Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Rudd gives Pensioners Christmas Bonus
COTA NSW welcomes the Prime Minister’s bonus for pensioners, providing much needed relief for Christmas to millions of pensioners.
"The Prime Minister’s promise that this is a "down payment" on real pension reform through the Harmer Pension Review is timely and comes during Poverty Week (12-18 October). This brings relief for single and couple pensioners who have been struggling to survive on the pension alone," said COTA NSW Executive Director, Jon Bisset.
The one off lump sum bonus of $1,400 for single pensioners and $2,100 for couples is consistent with COTA policy positions on increasing the pension and providing immediate relief for pensioners prior to the pension review finalisation in February 2009.
"It is heartening that the Prime Minister sought to consider the needs of over 3million pensioners in the Governments economic support measures to shield Australians from the global economic crisis. We appreciate this consideration amongst a raft of deserving and competing priorities for the Government," said Jon.
Pat Johnstone, one of hundreds of pensioners that contact COTA NSW is grateful for the relief provided but remains concerned at the gap between the single and couples bonus, "I have been a couple and now am a single pensioner, I can tell you that a lot of the costs are the same and this bonus still relies on the single being 2/3rds of the couples rate, when in my opinion it should be more than that," she said.
"The measure of a society is how it treats is elderly and vulnerable…this bonus certainly places the vulnerable in a better position to live," said Jon.
COTA NSW supports the national Fair Go For Pensioners Campaign and their call for the following:
- Increase the Age Pension to 35% of Male Average Total Weekly Earnings and index its real value
- Set the single pension at two thirds the couples rate
- Backdate the pension review increases to July 2008
- Negotiate consistent concessions for pensioners nationally
"Pension increases must be still provided in the 2009/2010 Federal Budget to ensure a fair go for those reliant on the pension for a decent standard of living," said Jon.
Act Now!
Please help us ensure a decent standard of living for all older Australians.
You can help by:
- Visiting your local Member of Parliament (MP) - take your budget or bills for essentials
- Writing to your Member of Parliament, the Prime Minister and Minister Jenny Macklin
- Encourage other pensioners, family and friends to get active
- Write to your local paper and/or get involved in talk back radio
TAKE ACTION NOW!