SENIORS — FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
376. Mr T.J. HEALY to the Minister for Seniors and Ageing:
Before I ask my question, on behalf
of myself and the member for Jandakot, I acknowledge the students of Canning Vale
College in the public gallery.
I refer to the McGowan Labor
government's commitment to continuing Labor's strong record on
supporting our seniors, including the introduction of the WA Seniors Card by
the Dowding Labor government 33 years ago. Can the minister update the house on
how the McGowan Labor government is helping to ease the financial strain on
Seniors Card holders, particularly those who are facing financial challenges as
a result of COVID-19?
Mr D.T.
PUNCH replied:
I certainly can. I would like to
thank the member for Southern River for his question and also acknowledge the
tireless work that he does in connecting with his community and in particular
bringing forward the issues that seniors face in his community. I thank him.
The McGowan government is a champion
for seniors in Western Australia. The WA Seniors Card program was brought into
being by a great Labor minister, Hon Kay Hallahan, in 1988. It was the first
program of its kind in Australia and it was subsequently taken up right
throughout Australia. That just goes to show what a great and innovative initiative it is. The WA program provides
seniors across the state with access to, on average, $650 annually in
total value for state government concessions. That figure is higher if they
hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or a Pensioner Concession Card. In July
2021, more than 312 000 Western Australian Seniors Card members received the
cost-of-living rebate—in total, approximately $25.5 million. Singles
receive $93.12 and couples receive $139.64.
The
WA Seniors Card program also provides members with access to over 900 business
discounts, and I know that those are in great demand. Those discounts offer
great savings every day, assisting seniors with the cost of living. What is
more, Madam Speaker, the McGowan government will soon be reintroducing the
safety and security rebate, and that will allow WA Seniors Card members to
claim up to $400 per household to go towards installing or buying home safety
or security devices. We are able to deliver these concessions because of the
strong and responsible budget management of the McGowan Labor government. I know
they are going to be very well received by our seniors community.
The SPEAKER: The Leader of
the Opposition with the last question.