Pensioners Pilfered For Pittance

The Rev Fred Nile, MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has condemned the NSW Government for pilfering the purse of aged pensioners in an attempt to raise additional income and improve the State’s deficit.

Rev Nile raised the issue during question time in State Parliament yesterday;

Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE: I ask the Minister for Roads, representing the Minister for Transport, a question without notice. Is it a fact that New South Wales aged pensioners used to be given two free train trips per year? Is it a fact that they now have to pay 15 per cent of the full fare? Has the Government made other changes to the transport services offered age pensioners? Why is the Government hitting the pensioners of New South Wales with higher rail fares to fix its deficit, preventing pensioners visiting family members, especially in country centres?

The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: I thank the honourable member for his question, which I will refer to the Minister for an appropriate response.