The NSW Labor Government has refused to rule out cutting the Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card in its September Budget, said Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh.
The former Liberal and Nationals Government travel card has been instrumental in assisting over 5,000 regional apprentices since its inception this year to manage the cost of travel associated with their studies or apprenticeships.
Mr Singh, who is also Shadow Minister for Tourism, Emergency Services and the North Coast, said the comments by Labor last week just confirm what we already knew – if you don’t live in Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong the Labor Government doesn’t care.
“When this card was launched earlier this year it was warmly welcomed as a boost to family budgets, and we’re urging the current Government not to scrap the program,” Mr Singh said.
“Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison on Thursday last week in Parliament refused to rule out cutting the card. Labor needs to come clean about whether it truly supports cost of living measures like this card.”
Mr Singh said it is disappointing to see the lack of commitment from the current government given the investment the former Liberal and Nationals Government had made to ease cost of living pressures.
“We know the difference this card is already making, and will continue to make, right across regional NSW. Labor needs to come clean on its plans and not keep stringing people along pretending it cares about cost of living,” Mr Singh said.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals remain committed to advocating for regional apprentices and university students, and will continue to put pressure on the Government to stop cutting support in a time of unprecedented cost of living pressures.
