Paternalistic system entrenched by pension grab

"By taking a quarter of the pension increase away in public housing rents, state governments are entrenching the paternalistic notion that pensioners should be grateful for anything that they get” said Charmaine Crowe, CPSA Policy Coordinator.

“It says to pensioners in public housing that they owe the state governments something because they were lucky enough to secure public housing in the first place.”

CPSA calls on the Federal Government to make good on their assurance that they will “take whatever actions are required to ensure that this money is delivered permanently to the pensioners of Australia” (Treasurer Wayne Swan, ABC Radio, 29 September 2009).

“This pension increase is in response to the fact that the pension was seriously inadequate - seriously inadequate for pensioners in public housing, as it was seriously inadequate for home-owners and pensioners renting privately.”

“Pensioners are sick and tired of having to battle to get anywhere. It seems as soon as pensioners win one battle, they’re faced with ten more.”

“The extra $30 a week is needed for pensioners to pay higher electricity bills, pay higher water bills, and to pay for higher-priced groceries. By taking away a quarter of the increase, it is clear that state governments do not comprehend the cost pressures facing pensioners everyday.”

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