Introduction

Ambulance services are a key component of the State's health service and must be available for emergencies and other times of need.

The State Government provides considerable funding to St John Ambulance Association for the provision of statewide ambulance services and last year announced it would spend an extra $34.7 million to improve ambulance response times and give Western Australians better access to emergency care.

A further $14 million has also been set aside so that from 1 July 2005 all Western Australian aged pensioners will have access to primary ambulance services free of charge and all senior citizens over the age of 65 will receive a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of both emergency and non-urgent ambulance transport.

This new policy represents a significant ongoing financial commitment, which will ensure that the State's 160,000 aged pensioners and 62,500 seniors have better access to emergency services.

It is also an important acknowledgment of the contribution made by WA's aged pensioners and senior citizens and the needs of those older people not able to provide for themselves.