Military veterans who sustained disability during their service are to be eligible for concessional travel on public transport starting 1 May.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said it was important to support those who served the country.
“Our defence men and women provide the ultimate public service in keeping Australia safe,” Mr Toole said.
“Until now, only veterans that suffered disabling injuries while posted overseas were eligible for travel concessions,” he said.
“From next month, eligible veterans who have acquired a disability in a training exercise or while serving here in Australia, as accepted by the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will be able to get a Gold Opal card, as well as discounts on Regional Excursion Daily and Country Pensioner Excursion tickets.”
Minister for Veterans John Sidoti said changes to the criteria for public transport concessions was a step in the right direction.
“There are about 8,700 people in NSW with Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Health Cards marked ‘Totally and Permanently Incapacitated’ or ‘Extreme Disablement Adjustment’, all of whom will be eligible to apply from 1 May,” Mr Sidoti said.
“It’s important we continue to acknowledge the sacrifice made by the men and women of the armed forces and this change will enable more veterans to be recognised for their invaluable service.”
He said the changes followed a review by Transport for NSW into existing policies for concession travel entitlements for the Department of Veteran Affairs disability recipients.
Gold Opal holders are able to travel on the Opal network for $2.50 a day.
Under the changes, Regional Excursion Daily tickets and Country Pensioner Excursion tickets will also be discounted to $2.50 ensuring discounted travel across the network.
