NSW election policy for regional seniors sparks split between Nationals and Liberals

Updated

The battle lines between NSW voters in the city and those in the bush have been drawn, with the Nationals announcing a signature policy to subsidise transport for seniors living in regional areas.

Key points: The Nationals are campaigning on their own policies and those of the Government this state election

A letter sent to voters included a mock credit card for $250 worth of travel

The material was referred to the electoral commission over concerns it constitutes a bribe

Country seniors would get a $250 travel debit card to spend on petrol, taxis and public transport, if the Liberal-National Government is returned at the March state election.

Around 400,000 seniors with a Commonwealth Seniors Health card would qualify for the travel debit card under the $100 million policy.

Nationals leader John Barilaro said travel was one of the most significant household costs faced by seniors in regional areas.

"The tyranny of distance, the lack of public transport — and this assists those seniors living in regional NSW to get to their medical appointments, visit family or travel through NSW," he said.

The Nationals are campaigning on their own policies, as well as those of the Liberal-National Government, for the first time in this election campaign.

Mr Barilaro admitted he had to fight Liberal Party colleagues to get the travel card policy over the line.

"This was a battle with the Liberal party," he said.

"They have a view of how certain things should happen but this is a key signature policy for the March election and one that I'm very proud of.

"I've been fighting for standalone policies for the National party, we are our own party."

Policy 'a blatant bribe'

Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park said senior voters in the city would see through the policy.

"They've got every reason to be very, very angry," he said.

"This is a blatant bribe by a desperate Government in the lead-up to an election that simply hasn't focussed on delivering for seniors."

The policy was accidentally announced early in a letter sent by Nationals candidate for Barwon Andrew Schier.

Independent upper house MP Jeremy Buckingham has referred the letter to the electoral commission on the grounds it constitutes a bribe.

"The letter also includes a mock fuel card, a mock credit card — that is a bribe," he said.

"I believe that it's an inducement, a bribe, to secure a vote so I've referred it to the electoral commission because I believe it breaches electoral laws."

Mr Barilaro dismissed the criticism.

"Anyone that actually cares about regional NSW understands the issue of transport," he said.

"Our letter, our policy breaches no other issue, we're fighting for seniors in regional NSW. I make no apology today."

Topics: state-elections, politics-and-government, sydney-2000, nsw

First posted