“Charging pensioners a fee to obtain a NSW Photo Card just does not make sense,” Mr Lalich said.

“It’s just ridiculous that pensioners are exempt from fees for licences, driving tests and even registration – and yet they still have to pay the full $44 fee to get a NSW Photo Card.

“With increased security measures because of terrorism and concerns about identity fraud, identification has become an essential part of society.

“The Photo Card is the only form of photo ID pensioners can use to access basic services if they don’t have a drivers licence or passport.

“How are these pensioners meant to do simple things like open a bank account or pick up their grandkids from childcare?

“The fact is the world has changed – you can’t cash a cheque or even pick up football tickets without photo ID.

“This fee is a slap in the face to thousands of pensioners who do not need a passport or no longer carry a valid licence.”

Mr Lalich said he would lobby Assisting Transport Minister David Borger to have the fee permanently abolished.

“This is a fee that many people simply can’t afford in these tough times and pensioners tell me all the time that they want it waived,” Mr Lalich said.

“We shouldn’t be slugging pensioners with absurd charges when they’re already doing it tough trying to make ends meet.

“We should be doing everything we can to ensure that they have easy access to essential services.

“Times are only getting tougher and pensioners are among those who feel it most.

“I’ll be taking this up with Assisting Transport Minister David Borger so that he knows exactly how much this fee affects pensioners in my electorate.”

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