Now razor gang goes for seniors
By Matthew Franklin and David Uren
March 08, 2008
LABOR will scrap a $500 seniors' bonus payment created by John Howard last year to help the over-65s deal with rising costs, despite a massive community backlash over plans to abolish the $1600 carers' payment in the May budget.
But as welfare advocates and unions yesterday joined the Opposition in condemning the social spending cuts, the Treasury said spending under the Howard government was unsustainable and likened its profligacy to that of the Whitlam Labor government.
A Treasury report provided crucial support for Wayne Swan's insistence on the need for deep spending cuts in the 2008-09 budget to ease pressure on inflation and interest rates.
News of the plan to axe the carers' bonus sparked widespread community anger yesterday, highlighting the political risks facing Mr Swan as he grapples with the need to reduce budget spending.
Carers Australia chief executive Joan Hughes said many family carers lived below the poverty line and used the $1600 to augment their living expenses. "It's going to be a very tough time for carers," she said.
- Additional reporting: Sid Marris
Abridged.
SOURCE: theAustralian
-----------------------------
A short-sighted action by the government. With an aging population, the government should look at more funding NOT SLASHING funding to current services for seniors and carers. Sure, in times of economic downturn, responsible government must curp spending. Seniors health care and services MUST NOT be compromised. The present government pre-election promises, regarding health care for seniors, must have attracted many seniors votes. Now in government they want to do a U-Turn? Seniors have very long memory, it would not be too long before the next election.
There is even a website, AgedCareCrisis to highlight the plight of the dismal situation with aged care. Mr Rudd and co., Please listen to our pleas.
No comments:
Post a Comment