The NSW Government has hit back at claims by Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch that a recently announced four-cent per litre fuel discount at select petrol stations is an attempt to replace the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card.
Crouch slammed the announcement this week, describing the move as an insult to seniors.
“What is even worse is that this four-cent discount is only for participating United service stations, meaning that seniors from Tarragal Glen will have to drive all the way to Empire Bay to save four cents on their petrol bill,” he said.
He called on the Central Coast Labor MPs to push for reinstatement of applications for the Regional Seniors Travel Card.
Previously, applications for the card were open until November 2023, but the State Government suspended applications in July without notice, Crouch said.
He also criticised a lack of communication on the future of the card.
“It is nearing a month since the Member for The Entrance insulted Central Coast seniors, insinuating they were using the card for cigarettes and junk food, saying a review would take place with advice anticipated in two weeks,” he said.
“It’s been well over two weeks since this supposed review, and there has been total silence from this government; it’s just not good enough.”
Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Scott Farlow said more than 47,000 Central Coast seniors had made use of the Regional Seniors Travel Card.
But the NSW Government says allegations it has done a deal with United Petroleum to replace the Regional Seniors travel card are categorically false.
The Government said in a statement on August 8 Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison had acknowledged the cost-of-living measure introduced by United service stations but it was not a NSW Government funding initiative.
“The Regional Seniors Travel card, introduced by the former government, was not funded in the forward estimates,” the statement said.
“The NSW Government has been handed the largest debt in states history – $185.5B.
“On top of this, incoming briefs have uncovered a $7B black hole of unfunded programs, including a $700M hole over the forwards of support for children living in out of home care.
“In June it was reported both the Regional Seniors Travel Card and Regional Apprentices Travel Card could be used on non-travel-related expenses.
“In Response Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison asked for applications for the card to be paused while mitigation options were investigated.
“The pausing of applications does not impact the over 320,000 cards which had already been issued to date in 2023.”
The four-cent-per-litre discount is available to holders of a Seniors Card or Senior Savers Card and available at United Petroleum service stations.
Head of Loyalty at United Petroleum Judith Russell said Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card members simply need to sign up for a United digital or plastic fuel discount card online to save 4 cents per litre.
“Members then need to show and scan this United fuel discount card at the time of purchase at participating United service stations to save the 4 cents per litre,” Russell said.
“The discount can be used once a day for a purchase to a maximum of 150L in a single transaction.”
If seniors choose a digital card, this can be used straight away, while the plastic card will be delivered within 5-15 business days.
The fuel discount is available now and Senior Card or Senior Savers Card holders can apply.
Terry Collins
this is a regional seniors card. What happens when there’s no united participating service centre. bad move PREMIER CHRIS MINNS this isn’t what you said leading up to the election. Same as the kids sports or art vouchers. people remember lies
Easy way to slash cost. Fewest suppliers with above average cost. Win Win for Gov and United.