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’s the question being asked by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall is heading 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 Mr 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 Committee will report to Parliament before 30 November. It is receiving submissions until 21 July 2016.
The Inquiry emerged from a request by Deputy Premier Troy Grant who asked that the Committee examine these issues and report back to Parliament.
For further information, including the full terms of reference, please refer to the Committee’s webpage at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/communityservices
(this article first appeared in the Inverell Times on the 15/06/2016)
