27 November VOL 07 Issue 27

Seniors under Labor

Welcome to the 27 November @boutSeniors enewsletter.

On Saturday 24 November, Australians went to the polls and voted for a change of government, the first Labor government for 11 years. Led by Kevin Rudd, the new government has promised to implement a number of practical and policy changes in respect to older Australians. This week, we set out a summary of their plans, so that you know what is coming your way. Save this enewsletter on your desktop as a future reference to check the incoming Rudd Government keeps its promises.

@boutSeniors still believes that the Age Pension is inadequate. We will continue to put forward the view that a pension below the poverty line is not good enough. Before the election, we contacted Labor's Jenny Macklin, formerly the Shadow Minister for Families and Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, about the pension. Read her reply below. We also contacted (now former) Minister Mal Brough but did not receive a reply.

We trust this brief snapshot is of value and are happy to forward any questions or concerns about government or opposition policies to the relevant ministers and/or shadow ministers on your behalf.

Keep smiling
David and Kaye Fallick

Government

Easing the load
The Labor Party's plan to help older Australians is called Making Ends Meet and is aimed at both pensioners and self-funded retirees.

Aged care
Labor's aged care policy tackles issues around transition from hospital to nursing home and the aged care skills shortage.

Jenny Macklin responds
Based on @boutSeniors subscribers' strong concerns about the inadequacy of the Age Pension, we put a number of questions to the (then) Shadow Minister.

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Technology

Community broadband
In line with Labor's undertaking to improve broadband access and speed to all Australians, they have also made a technology promise to older Australians.

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Here to help

And don't forget the staff at @boutSeniors are here to help with all your queries, whatever the topic, on help@aboutseniors.com.au

To subscribe to the free fortnightly @boutSeniors enewsletter, put your email address into the subscribe here box on the left hand side of our homepage. Go there now.

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