Regional Apprentice and Student Travel Card

The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (12:32:42):

My question is addressed to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads. Will the Minister update the House on how the Government is boosting our budgets and securing a brighter future for regional New South Wales with the new regional apprentice and university student travel card?

The Hon. SAM FARRAWAY (Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) (12:33:02):

I thank the Hon. Aileen MacDonald for her question, and what a good question it is. It demonstrates that members on this side of the House are all about backing in our apprentices, trainees and regional university students. Whether they are 16 or 66, they will be backed in by this Government with the regional university student travel card. That $250 prepaid Visa card will help those apprentices with the cost of getting to their studies—whether it be an apprentice who needs to travel hundreds of kilometres to complete their studies or a university student like my younger sister, who had to complete her practical assessments to become a physiotherapist in three different locations across this State.

The Hon. Sarah Mitchell:

You are a proud brother.

The Hon. SAM FARRAWAY:

Yes, she is good. She has four older brothers, the poor thing, so she has had a hard life. This program is all about boosting their budgets and backing in the trades that we need in the bush. The program works because the Liberal Party and The Nationals listen and deliver meaningful policy that makes a big difference to the people of this State and secures a brighter future. One need only look to the success of the regional seniors travel card. Over one million cards have been distributed in three years, which is fantastic news. The regional apprentice and university student travel card will complement the cost-of-living measures that this Government is implementing for the people of this great State.

It will be a game changer for many apprentices because many apprentices do not earn a great deal of money when they start out. Any sort of support goes a long way. I have spent the week travelling around regional New South Wales, meeting a lot of apprentices and trainees and talking to them about what this card will do for them. I have received an amazing response from communities and from the businesses in regional New South Wales that employ a lot of apprentices. They will back it in.

Let me be very clear: This is not just about sparkies, chippies or plumbers. It is also about baristas, hairdressers and chefs. It is for anyone who is setting out to be an apprentice or transitioning from one career to another, anywhere from 16 through to 66. Anyone who undertakes an apprenticeship in this State and lives in regional New South Wales will be eligible for the card. Applications will open in February through Service NSW. The card will make a meaningful difference and secure a brighter future. It is another example of the Liberal Party and The Nationals delivering for the people of New South Wales.

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