Nationals remain committed to $30 increase in the single aged pension

19 February 2009

Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said today The Nationals remain committed to raising the single aged pension.

 

“Aged pensioners on the North Coast should be aware that The Nationals remain committed to increasing the single aged pension by at least $30 per week,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

 

“In particular, we call on the Government to increase the single aged pension to at least two-thirds of the aged couple pension rate.

 

“This change would bring Australia into line with key OECD countries and is consistent with the private members bill introduced by Malcolm Turnbull last year which was rejected by the Rudd Government.

 

“As many older Australians know, the Coalition fought hard to force the Rudd Government to pay the seniors bonus in last year’s Budget. We were also pleased that they provided pensioners with an additional bonus in the December economic stimulus.

 

“But what our aged pensioners desperately need is the long-term security of an increase the base rate of the pension.

 

“We expect that this will be a key recommendation of the Harmer Review due shortly and the Coalition will keep the pressure on Kevin Rudd to deliver.

 

“Let’s not forget that the Prime Minister and his key ministers all said they couldn’t live on the aged pension,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

 

“It is now the time for the Prime Minister to keep his promises and increase the base rate of the aged pension.

 

“The Coalition will keep the pressure on for the Prime Minister to deliver.”

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