Monday, 27 November 2023
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has announced that the much-anticipated State Parliamentary debate to save the recently axed NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card will occur this Thursday at 4pm.
Mr Marshall said when he launched the petition to save the card in June this year, support from the community was overwhelming.
“People from right across our region signed up to demand the government reverse its decision to axe this popular $250 pre-paid card,” Mr Marshall said.
“It was a powerful and undeniable example of people power and more than 10,000 signatures were quickly gathered.
“Thursday’s debate is the culmination of months’ of hard work, gathering signatures and grassroots anger about the card being cut, despite a promise before the March election to continue it.
“This debate is our big chance to have the voices of more than 10,000 locals heard on the floor of Parliament but also ramp up pressure on the government to reinstate this critical cost-of-living relief measure for some of our community’s most vulnerable people.”
Mr Marshall said the government confirmed its decision to wield the axe and scrap the Regional Seniors Travel Card in its first budget, delivered in September.
“It was a heartless and petty decision, which directly impacts more than 12,000 seniors in the Northern Tablelands and around 1 million across the State, who currently make use of the card,” he said.
“With the support of all the petitioners who have signed we are now ready to make the strongest case possible to reinstate this card this Thursday, 30 November, at 4pm.
“The debate will be live streamed and I encourage everyone to view it on the Parliament’s webcast page, www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Pages/webcasts.aspx – select the ‘Legislative Assembly’ option.
“It will be my greatest honour as our region’s local MP to speak up and speak out on behalf of seniors across our region, ensuring that our collective voice is heard and send the strongest possible message to the government that they must reverse this mean-spirited decision,” Mr Marshall said.
“Thank you to the community for your support and I hope you’re able to tune in on Thursday or even make your way to Parliament and show your support in person.”