National Seniors reject raising age pension age

National Seniors has rejected calls from economic think-tank, CEDA, to gradually raise the age pension age from 65 to 67 by 2015 in order to encourage people to stay in the workforce longer.

NSA chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said while the proposal was consistent with OECD thinking, it would be unnecessary and highly unpopular.

“Mature age workers don’t need a higher pension age to encourage them to stay in the workforce longer. All every Australian wants is the choice to either retire at 65 or work on,” he said.

“Despite record low unemployment rates, mature age unemployment is still an issue. Working longer can actually be a luxury because once you’re made redundant in your 50s, getting back into the workforce is struggle.

“It’s the stick or the carrot. Rather than making it more difficult for Australians to live life as they choose, we support moves to reward people for staying in the workforce,” he said.