Cook Government to provide cost of living relief for regional travellers

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will provide $33.7 million in cost of living relief to support regional pensioners and school students.
  • $100 increase to the Regional Pensioner Travel Card, bringing total value to $775 per year
  • $8 million to support regional school students travelling to Perth for Country Week events
  • $33.7 million total commitment to provide cost of living relief for thousands

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will provide $33.7 million in cost of living relief to support regional pensioners and school students.

Announced today, these measures include a $100 increase to the Regional Pensioner Travel Card - bringing its value up to $775 per year - and the new Country Week Assistance Program. These important measures will benefit thousands of regional residents, from young families to pensioners.

The $100 increase to the Regional Pensioner Travel Card builds on the previous $100 rise provided by the Cook Government in 2024.The card is available for eligible pensioners and others on fixed incomes in the regions, including disability support pensions and carers payments, to reduce the cost of fuel and taxi travel.

In addition, the Cook Labor Government will invest $8 million in the new Country Week Assistance Program, providing support for regional students attending Country Week events.

The program will provide funding directly to schools to reduce travel and accommodation costs to parents. Financial support will be based on the distance a school is from Perth:

  • Schools located 300km or less from Perth will see costs reduced by $250 per student
  • Schools located more than 300km from Perth will see costs reduced by $500 per student

Today’s announcement builds on the Cook Labor Government’s proven track record of delivering cost of living support for regional families, with initiatives like the Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme, the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme and electricity rebates, all providing real relief.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“My Government’s responsible financial management means we can provide more relief to regional Western Australians experiencing cost of living pressures."

“These initiatives will see hundreds of dollars going back into the pockets of families and pensioners living in our regions."

“The Cook Labor Government will always do what’s right by WA.”

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