Transport costs discriminate against people in rural areas 

Helen Walne told a Senate inquiry that her health had deteriorated significantly in the wake of increased transport costs.

Helen, a member of OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group, suffers from arthritis, advanced osteoporosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

To maintain healthy independence, she requires a variety of supervised therapies, such as hydrotherapy, Pilates, and a lung rehabilitation program.

For several years, Helen was charged flat ‘pensioners’ fee of $18.00 each time she travelled to an appointment. However, at the end of 2023, she was advised that, as a Home Care Package (HCP) recipient, she would now be charged by the kilometre. 

‘This equates to my journeys to hospital clinics, which I attend quite regularly, now costing $120 plus, and even more to the public dental clinic,’ she told the Senate Inquiry into the Aged Care Bill 2024 at a public hearing in Devonport, Tasmania, on 4 October. 

Since there are insufficient funds in her Level 3 HCP to cover the increased travel costs, Helen has been unable to access recommended preventative therapies for the last 10 months.