“The inclusion of the pensioner carbon tax compensation in public housing rent calculations is a concerning move by a Government who seems incapable of understanding what social disadvantage means”, said Research/Policy Officer, Amelia Christie.

“The Clean Energy Supplement is aimed at reducing the impact of the carbon tax on Australia’s most vulnerable. Those living in public housing are already struggling to pay for basic goods and services and need this modest boost to their income to keep up with rising living costs.

“Pension supplements have always been quarantined from public and community housing rent calculations as they are paid for a specific purpose. It is very concerning that the NSW Government has gone against this tradition, effectively robbing those in public housing of their entitlement.

“It is also disappointing that the NSW Government left it until after Budget to announce this, just weeks before the tax comes into effect.

“It’s a case of the Federal Government giving people a hand with the rising cost of living and the NSW Government immediately snatching it away”, said Ms Christie.

CPSA represents pensioners of all ages, superannuants and low-income retirees. CPSA has 137 Branches and Affiliated Organisations, with a combined membership of 30,000 people.

Media Contact: Amelia Christie, Research/Policy Officer
Mobile: 0410 612 182