John Chedid, vowed today that a NSW Liberal/Nationals Coalition Government will abolish Labor’s unfair CountryLink booking fee levied on Parramatta pensioners. 

John said pensioners should not have to bear the financial burden of NSW Labor’s financial incompetence.

“The introduction of a booking fee on CountryLink pensioners was a heartless move by a Sydney-centric Government concerned only with propping up its ailing Budget,” John said.

“In March this year, the Macquarie Street Ministers who run the Labor Government introduced a booking fee for pensioners using their Pensioner Travel Vouchers for travel on CountryLink services.

“The new fee is equal to 15 per cent of the equivalent full adult fare or a minimum of $10 (whichever is greater) and is charged for each voucher used for the journey undertaken.

“If elected to Government next year the NSW Liberal/Nationals Coalition will remove this unreasonable booking fee because we believe pensioners in Parramatta can least afford it and don’t deserve to be slugged.”

John said over the past 12 years, the NSW Labor Government had failed to support pensioners, especially those living in Parramatta.

“CountryLink is a vital service for the people in the Parramatta electorate and is often the only available public transport that links many elderly people to their children, grandchildren, friends and medical services.”

“Parramatta residents are being hit with new and unfair taxes and charges because of NSW Labor’s budget crisis.

“A Liberal / Nationals Government will ensure Parramatta pensioners get a fair go from their State Government by scrapping this unfair financial burden.”