Historic PATS expansion to provide regional cost of living relief

• Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) fuel rebate to increase by more than 50 per cent
• Eligible services expanded to include allied health and increased dental access
• Cook Labor Government supporting cost of living relief for regional Western Australians

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will deliver the biggest-ever expansion of the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme, with an increase to the value of the fuel subsidy and coverage for allied health and dental services.

The popular PATS program subsidises the cost of accommodation and fuel for regional Western Australians travelling for medical treatment. It currently supports more than 35,000 regional patients to make more than 70,000 trips every year.

Currently, the PATS fuel subsidy is $0.26 per kilometre. Announced today, the 53 per cent boost will bring the subsidy to $0.40 per kilometre, meaning WA has the highest value subsidy in the nation, along with New South Wales.

In addition, the Cook Labor Government’s $34 million commitment will significantly expand the number of services eligible for the PATS subsidy. Allied health, including physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy, will now be covered by the scheme and eligible dental services will also be covered.

The changes build on WA Labor’s proven track record of supporting PATS. A $19.7 million expansion in 2021 increased the accommodation subsidy by 66 per cent and allowed more vulnerable patients to travel with a support person, and a $13.1 million boost in 2024 increased the fuel subsidy to $0.26 per kilometre.

PATS is one of a suite of WA Labor’s cost of living measures which directly support regional Western Australians, with the Regional Pensioner Travel Card, the Regional Airfare Zone Cap Scheme and Household Electricity Credit all providing targeted relief.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“This $34 million commitment will mean more money back in the pockets of regional patients travelling for specialist medical appointments."

“With an increased fuel subsidy and expanded service coverage, this major boost to PATS will ensure Western Australians can access quality healthcare services – no matter where they live."

“My Government is doing what’s right by regional WA, by providing targeted cost of living relief for local residents.”