Ageing issues on agenda

The opposition’s call for an increase to the single aged pension has forced politicians of all stripes to acknowledge and discuss the needs of older Australians.

The Opposition’s call for an increase to the single aged pension by $30 a week has put ageing issues on the agenda in federal politics.

Coalition leader, Brendan Nelson announced that he would introduce a bill to parliament next week to lift the $273 weekly payment for older people living on their own.

His statement came after senior Government Ministers – including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan – conceded that they would find it difficult to get by on the meagre pension.

Dr Nelson’s plan, which would cost about $1.34 billion dollars a year, has received a mixed reaction.

Lobby group National Seniors Australia welcomed the announcement, challenging the Government to get behind the bill.

“This is the test for everyone in parliament, including Labor backbenchers, to show where they stand on the dignity of older Australians,” said the organisation’s CEO, Michael O’Neill.

“The inadequacy of the single age pension has always been an issue but lately, with food, fuel and housing costs soaring, living on $273 a week has become impossible without help from friends and family,” said O’Neill.

But the Government said Dr Nelson’s proposal was conceived too hastily and ignored the needs of 2.2 million other pensioners.

“Single age pensioners are doing it tough but so are millions of others on [the] disability support pension, carer payment, wife and widow pension and veterans and partner service (DVA) pensions,” said the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin.

Ms Macklin said the Government would not develop any policy on the matter until its “comprehensive review” into the structure and adequacy of the pension was completed.

The Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of New South Wales (CPSA), was also critical, saying the proposed $30 increase was inadequate.

“Single pensioners with no other form of income need at least an extra $80 a week.,” said the association’s Policy Coordinator, Charmaine Crowe.

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