LIBERALS AND NATIONALS COMMIT TO RESTORING REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD

Robert Dwyer • 17 July 2026

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced they will reinstate the Regional

Seniors Travel Card if elected to government in 2027, providing vital cost-of-living relief

for seniors living in regional communities.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said the commitment comes after repeated

calls for the Labor Government to restore the successful program, which was

discontinued despite strong community support.


“I personally raised this issue in a speech to Parliament on 28 th May. The Regional

Seniors Travel Card provided practical assistance to thousands of seniors across

regional New South Wales, helping them meet the rising costs of everyday travel," Mr

Dwyer said.


"Regional communities face unique challenges. Unlike those living in metropolitan

areas, many people in the regions have limited public transport options and rely

heavily on their vehicles to attend medical appointments, shop for essentials, visit

family and remain connected to their communities.


"When fuel prices rise, regional seniors feel the impact immediately. For many, driving

is not a choice, it is a necessity."


Under the Liberals and Nationals' commitment, eligible seniors in regional NSW would

receive a $250 prepaid card that can be used for fuel, taxis and pre-booked train or

coach services.


Mr Dwyer said the card would deliver targeted support to seniors living on fixed

incomes at a time when cost-of-living pressures continue to affect households across

the state.


"One of Labor's first actions in government was to remove a range of cost-of-living measures relied upon by people across New South Wales, including the Regional

Seniors Travel Card," he said.


"We know that many seniors are looking for ways to manage increasing household

expenses, and this program provides practical, direct support where it is needed most."


Originally introduced by the former Liberal and Nationals Government in 2020, the

Regional Seniors Travel Card helped more than 1.3 million regional seniors access

more affordable transport before the program was abolished.


The Liberals and Nationals say reinstating the card will help seniors remain

independent, access essential services and stay connected with family, friends and

their local communities.



"This is about recognising the contribution regional seniors have made throughout their lives and ensuring they receive the support they deserve," Mr Dwyer said.

Robert's Media Releases

by Robert Dwyer 18 July 2026
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is urging the NSW Government to deliver a budget that balances critical infrastructure investment with support for essential community services as cost-of-living pressures continue to impact local families.
by Robert Dwyer 8 July 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer says the growing number of businesses relocating from New South Wales to Queensland demonstrates the urgent need for payroll tax reform to restore the state's competitiveness.
by Robert Dwyer 8 July 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed more than $1.27 million in NSW Government funding for the North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NCRLN), describing it as a significant investment in environmental stewardship, climate resilience and Aboriginal partnerships across the region.
by Robert Dwyer 8 July 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer says the NSW Government's $561 million Transport Affordability Package is being sold to the whole state, but two of its four headline measures are built for a network that doesn't exist on the Mid North Coast.
by Robert Dwyer 6 July 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed the commencement of tough new laws that will hold commercial landlords accountable if they knowingly allow illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products to be sold from their properties.
by Robert Dwyer 6 July 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has cautiously welcomed the launch of the state's new Development Coordination Authority (DCA), but says local homeowners and Port Macquarie-Hastings and Mid Coast Councils need a guarantee the one-stop- shop will actually speed up approvals in the regions, not just in Sydney.
by Robert Dwyer 26 June 2026
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has responded to the NSW State Budget, welcoming some local investments while calling out the failure to fund Wrights Road, the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme and other critical infrastructure for the region.
by Robert Dwyer 25 June 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed a major commitment from the NSW Liberals and Nationals to deliver the most competitive payroll tax regime in Australia, saying the reforms will provide much-needed relief for small and medium-sized businesses across the Mid North Coast.
Robert Dwyer said the report highlights serious concerns around affordability and accessibility
by Robert Dwyer 27 May 2026
Robert Dwyer reports highlights serious concerns around affordability, accessibility, workforce pressures & growing compliance burden placed on providers/educators.
calls for the Minns Government to urgently review and increase financial support for pensioners
by Robert Dwyer 27 May 2026
Robert Dwyer calls on the Minns Government to urgently review and increase financial support for pensioners struggling with rising living costs across NSW.
Show More