Seniors across Western Australia will soon have access to an extensive directory of discounts and concessions, amounting to almost $150million a year in State Government fees and services alone.
Communities Minister Sue Ellery said the biennial directory listed 15 Government agencies that provided generous concessions for older people, saving each holder of a WA Senior’s Card up to $1,500 a year.
“The new edition of the directory will be mailed out to more than 260,000 WA Senior’s Card holders in country and metropolitan areas during the coming week,” Ms Ellery said.
“WA was the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce a Senior’s Card to support older people in the community, and the card proved so successful that other States and Territories followed soon after.
“Our card program still remains the most generous in the country, recognising the valuable contribution seniors have made, and continue to make, in our community.
“With an ageing population and 11,225 WA Senior’s Card holders now aged between 90 and 100 years, it is important that we continue to provide this support net for older people.”
The Minister said in addition to the Government concessions, there had been a 15 per cent increase in private businesses offering discounts to seniors, with 500 businesses now on board and an even wider range of discounted products and services.
The Brumby’s franchise was among those businesses. Brumby’s Kingsley franchisees Merrilyn and Graham Dow said they were proud to be part of the directory and pleased to be able to offer their local seniors a 10 per cent discount on bread.
“Many pensioners have had a pretty rough life and they deserve to get a little help in their later years,” Mrs Dow said.
“We’re happy to help out because it’s all about being part of the community and giving older people a fair go.”
State Government concessions and discounts include:
· up to 25 per cent rebate on water fees;
· up to 25 per cent rebate on local council rates and FESA levies;
· rebates on power through Synergy;
· 50 per cent rebate on driver’s licence renewals;
· 50 per cent discount on recreational fishing licence fees;
· discounts on admission to the Art Gallery of WA, Maritime Museum, WA Museum and national parks;
· discounts on tours and accommodation at Rottnest Island;
· 50 per cent discount on TRANSWA regional train and coach travel; and
· concession fares on all Transperth services and free travel on Sundays, public holidays and during Seniors’ Week.
Ms Ellery said the Carpenter Government was committed to helping not only older people in the community but also disadvantaged people and those on low incomes, and in the last financial year had provided a range of social concessions worth $445million.
Minister's Office - 9213 7150 
