THE decision not to introduce means testing for community transport is good news for Shoalhaven seniors and maintains a basic human right, according to a local group.
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Plans were under way introduce a mandatory national fees policy for community transport services.
Chief executive officer of Shoalhaven Community Transport Service Stephen Fornasier said the mandatory national fees policy would have been bad news for local residents.
He said the proposed national fees policy suggested regulating access to transport based on financial means.
“There is an inherent inequality in the introduction of means testing in relation to fare-setting for transport services for seniors,” Mr Fornasier said.
“Community transport promotes the fundamental notion that dignity, access and independence in old age are not special privileges that can be bestowed or taken away.
“All people living in Australia should have the equal and basic right to access subsidised transport, regardless of their income and assets.
“When people move from mainstream public transport services to community transport services because mainstream public transport services do not provide the accessibility needed by them, their income should play no part in setting a fee.”
He said community transport, particularly in NSW under the Passenger Transport Act, was an integral part of the public transport mix.
Mr Fornasier welcomed the news that the National Fees Policy as proposed would not go ahead
Shoalhaven Community Transport Service congratulated Assistant Minister for Social Services Senator Mitch Fifield on his decision not to introduce a mandatory national fees policy for community transport services.
