VIC Coalition promises free public transport for aged care workers

The Victorian Opposition has made a major pitch to health workers ahead of this year’s state election, promising free public transport for nurses, personal and aged care staff, and other frontline health professionals for four years. Under the Coalition’s plan, more than 260,000 health workers – including all personal and aged care workers, nurses, and trainee doctors, as well as select paramedics, allied health workers, and other hospital staff – would travel fare-free across all metropolitan and V/Line public transport services until November of 2026. State Liberal leader Matthew Guy (above, centre) said the move would attract, retain and reward health workers, and estimated that a daily metropolitan Melbourne user travelling in zones 1 and 2 would save $7,200 over the four years.

“Our nurses have given so much for our community over the past three years – this important commitment demonstrates the value we place on them. “A cheaper, easier commute to work is exactly what our nurses need and deserve. Only the Liberals and Nationals will deliver this critical commitment,” he said.

Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier (pictured) said the plan would reward frontline healthcare and nursing staff for their dedication.

“This initiative will go a long way to easing hip-pocket pressures for our nurses and support this critical workforce to continue their outstanding work. “Our plan will make it cheaper and easier for nurses and other healthcare staff to get to and from work, as well as support them when going about their daily lives,” she said.

While Labor has no comparable policy for workers, the Andrews Government has poured hundreds of millions into the public aged care sector during its tenure.