Elderly organisations presented a petition with more than 50,000 signatures to members of the House of Representatives, as a debate was being held on a proposed cut to the national public transport discount for people aged 65 and over. Nearly 1.5 million seniors currently receive a 34% discount on bus, tram and metro tickets in local transport.

The government wants to end the scheme, while primary school children would instead travel free and regions could introduce their own senior discount schemes. The organisations fear this would create unequal arrangements between regions. They also said the change could make public transport less affordable for people living on a small pension or only the state pension, and reduce mobility for older people who do not drive or cycle.