Senate wants $30 weekly pension increase

The Senate has called on the federal government to immediately increase the single aged pension by $30 per week.
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown moved a motion calling on the government to
support draft laws to bring in the increase.
Senator Brown also moved a motion calling for the government to explain why it was
refusing to support an increase, despite senior ministers' admissions they could not
live on the pension.
The motions passed the Senate with the support of the opposition.
The government says it will not increase the pension before the February release of
Treasury chief Ken Henry's wide-ranging tax review, which includes payments to
pensioners and carers.
Federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull will go ahead with his predecessor
Brendan Nelson's plan to introduce a private member's bill aimed at a $30-a-week
rise for single aged pensioners.
Following a leadership spill instigated by Brendan Nelson, Mr Turnbull triumphed 45
votes to 41 in Tuesday's party room ballot.
He said he would follow through with Dr Nelson's plan to push for an immediate
pension rise.
"Oh yes, that's our policy and we will be presenting that ...," he told the Seven
Network.
"We are committed to a complete review of pensions and the government is undertaking
that and there should be a complete review.
"But we need action now and our proposal for $30-a-week is something that can be
done right now."