Catholic Social Services calls for pension rise to help older Australians

Frank Quinlan, executive director of Catholic Social Services Australia, has called on the Government to increase the age pension to a substantially higher rate than the current 25% of male total average weekly earnings to alleviate the debilitating financial stress experienced by many older Australians.

He made this call as the Senate began its hearing into the cost of living pressures on older Australians.

Mr Quinlan said older Australians had a right to live fulfilling lives and to enjoy the fullest possible participation in the community, including the maintenance of family and social networks.

“This level of participation requires income above the need for food, shelter and the barest physical necessities. But over 12% of people aged 55-64 and almost 10% of people aged over 65 are living in poverty,” Mr Quinlan said.

“Low income older Australians have little or no discretionary spending power and are increasingly vulnerable in the face of interest rate rises, petrol price hikes and the flow on effect from the drought.

“Governments have a responsibility to ensure all older Australians are accorded the respect which is due both to their fundamental human dignity and to their past and present contributions to society.”