WA election promises to seniors
The WA Labor Premier, Alan Carpenter, has targeted the grey vote, by promising free public transport for senior citizens.
He made this promise the first day of the state election and immediately, the Opposition Leader, Colin Barnett, agreed to match it.
Mr Carpenter promised to provide free transport to senior card holders from 10am to 3pm on weekdays, and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Seniors currently travel for free on Sundays and public holidays.
Mr Carpenter also promised to double the seniors spectacle allowance from $50 to $100 – the first time it has been increased since it was introduced in 1989.
The move will cost $53 million over four years and benefit up to 60,000 people, he said.
He also promised to lobby the Prime Minister for an increase in the old age pension, and for widows to be eligible for the same concessions enjoyed by senior card holders and pensioners.
