ALP votes against pensioners

September 23, 2008

The Rudd Government today blocked the introduction of a Coalition Bill to increase the single aged pension by $30 per week.

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said the Urgent Relief for Single Age Pensioners Bill which increased the single age, single service age and Widow B pension was passed in the Senate last night.

 

“Kevin Rudd promised to keep downward pressure on groceries, petrol and the cost of living. He failed and these Australians are paying the price.

 

“That is why the Coalition attempted to introduce this Bill. Urgent action is required and it is needed now. However, today the Rudd Government voted against a suspension of the Parliamentary Standing Orders to enable the introduction of the pension Bill into the House of Representatives.

 

“This shows how out of touch the Labor Party has become with the needs of single aged pensioners.

 

“It is particularly disappointing that the Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin chose to ignore the needs of so many of her constituents, given the large number of pensioners on the North Coast.

 

“The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer have all acknowledged they could not live off the single pension yet they refuse to support this assistance.

 

“Instead Mr Rudd wants to conduct another review and not deliver any relief until next year.

 

“It is obvious that $273 a week – with the cost of living pressures that have gone through the roof since Mr Rudd became the Prime Minister – is not enough for our single aged pensioners.

 

“Pensioners need urgent help, not more reviews.”

< Prev		Next >