About Us
Combined Pensioners andSuperannuants Association of NSW Inc (CPSA) was founded in 1931 in response to pension cuts. CPSA is a non-profit, non-party-political membership association serving pensioners of all ages, superannuants and low-income retirees. We aim to improve the standard of living and well-being of Members and constituents.
From this beginning CPSA has energetically pursued its goals by:
- informing decision-markers, parliamentarians and all levels of Government
- informing pensioners, superannuants, low income retirees and the public
- providing a consumer voice
- combating social isolation through provision of community and low cost social activities in Branches
CPSA now has a broad mission to improve the living standards, community services and lifestyle choices of pensioners of all ages, superannuants and low income retirees, as well as promoting their rights and dignity.
Download: 'A Guide to CPSA' [Adobe Acrobat PDF - 448.66 KB]
CPSA’s achievements
From 1931-1933 CPSA successfully struggled to reinstate the value of the pension from a 2/6d (two shillings and sixpence) cut. CPSA has continued to successfully promote many benefits for pensioners, superannuants and low-income retirees:
- 2011: Pensioners can earn up to $6,500 casually yearly before income testing applies
- 2010: Concession rate TravelTens
- 2010: Energy rebate increased & indexed
- 2010: Energy rebate for healthcare card holders
- 2010: CountryLink booking fee abolished for second-class and accessible seating
- 2010: Big Four banks increase pensioner account deeming rates to match Centrelink
- 2010: Solar feed-in tariff credits excluded from pension income test
- 2010: Refunds to Hunter rate-payers for abandonment of Tillegra Dam
- 2009: Energy rebate indexed to CPI
- 2009: Prevention of cataract surgery Medicare rebate cut of 50%
- 2009: Increase of regional & rural eye health services funding
- 2009: Significant increase to the single rate of Age, Disability Support & Carer Pensions
- 2009: Increase to the couple rate of pension
- 2009: Pension increase excluded from public & community housing rent for 2 years
- 2009: Pensioner Beneficiary Cost of Living index included in pension indexation
- 2009: Free RTA photo ID for all
- 2008: Energy rebate increased by 16%
- 2001-2008: A series of one-off bonuses for Pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare Card holders
- Disability Support Pensioners regain access to the ONESeniors internet services (formerly TADAust Connect)
- Minister for Roads pledges to maintain pensioner car registration exemption scheme
- Assets testing carried out by Centrelink & Department of Veterans Affairs, instead of aged care providers
- Reinstatement of outpatient cataract surgery to Medicare & cancellation of proposed cut to macular degeneration Medicare rebate
- Reinstatement of the interstate Ambulance fee reimbursement scheme
- Payment of “Veteran Access Fee” to subsidise Local Medical Officers treating Gold Card holders
- Carer Allowance now available to non co-residential carers
- Indexed GST supplement in the pension
- Improved rights for people living in nursing homes and hostels
- Improved bank services and lower fees
- Council Rates rebates
- Reduction of GST to 5.5% on long-term residential park sites
- Nursing home bonds assets test – family homes excluded
- Pensioner Excursion Ticket for Countrylink, CityRail, government and privates buses across NSW
- Half-yearly CPI adjustments to pension
- Utilities concessions for pensioners
CPSA’s continuing advocacy
CPSA continues to promote many relevant issues including:
- Increased bulk-billing and low-cost medications
- Better services in NSW hospitals, reduced waiting lists for surgery
- Free disability aids for all people on low incomes
- Dental care to be covered by Medicare
- Affordable housing for all
- Protection of tenure for park residents
- Increase to the basic pension rate
- More quality affordable care at home, in hostels and nursing homes
- Extension of all pensioner concessions and rebates to low-income retirees
- Maintain Pensioner Excursion Ticket at an affordable price
- Improved public transport
- Increase in Council Rates rebates
- Reduction in cost of funerals
- Reduction in cost of insurances
- Keeping Age Pension age at 65
- Preventing the forced sale of the family home to pay for aged care
- Making energy and water costs more affordable
- Better access to health services
