Federal Member for Chifley, Roger Price has condemned Mr. Turnbull and the Liberal/National plan to introduce a bill in the Senate this week which would exclude 14,344 local pensioners in Chifley from a pension increase.
“The new Opposition Leader had a chance to demonstrate his credentials as an alternate Prime Minister but the Coalition would rather play politics with pensioners with a cheap stunt that excludes 2 million pensioners around Australia from a pension,” Mr. Price said.
In contrast, as a result of Australian Government measures, all age pensioners, singles and couples, carers, veterans and disability pensioners will this week receive the next $128 instalment of their annual $500 utilities allowance.
The regular pension indexation increase kicks in this week. It is $15.30 per fortnight for singles.
“The Liberal-National Coalition had 12 years to fix the pension system properly but did nothing. Last year the Howard Cabinet actually voted against raising the base rate of the pension.”
The Australian Government is determined to give pensioners the long-term support, certainty and security they deserve. The Government has made a down payment on reform by increasing the Utilities Allowance from $107 to $500, and extending it for the first time to carer payment and disability support pensioners.
The government has also provided bonus payments for seniors and carers.
“The Government is well on the way to completing a comprehensive investigation into how we can improve the pension system. So far we have received more than 600 submissions from pensioners in every sector including carers, age pension couples and people on disability pensions.”
“Once the inquiry is complete, the Government will act quickly to improve the pension system for all pensioners” Mr. Price concluded.
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(A Media Release from the Office of Roger Price, MP)