Parents in Perth will get some much-needed cost-of-living relief after an announcement by the state’s Premier, Rodger Cook.
The West Australian government today announced that school children would receive free travel on public transport beginning in February.
9News reports it’s Mr Cook’s first cost-of-living relief measure for 2024, with more expected in the near future.
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“My Government not only understands cost of living measures, we’re doing something about it,” he said.
The announcement means that school children will be able to take the bus or train both to and from school for free when schools return on February 5.
9News reports mum Pam Konjian will save almost $300 as her daughter starts Year 7.
“I can maybe put that back into groceries, which would be great,” she said.
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Announcement gets bipartisan support
The announcement, which will cost taxpayers $10m, was widely welcomed after the Liberal Party first called for it in 2021.
“Well three years ago, we were trying to mend the budget which was destroyed by the previous Liberal Government,” Cook said.
However, Liberal leader Libby Mettam, claimed the change “doesn’t add up.”
“Given Western Australians are doing it incredibly tough, given this government is enjoying the largest boom in WA’s history, that doesn’t add up,” she said.
Originally published as Free public transport for students in cost-of-living relief