Peter Knox, president, Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association, has written an open letter to the prime minister.
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In the May 2017 Budget speech, the treasurer Mr Morrison spoke at some length, however, he did not mention the word pensions or pensioners once.
Nevertheless, it is understood pensioners will receive a “one-off” $75 payment for future power bills. The advice now is that power bill increases are likely to be between thirty and forty percent in the near future. The value of the “one off” energy assistance payment therefore would equate to $1 per week or the cost of a postage stamp for the next 75 weeks.
The Griffith branch of the CPSA May monthly meeting agreed the branch president of the CPSA write to the prime minister and the opposition leader voicing our concerns of the neglect of aged pensioners in recent years, while at the same time other living costs are increasing, such as power bills, rents, council rates, home maintenance, home and care insurances.
The last time aged pensioners received a liveable increase was back in 2009 for the then Rudd Government.
In the 2014 budget, this government tried to reduce pension indexation.
Elder abuse is also on the increase.
Another worrying issue which we can do without is the constant threat by the government think tanks including the productivity commission coercing pensioners to reverse mortgage their homes.
All the above are just some of the reasons we are very concerned and believe that pensioners are now virtually thrown onto the old age scrapheap.
Whilst at the same time in this budget the government is granting tax breaks to millionaires. While it was not mentioned in this budget, the government policy remains to increase the retiring age to 70 years – the highest in the world (except for politicians).
Pensions and ageing are rarely mentioned in government and opposition political public conversations or forums.
Finally, we are very offended, anxious and uneasy with all of the above issues after working many years, earning our pension and contributing to the wealth of the nation.
Your written advice on all of our concerns is awaited.
Yours faithfully
Peter Knox
Griffith NSW Branch President
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association
CC: Hon Bill Shorten MP