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Free public transport extended in Victoria
Graham Readfearn
Free public transport in Victoria will be extended a month until the end of May with half-price fares then kicking in until the end of the year, the Allan government has announced.
The state government revealed on Sunday it would make $400m available in next month’s budget to extend the fare relief on trams, buses and trains.
Victoria announced at the end of March that it would temporarily make public transport free in an attempt to save fuel and allow commuters to cut costs.
The government said half-price fares would save the average commuter more than $850 over the seven months, while capping fuel demand and reducing delays for drivers.
Public transport would remain permanently free for under 18s and special pass holders. Myki pass users would be reimbursed when fares are half price.
Murder charge laid after woman’s body found at home
A 25-year-old man will face court after a woman’s body was found at a home.
Emergency services were called to Windale, south-west of Newcastle, after reports of a concern for welfare shortly after 8pm on Saturday.
Officers attached to the Lake Macquarie Police District arrived to find the body of a woman, believed to be aged in her 40s.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the woman could not be revived.
She has yet to be formally identified.
Investigations are ongoing and a crime scene has been established.
The man was arrested at the scene and taken to Belmont police station where he was charged with murder (domestic violence).
He was refused bail to appear in court on Sunday.
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