Western Australian drivers who do not wish to keep their $100 'fuel' payment from the State Government now have the option to donate directly to one of 15 designated charities, including Telethon and Foodbank. The list of eligible charities was released on Monday, a month before the scheme opens to approximately 2.3 million WA driver's licence holders.
Although the payment was introduced as cost-of-living relief in response to rising fuel prices earlier this year, the funds can be used for any purpose and are not means-tested. The government has also confirmed that the money can be redirected to one of 15 charities.
Charity Options
The list includes food and emergency relief organizations such as Foodbank WA, SecondBite, OzHarvest, The Salvation Army, and St Vincent de Paul Society. Children's charities like Telethon, Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, Starlight Children's Foundation, The Smith Family, and Headspace are also available. Other community support options include Ruah Community Services, Aboriginal Health Council of WA, St Barts, Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Ability WA.
Premier Roger Cook stated, 'We know that Western Australians are at their best when they're helping each other, when we're working in a spirit of support and compassion. You can take your $100 and provide it to a charity of your choice, or if you think that you and your family need it, keep that as an important contribution to your cost of living.'
Politicians have been quick to distance themselves from accessing the payments. Both Premier Cook and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas have said they will not take the payment. Some commentary suggested people might donate to political causes like One Nation, but Treasurer Rita Saffioti dismissed the idea, saying, 'People live with their own conscience, I suppose. I mean I can't be in everyone's minds, but surely... most Western Australians would believe that donating to institutions like Foodbank is a much worthier cause.'
The fuel support payment will be available through the Services WA app, similar to how student assistant payments are received. Additional options for those who cannot or do not wish to use the app are still being developed.
