Coalition moves to increase single pension; Labor sits on its wallet
10th September, 2008
The Coalition will next week introduce legislation into the Parliament to increase the single rate of pension by $30 a week to help pensioners deal with cost of living increases.The Leader of The Nationals, Warren Truss, said the Coalition was moving on pensions because Rudd Labor will not.
“The Nationals have been at the forefront of the campaign to increase pensions after Wayne Swan’s dismal first Budget ignored their plight during a time of rising rent, petrol, grocery and energy costs,” Mr Truss said.
“Pensioner groups and even the Government’s own inquiry have identified single pensioners as the most disadvantaged. This increase would bring the single rate to two-thirds of the married rate, consistent with the practice in many other countries.
“The Nationals in Government have a proud record of fighting for pensioners, lifting the pension rate to 25 percent of the male total average earnings and introducing various allowances and bonuses to help senior Australians pay their bills and have a better standard of living. Now is the time to take the next step.
“The $30 a week increase will cost the Budget about $1.3 billion a year. That’s a lot of money but the simple question has to be asked: how can we afford not to act?
“The Liberal and Nationals Government left Labor a $20 billion budget surplus and so this payment can be afforded.
“Pensioners need our support and this is an appropriate first step.
“I would hope and expect this legislation will spur an uncaring Prime Minister and his team into action now rather than at some undefined time in the future,” Mr Truss said.
