State governments see dollar signs in the pension increase

“After years of struggling on an inadequate pension, large chunks of the modest pension increase for single pensioners in public housing will be stripped away by the state governments” said CPSA Policy Coordinator Charmaine Crowe.

“Next September, pensioners will be hit with a huge rent-rise as state governments take 25% of the long awaited pension increase in public housing rents.”

“For many, this will mean skipping medications and doing without heating over the winter months. It will add at least another $400 a year to their rent.”

“Let’s also not forget the 100,000 pensioners in aged care, who will lose $22.40 of their $32.50 weekly increase in aged care fees. These pensioners pay 84 per cent of their income in fees, and still have to find money for medications, dental & paying the gap for health care.”

“Since the pension increase announcement, electricity prices have soared, water prices have increased, and now those in public housing will lose 25% of their $30 rise to rent. Many pensioners will be worse off than before simply because of the increase in the cost of living.”

“The increase in public housing rents also tells private landlords that it’s okay to charge pensioners more for a roof over their heads.”

“It’s disgraceful that some of the poorest people in our community will be footing the bill for state infrastructure, when every cent they receive is needed for the essentials in life.”

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