Hands off the pension
Seniors lobby group, COTA Australia, has launched a campaign, ‘Hands off the Pension’, which calls for attention to the downfalls of the new pension indexation changes which start in 2017.
Seniors lobby group, COTA Australia, has launched a campaign, ‘Hands off the Pension’.
Ian Yates, COTA Australia chief executive, claims the changes are an “unprecedented attack” on the quality of life of Australian pensioners.
“The existing pension indexing arrangements were only introduced in 2009 and link pension rises to average weekly wages, ensuring the pension keeps up with cost of living pressures and allows older people to keep their heads above water,” Mr Yates says.
The rationale behind the change to indexation, according to Treasurer Joe Hockey, is that with many older Australians living longer, the federal government can no longer afford to “cover the costs” of the current Age Pension.
The Bill is before the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee which will hold a short inquiry and report on 4 September 2014.
COTA has made a submission to the Senate Committee and is lobbying for change. Stay tuned to DPS News for updates.
