ALP votes against pension increase
23rd September, 2008
The Rudd Labor Government has demonstrated its contempt for pensioners by refusing to allow debate on the Coalition’s Bill to increase the single aged pension by $30 per week, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss said today. The Government used its numbers in the House of Representatives stop the introduction of the Urgent Relief for Single Age Pensioners Bill which would have increased the single age, single service age and Widow B pensions. The Bill had been passed by the Senate last night.
“This Bill would have helped over 7,000 pensioners in Wide Bay who are struggling to make ends meet,” Mr Truss said.
“I challenge Jenny Macklin, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to explain to these pensioners why the Labor Party thinks they should not have an immediate increase to their payments,” Mr Truss said.
In an unprecedented attack on pensioners, Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, Anthony Albanese accused the Coalition of wasting the House’s time by pursuing the matter.
“Mr Albanese’s remarks provide yet another demonstration of how out of touch the Labor Government has become.
“Labor has inherited a $20 billion surplus but when presented with an opportunity to do something to assist some of the most needy people in our community, the Labor Government turned its back on their needs.
“Before the election, Kevin Rudd promised to keep downward pressure on rents, groceries and petrol prices, yet since his election the cost of living has sky rocketed. Today Mr Rudd could have chosen to make a little bit easier for pensioners - instead he chose to travel to New York.
“The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Treasurer and Minister for Families, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs have all acknowledged they could not live on the single pension, yet they refuse to support a rise.
“While people are suffering, Mr Rudd is again avoiding a decision by conducting more reviews into pensions which will not even report until well into 2009.
“They have already been told by other reviews what the results of their new inquiries will be. That pensions, especially single pensions, must be increased.
“$273 a week is not enough for single aged pensioners. They need urgent help now, not another review.”
