Cuts concern seniors

As announced on May 14, $199 million of concessions for seniors were axed.

The Cost of Living Allowance, which provides a rebate on electricity charges, has been renamed as an Energy Assistance Payment and will be means-tested from July 1.

The eligibility age for WA Seniors Card holders will rise to 61 from July 1, and again every two years to 65 by 2023-24.

From 2016-17, the 50 per cent rebate for local government rates and water charges will be capped at $550 and $600 respectively.

The Safety and Security Rebate, which encouraged purchase of personal safety alarms, has been discontinued.

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Tony Simpson said with WA's population of seniors expected to grow from 458,000 to 865,000 in 20 years, the current State Government expenditure on concessions for seniors was not sustainable.

"The government values the contribution of seniors to WA and is committed to supporting their active participation in the community," he said.

"With the population of seniors continuing to grow, it is vital we ensure we can provide support to those seniors who have the greatest need."

Public transport for seniors " currently free on weekdays between 9am and 3.30pm and anytime on weekends and public holidays " will be extended to include after 7pm every night and before 6am each weekday morning.

Seniors will also get a discount on the WA photo ID card for identification purposes from 2016-17.

As part of the 2016-17 Budget process, the government will consider introducing a downsizing grant for seniors looking to move into smaller, fit-for-purpose accommodation.

Opposition leader Mark McGowan said seniors had been let down by the government and were already struggling to cope with household bills.

"Seniors who've done the hard yards as taxpayers for many years deserve a happy and healthy life in retirement," he said.

Treasurer Mike Nahan said WA's seniors' concessions and subsidies were "still the most generous in the nation by a long shot".