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Country Drivers To Benefit From Pensioner Rebate

In a move that will make a positive impact on country motorists, the Liberal Party has pledged to restore the $80 pensioner Vehicle Registration Rebate.

By Phillip Davis - 18th April 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said with a lack of adequate public transport, country Victorians in particular relied heavily on their ability to use private vehicle transport.

He said the Bracks Government’s decision to abolish the $80 registration rebate in 2004 had been disastrous for pensioners.

Without the rebate, many pensioners could not afford the annual registration costs for their vehicles.

"This heartless penny-pinching of the Bracks Government has left countless pensioners in country Victoria without any mode of transport," Mr Davis said.

"Pensioners living in more remote areas of country Victoria have had to rely on family and friends for transport, while those closer to the larger centres have had the additional cost of taxi fares.

"The Liberal Party however is committed to ensuring that pensioners are not confined to their homes or dependent on others because they cannot afford the cost of their vehicle registration."

Mr Davis said a Liberal Government would not only restore the $80 rebate, it would also give pensioners the option of paying their registration in two six-monthly installments rather in one lump sum.

"The option of paying vehicle registration in two installments will go another step in making vehicle registration and transportation for pensioners living in country Victoria more affordable," Mr Davis said.

"The Bracks Government gave no thought to how the abolishment of the $80 rebate would affect country motorists, because it is incapable of anything past metropolitan Melbourne.

"A Liberal Government will keep country Victorian pensioners active in their communities and restore their independence through these new vehicle registration initiatives."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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