- $8.8 million funding for programs to support Western Australian seniors in 2024-25 State Budget
- Includes $6.3m boost to support customer support for Seniors Card Program, giving WA seniors access to some of the most valuable concessions and rebates in the country
- Cook Labor Government committed to improving WA seniors' well-being and creating age-friendly communities
Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch has today announced an $8.8 million investment into programs that support Western Australian seniors in the 2024-25 State Budget.
The funding package includes a $6.3 million boost to employ 13 new staff to support the delivery of the WA Seniors Card program, which has seen an increase in demand from more than 410,000 members.
The program is administered by the WA Seniors Card Team, which provides frontline call centre and counter service in the Perth Metropolitan area, as well as community outreach and Seniors Card regional roadshows.
The WA Seniors Card offers some of the most valuable State Government concessions and rebates in the country, as well as access to a wide range of discounts on goods and services for hundreds of local businesses to help older Western Australians with the cost of living.
Card members have access to free off-peak public transport, concessions on Local Government rates and water service charges, the $400 Safety and Security Rebate and a Cost of Living Rebate which has provided more than $394m assistance since launching in 2009.
An additional $2.5m has been allocated in the State Budget for various initiatives to support WA seniors and prevent Elder Abuse, including funding to the Older People's Rights Service and the WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service.
The WA Elder Abuse Helpline and Information Service provides free confidential information and support to older people who are at risk of or experiencing elder abuse.
The helpline is often the first contact an older person experiencing elder abuse will have when seeking information and support and importantly acts as a State-wide referral service to connect the caller with support services.
The Older People's Rights Service provides free confidential legal information and advice, representation, crisis intervention and short-term counselling, and support to older people at risk of elder abuse.
Funding was also allocated to the 2024 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Regional Grants program and a Seniors Community Grants program for inclusive events during Seniors Week and the WA Seniors Week Awards.
The Cook Government is committed to improving WA seniors' well-being and participation in the community, launching the State's first Seniors Strategy 2023-2033 and five-year Action Plan in 2023.
The Strategy is a 10-year commitment towards whole-of-community action to ensure WA seniors are valued, safe, and empowered to lead happy and fulfilling lives in age-friendly communities.
