NSW government claims statement made by Gareth Ward on regional seniors travel card is false
The NSW government has hit back at claims by an independent state member which suggest “mean Minns” is ditching the regional seniors travel card and opting for “shop-a-docket deal” with a petrol station chain.
The South Coast News
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An outspoken south coast politician’s claims the NSW government has axed the regional seniors travel card after doing a deal with a petrol station chain has been rebuked as “categorically false”.
The debate about the future of the card – which gives seniors $250 to go toward travel expenses – is ongoing after applications to apply for the card closed on July 7.
The unknown fate for the card has led to Liberal-turned-independent Kiama MP Gareth Ward claiming the government had signed a deal with United Petroleum to give seniors a discount at their stations while ditching the card.
“Allegations the NSW government has done a deal with United Petroleum, to replace the Regional Seniors travel card, are categorically false,” a state government spokeswoman said.
“On Saturday, August 5, Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison acknowledged a cost-of-living measure introduced by United Service Stations, which can save NSW Seniors 4-cents-per-litre on fuel purchases, if they hold a NSW Seniors Card.
“This is not a NSW government funding initiative, nor was it purported to be.”
The fact checking from the government arose after Mr Ward released a statement claiming the government was cutting the card, making a “shop-a-docket deal” and were “handing cash” to the petrol station company instead.
“Under the former government, eligible seniors in my electorate got $250 in their back pocket to spend on fuel, public transport or taxis,” Mr Ward said.
“Under Mean Minns and his exclusive shop-a-docket deal, there is no eligible petrol stations in the Kiama electorate for regional seniors to even fill-up.”
The NSW Seniors Minister labelled Mr Ward’s claims as “intentionally misleading”.
“Allegations that the regional seniors travel card has been replaced by a direct deal with a private operator are intentionally misleading,” Ms Harrison said.
“Reasonable people would agree raising awareness and celebrating the savings available under the NSW seniors card falls within my remit as Minister for Seniors without interpreting it as a hidden budget announcement.”
The future of the card has been under review for some time, with the state government spokeswoman noting seniors who already hold the card could continue using it.
There is currently no determination as to whether the card will remain in use.
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