Constituency questions
Croydon electorate
David HODGETT (Croydon) (14:32): (80) My question is for the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, and the question I ask is: Minister, why are Victorian holders of the Commonwealth seniors health card worse off than those living in other states or territories, and what plans does the government have to rectify this discrepancy? Minister, as you would know, the Commonwealth seniors health card allows each state or territory government to provide discounts on any of the following cost-of-living expenses, including electricity and gas, property and water rates, ambulance, dental and eye care as well as public transport for cardholders. Victorian Commonwealth seniors health card holders, however, are offered nothing to assist with any of these cost-of-living expenses. While other states and territories offer a range of discounts across these areas, Victorian cardholders are left out completely. Minister, why are Victorians who hold a Commonwealth seniors health card worse off than those in every other state or territory in Australia, and when will the minister and the Victorian government rectify this discrepancy, ensuring fairness for Victorians, and provide much needed financial assistance to combat the ever increasing cost of living?