Victorian pensioners ‘feel the bite’
The Victorian government has “lost an opportunity” to address the cost of living pressures facing senior Victorians, according to the state’s Council on the Ageing (COTA) chief executive, Sue Hendy. “Life won’t be made any easier for pensioners,” she says.
The Victorian government has “lost an opportunity” to address the cost of living pressures facing senior Victorians, according to the state’s Council on the Ageing (COTA) chief executive, Sue Hendy.
“While the State Budget allows for additional low income households to access concessions for electricity, water and sewerage and municipal rates, it won’t make life any easier for pensioners and disadvantaged families,” she claims.
According to Ms Hendy, although the government says it will adjust concessions for gas and electricity and ensures “no one [will be] worse off”, she believes pensioners will “feel the bite” of rising energy bills if they do not realise the federal government’s compensation lump sum payment which is “supposed to cover some of these rising costs”.
“Many people will be confused by these changes in arrangements and are likely to find themselves out of pocket.”
She adds there are some areas that will benefit seniors, particularly in relation to hospitals and health services.
“We applaud the increased funding for Home and Community Care as this will enable more people to live independently in their own homes.
“Senior Victorians could also benefit from the investment in clinical and acute mental health services in the Budget. COTA is keen to see whether older people will be included.”
However, Ms Hendy maintains COTA is “disappointed” the housing needs of older Victorians struggling to find a “decent place to live” is not seen as a priority, but welcomes the government’s announcement of a consultation process for the development of a housing framework.
