Ballina Electorate Media Releases
Labor’s Back Flip On Countrylink Booking Tax Welcomed (10/06/2009)
Member for Ballina, Don Page welcomed the sudden back flip by the State Labor Government three years after introducing the CountryLink pensioner booking fee.
“As recently as last month the out of touch State Labor Government voted down a Coalition Bill to abolish the fee,” Mr Page said.
“The Liberal/Nationals have been pressuring the NSW Labor Government to abolish this unfair and mean spirited tax since it was introduced in 2006,” he said.
“In the three years since it’s introduction the fee has resulted in $7million of pensioners money being poured into the State Labor Government’s coffers.
“Despite this extra income, the NSW Labor Government has closed the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, closed down eleven CountryLink travel centres and increased fares,” Mr Page said.
“I am pleased to see the NSW Labor Government abolish this unconscionable grab for money from one of the most cash strapped sections of our community,” he said.
The Coalition introduced Bills on two occasions to abolish the CountryLink Pensioner Booking Fee. The NSW Labor Government voted down the legislation on both occasions, most recently on 14th May 2009.
“I was appalled at the heartless act of the NSW Labor Government last month when they voted against the abolition of the booking fee. I made my views clear at the time when I spoke in Parliament on the Bill,” Mr Page said.
“The pensioners of NSW have worked hard all of their lives, paid taxes and supported our country in many ways.
“They deserve to be treated better by this State Labor Government. I am pleased that after so much pressure from the Liberal/Nationals this economically incompetent Government have been shamed into abolishing the booking fee,” Mr Page said.
