Cheaper regional travel at risk under Liberals and Nationals

• WA Labor’s Regional Airfare Zone Cap could be at risk under the Liberals and Nationals
• Liberal National cuts could cost regional residents thousands of extra dollars a year

Under the Liberals and Nationals, the cost of living in regional Western Australia could skyrocket, with the successful Regional Airfare Zone Cap set to be scrapped as part of their plans to fund their uncosted election promises.

WA Labor implemented the Regional Airfare Zone Cap in 2022, delivering on an election commitment recognising the inconsistent and often extreme prices for regional airfares were major barriers in residents getting around the State for essential travel.

Under the scheme, airfares are capped at a maximum cost of either $199 or $299 one-way when booked as a return fare for personal travel - significantly reducing airfares which, prior to the scheme, could reach up to $1,000 return.

Both the Liberals and Nationals have undermined and criticised the policy, with Opposition Leader Shane Love questioning its ‘operation’ and ‘integrity’ and Liberal Leader Libby Mettam last week labelling the program a ‘thought bubble’ after criticising the policy since its introduction.

The WA Liberal Party began the election year by announcing “savings” and other cuts will be made to pay for their uncosted election promises.

WA Labor’s policy for regional WA has resulted in more than 420,000 capped airfares being flown since its inception, and regional families saving thousands of dollars on air travel.

Comments attributed to Treasurer Rita Saffioti:

“Travelling around the State could become unaffordable for regional Western Australians under the Liberals and Nationals."

“WA’s Regional Airfare Zone Cap is set to be scrapped under a Liberal National Government to pay for their uncosted election promises."

“This is a real kick in the guts for regional residents, who would be forced to fork out thousands more each year to get around the State to see family and friends, attend medical appointments or get to boarding school."

“It’s a fact of life for regional Western Australians – sometimes you need to travel to Perth and you don’t always have a choice in the timing."

“WA Labor understands that, and that’s why we took action and introduced this ground-breaking scheme."

“The inexperienced Liberals and Nationals have made more than $7.5 billion of unfunded election promises, and have said cuts will be made to pay for them."

“Their opposition to the airfare cap means it could be first on their chopping block."

“The Liberals and Nationals have opposed cost of living relief like power bill credits and our student assistance payments, and now they want to punish regional residents too."

“The Liberals and Nationals are a risk to the people of Western Australia – they're inexperienced, chaotic, dysfunctional and can’t be trusted to lead our State.”