Pension speculation = anxious pensioners

Pensioners around the country have almost had heart failure over the last week as politicians and media reports suggest that a pension increase will be too expensive.

“Pensioners are hearing that a $35 increase will be too costly. This sends a clear message to pensioners that they’re not important at all, rather, just a burden to the budget” said Charmaine Crowe, CPSA Policy Coordinator.

“Similarly the Rudd Government is spruiking its ‘down-payment’ for pensioners in December as part of its commitment to pensioners. However, pensioners were told to spend spend spend. Most have done so, and now poor pensioners are back at square one – living below the poverty line. “

“Bonuses don’t provide the long term security that is required.”

“Pension reform must be targeted to ensure that pensioners living on just the pension have an adequate income. Some pensioners receive a part pension because they have other income. CPSA is calling for a supplement for all pensioners whose sole source of income is the pension.”

“This supplement would give a pensioner living on $280 a week an extra $80 a week, and cost about $3 billion annually.”

“The government has an opportunity to give all pensioners a decent standard of living for the long term. Do they have they will?”

Media contact: 0410 612 182

Charmaine Crowe
Policy Coordinator
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010
Phone (02) 9281 3588
Mob 0410 612 182
Fax (02) 9281 9716