ID :
24231
Mon, 10/13/2008 - 19:03
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/24231
The shortlink copeid
Pensioners may get help earlier: report
Pensioners and low income families may get an earlier than expected helping hand from the federal government as the global financial crisis bites.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who has consistently said a rise in pensions would only be considered following a review due next year, on Monday did not rule out an early boost. "The government is resolved, as we've indicated before, to take decisive action as
is necessary to support economic growth into the future," he told reporters when asked again about pensioners. "The government is considering practical measures to that effect as we speak and we'll make further statements as are necessary."
The Seven Network reported on Monday night that the government was preparing to announce targeted bonuses to pensioners and poorer families.
Mr Rudd told parliament that the $21.7 billion budget surplus was a buffer for tough financial times, and the government was prepared to act to protect the country's economy.
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull had earlier resumed the coalition's attack on Labor over pensions, saying increasing the base rate of $280 a week, in the climate of financial turmoil, would help stimulate the economy. "An immediate stimulus, a near-term stimulus, has got to put money into people's pockets today, and one way of doing that ... is to give the $30-a-week increase to the pensioners," Mr Turnbull told reporters.
Liberal Senator Cory Bernadi said "pensioners hearts are broken".
"They are broken by this government because you promised, you promised so much and
you have delivered so little."
Meanwhile, in its submission to the pension tax review, National Seniors said more
pensioners were going into debt.
The organisation quizzed more than 500 of its members about their financial position.
Around 45 per cent of respondents said their income was not enough to meet everyday
needs and 80 per cent said they did not have money to put into savings.
National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill said the survey showed single aged
pensioners were most at risk of financial stress.
National Seniors called for a fortnightly income supplement based on cost of living
and an increase in the base rate of pensions.
It also called for a scheme to encourage workforce participation.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who has consistently said a rise in pensions would only be considered following a review due next year, on Monday did not rule out an early boost. "The government is resolved, as we've indicated before, to take decisive action as
is necessary to support economic growth into the future," he told reporters when asked again about pensioners. "The government is considering practical measures to that effect as we speak and we'll make further statements as are necessary."
The Seven Network reported on Monday night that the government was preparing to announce targeted bonuses to pensioners and poorer families.
Mr Rudd told parliament that the $21.7 billion budget surplus was a buffer for tough financial times, and the government was prepared to act to protect the country's economy.
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull had earlier resumed the coalition's attack on Labor over pensions, saying increasing the base rate of $280 a week, in the climate of financial turmoil, would help stimulate the economy. "An immediate stimulus, a near-term stimulus, has got to put money into people's pockets today, and one way of doing that ... is to give the $30-a-week increase to the pensioners," Mr Turnbull told reporters.
Liberal Senator Cory Bernadi said "pensioners hearts are broken".
"They are broken by this government because you promised, you promised so much and
you have delivered so little."
Meanwhile, in its submission to the pension tax review, National Seniors said more
pensioners were going into debt.
The organisation quizzed more than 500 of its members about their financial position.
Around 45 per cent of respondents said their income was not enough to meet everyday
needs and 80 per cent said they did not have money to put into savings.
National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill said the survey showed single aged
pensioners were most at risk of financial stress.
National Seniors called for a fortnightly income supplement based on cost of living
and an increase in the base rate of pensions.
It also called for a scheme to encourage workforce participation.
