ninemsn Money
May 15, 2008
Pensioners have lashed out at the Government after being left out of Wayne Swan's inaugural budget this week.
While the budget did contain some measures to support seniors — such as an increase in the utilities allowance and the retention of the $500 seniors bonus — many pensioners felt shunned by the Treasurer.
Michael O'Neill, chief executive of National Seniors Australia, said that the Government's failure to increase the base pension rate had made pensioners — particularly those dependent on the single age pension — more vulnerable.
"Older people are an integral part of the Australian working family — they're not separate," O'Neill said. "They've done a lifetime of the nine-to-five slog and daily commute and now as grandparents they're providing childcare and helping their children into their first homes. Even at the best economic times, living on the meagre single age pension was difficult."
Single age pensioners receive just $273 per week while grappling with rising fuel, food and health costs.
Contributors to ninemsn Money's post-budget debate agreed. "Being on a disability pension (due to no fault of my own) and having paid taxes until I was unable to work, I find it disgusting that the aged and disabled have once again been forgotten," wrote Battler of South Australia.
Realist of Sydney added that many seniors are already going without due to financial hard times. "For all those who think that helping the pensioners to maintain an appropriate level or standard of income is a bit of a rort, remember that they are the ones who have worked all their lives and already paid their taxes and educated today's working generation," Realist wrote. "Most going without what are considered today to be necessities or must-haves."
Abridged
SOURCE: NineMsn
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Comments Received:
In Australia many of our seniors are living in poverty as the Aged Pension barely meets the rising costs of living. Despite a phenomenal federal budget surplus, upon unveiling the new budget last night the Australian Government virtually ignored the plight of the elderly. These people have worked their lives, contributed to the success of our nation, supported Australia with their taxes. This is how they are treated when in need? If the leaders of our country cannot show respect for elders what hope is there for the rest of the country? I am ashamed to be an Australian today.Thanks for letting me vent. Great post, keep up the great work you do! from Kelleigh.
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I agree with all the above comments. The government has not addressed many issues concerning seniors in this country. How can they talk about budget and concerns for families. Just because seniors are in a certain age group, should not mean that they are "disposable"; or have somehow "removed" from the family.
There have been inquiries into seniors issues and various recommendations have been submitted. When will we see those recommendations implemented? Perhaps, the government will start an Inquiry into how to implement those recommendations regarding Aged Care, Pension etc... More delaying tactics and "head-in-the-sand" attitude will not rid the country of these pressing issues.
......Andrew
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