Transport assistance subsidy win

Support local, independent journalism

The SE Voice is the Limestone Coast’s only fully digital publication. Locally owned & operated, we deliver all the latest news & sport direct to your fingertips. We're run by a creative team of local journalists all based in the region. News as we know has changed - we're delivering it first and free. Thank you for your support in keeping local news alive.

Lechelle Earl, owner/editor




Transport assistance subsidy win

Sustained lobbying by Independent Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell and other country MPs appears to have borne fruit with the State Government now looking to increase payments under the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme.

The subsidies for travel and accommodation costs are available for country people who require medical treatment in the capital 
city.

Earlier this month, Mr Bell called for an increase in the accommodation allowance for the PAT Scheme and for all subsidies to be tied to CPI.

Health Minister Chris Picton told the House of Assembly last week the Labor Government had doubled the fuel subsidy from 16c per kilometre to 32¢ per kilometre in its first year in office.

“From my understanding, it is the most generous fuel subsidy in the nation,” Minister Picton said

“It is now our intention to make it an indexation in line with the standard indexation through the government that takes into account both CPI and also other variables that Treasury has a formula 
for.

“That was not previously the case.

“So, there was no indexation that applied to this fuel subsidy and there will now be indexation that will be applied in the future.

“I think that will help to make sure that this keeps pace with increasing costs into the future.”

Why wait? Get more stories like this delivered straight to your inbox
Join our digital edition mailing list and stay up to date on the latest news, events and special announcements from across the Limestone Coast.

Your local real estate guide - every Thursday

spot_img

You might also like