted the lack of communication by the State Government on the future of the Regional Seniors Travel Card.
“It is nearing a month since the Member for The Entrance insulted Central Coast seniors insinuating, they were using the card for cigarettes and junk food, saying a review would take place with advice anticipated in two weeks.”
“It’s been well over two weeks since this supposed review, and there has been total silence from this government, it’s just not good enough.”