Inquiry into access to transport for seniors and disadvantaged people in rural and regional NSW

NSW Legislative Assembly (media release)

7 June 2016

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Getting around is hard enough for older and disadvantaged people in closely settled areas, but what about the plight of those in rural and remote areas? That question is at the heart of a parliamentary inquiry into transport access for seniors and disadvantaged people, being conducted by the NSW Parliament’s Committee on Community Services.

“Most Australians have access to public transport or have enough money to provide their own,” Committee Chair and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said. “For most of us, society supports our mobility. “But in some cases, particularly for those who live in remote areas and are on pensions or who are otherwise disadvantaged, transport options are either very limited or absent. That in turn limits access to medical and social support services. 

"This inquiry is looking into how that issue might be overcome in an equitable way. “We’ll be looking at a range of options, including adjustments to existing transport services or financial support measures." 

The Terms of Reference adopted by the Committee will give particular regard to the situation of seniors, Aboriginal persons, persons with disability, and social housing tenants. The Inquiry emerged from a request by Deputy Premier Troy Grant who asked that the Committee examine these issues and report back to Parliament.

 “We welcome any ideas or observations on this issue through submissions to the inquiry,” Mr Marshall said. “The inability to get suitable transport is a chronic problem for many individuals, so it's important that we provide a useful channel that helps the community to be part of the solution.”

The Committee will report to Parliament before 30 November. It is receiving submissions until 21 July 2016. 

For further information, including the full terms of reference, please refer to the Committee’s webpage.