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Libs To Restore Pensioner ConcessionsA Liberal Government will restore the motor vehicle rebate for concession card holders – reversing the Bracks Government’s decision last May. By Phillip Davis - 12th November 2004 - Back to News Member for Gippsland Province Philip Davis said a Liberal Government would scrap the unfair $80 concession slug on pensioners.
"Many of Victoria’s concession cardholders survive on low-incomes," he said.
"The Liberal Party believes these members of our community don’t deserve to be unfairly burdened by taxes and charges as the Bracks Government has done.
"The Bracks Government deliberately targeted pensioners, health care cardholders and veterans throughout Victoria, earlier this year when it took away half of the concession rebate."
Mr Davis said his office was inundated by constituent enquiries from across Gippsland since the policy was introduced on 1 July this year.
"Almost 2000 people signed a petition in my office to protest this unfair decision, along with 11,000 signatures Victorian state-wide.
"The Liberal Party will lift this unfair tax because it works to isolate older and lower income Victorians many of whom can’t afford to find an extra $78.50 to register their car."
Mr Davis said the cruel measure will earn the Bracks Government more than $278 million over four years.
He said the Bracks Government hadn’t given a thought to people who are meals-on-wheels drivers, op-shop workers, volunteer "grandparents" and nursing home visitors, who depend on their cars.
"The restoration of the full rebate will also assist those who do not have access to public transport and rely on their own vehicle to get around," Mr Davis said.
"This has particularly hurt older country Victorians. The only means of transport for many who live in remote or sparsely populated areas is there car.
"The Liberal Party recognizes there has been abuse of the concession in the past and will introduce stricter policing of applicants in the future."
Those affected by the Bracks Government’s tax-take include older Victorians with:
- Health Care Cards
- Pensioner Concession Cards and
- Department of Veteran Affairs cards
"Independent and active elderly Victorians deserve a fair go. The Liberal Party will make sure they get one," Mr Davis said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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