Age Pension age must remain at 65

“CPSA objects to suggestions that the Age Pension age must be lifted to reduce age discrimination in the workplace” says CPSA Policy Coordinator, Charmaine Crowe.

“The Age Pension age has nothing to do with age discrimination in the workplace. The Age Pension age does not stop employers from employing over 65s, nor does the Age Pension age require people to stop working at 65.”

“CPSA supports moves to eliminate age discrimination in the workplace. If people are willing and able to work, they should not be inhibited from doing so because of ageism.”

“However, CPSA does not consider that lifting the age at which you can access the Age Pension safety-net will reduce ageism in the workplace. It’s a blunt instrument that will disadvantage those most in need.”

“The fact of the matter is that the average age of retirement is 62. People retire for many reasons, including health and inability to continue working. But, the average retirement age of 62 suggests that many retire because they have access to tax-free superannuation, rather than access to the Age Pension.”

“Therefore, lifting the Age Pension age will do little to decrease the numbers of people retiring before 65.”

“Of those going on to a full-rate Age Pension, 50% have come from another form of government income support. Lifting the Age Pension age to 67 will condemn those people coming from an allowance payment now over $100 a week less than the Age Pension, while depleting more rapidly superannuation savings of those already retired as their super will not be complemented by the Age Pension.”

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