Welcome to the 16 May @boutSeniors enewsletter.
On Tuesday night Treasurer, Wayne Swan, delivered the Rudd Labor Government's first budget. Much of the content had been systematically leaked so there were few
surprises. There were, however, for older Australians, many disappointments.
It seems that whilst our nation has been told many times that "demography is our destiny" the swelling numbers of older Australians are of little, if any, concern to our politicians, with the notable exception of Greens Senator, Bob Brown.
Why do we draw this conclusion?
Because, despite revenue of $319 billion, and expenditure of $292 billion, virtually no concessions have been directed toward the nearly two million Australians struggling to survive on the Age Pension.
Why are we dissatisfied with this budget?
The single Age Pension of $273 a week remains a disgrace. There is no excuse for this punishment of vulnerable older Australians - particularly those who do not own their own homes. AboutSeniors website will continue to press for a higher fortnightly payment for single pensioners.
There is also little encouragement, still, for saving for the future. Whilst the Keating Government did us all a favour in the 90s by introducing the Superannuation Guarantee, the compulsory employer payment has been stuck on 9% since 2002. Surely it is about time the Federal Government reviewed this amount and increased it, perhaps by just 1% per annum, until it reaches a more pragmatic level, say 15%?
The language of the budget also disappointed - why are senior Australians and carers continually referred to in a way that makes their needs sound interchangeable? Some senior Australians are carers, some have carers, and some are extremely agile and independent.
Below we have summarised the key aspects of the budget which may relate to older Australians. We have also highlighted comments from organisations active in the senior sector.
If you, like us, concerned about the LACK of concern for those on an Age Pension, email your comments and we will share them with the Minister for Ageing, The Hon Justine Elliot MP. Read more about our views on this subject here.
In summary, sadly, the budget emphasis on "working" Australians seems to reinforce the mistaken perception that older Australians are a burden to society, rather than highlighting the reality of their active participation.
David & Kaye Fallick
Conditional Adjustment Payments
"The Rudd government has spent $31 billion on inflationary tax cuts, $41 billion on 'future funds' for infrastructure and $22 billion on defence but has given zero to lift the meagre $273 per week pension."
Bob Brown - Greens
"Single age pensioners, hoping for a reprieve from spiraling living costs in the Rudd Government’s first budget, will be bitterly disappointed this morning..."
Michael O'Neill - National Seniors
While Wayne Swan's Budget has some commendable initiatives for Australia's future it is more like 'back to the future' as far as his vision for older Australians is concerned.
Dr Geoffrey Bird, Council on the Ageing
And don't forget the staff at @boutSeniors are here to help with all your queries, whatever the topic, on help@aboutseniors.com.au
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