A Victorian Coalition government would make public transport free for nurses and many other healthcare workers if the opposition wins the November election.
Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy said more than 260,000 healthcare workers would be eligible for free travel across all metropolitan and V/Line public transport services every day of the year until November 2026 under his plan.
The opposition policy, announced on Sunday, said Victorian nurses, personal and aged care workers, allied health workers, paramedics, and other staff such as like patient transport orderlies and clerical staff would be eligible for the proposed scheme.
Guy said eligible healthcare workers would save $7200 over the life of the pan while nurses could be up to $1800 a year better off.
“To fix the health crisis we need innovative solutions to attract, retain and reward health workers,” Guy said.
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“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.”
Shadow health minister Georgie Crozier claimed free public transport would make it easier for eligible healthcare workers get to and from work.
“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,” Crozier said.