I am absolutely disgusted at the Federal Government's disregard for the plight of our Aged Pensioners. A fortnightly payment of $273 for a pensioner to live on is an obscenity! The level of payment should, at the very least, be tied to the basic wage. The failure of the Government to address this in the Budget is an absolute indictment against them.

As a separate issue, I understand that the $500 utilities allowance granted to most pensioners is not to be granted to those on Disability Pensioners. Why? Are they any less deserving? This too is a disgrace. I am sick and tired of Government Ministers' (and the Prime Minister's) constant references to the plight of "working families". It is a real pity

that they couldn't show similar regard for those whose working life is over.

To have overlooked these important matters, whilst boasting of a budgeted surplus of billions of dollars shows the Government to be completely unfeeling and ignorant of the situation of these most underprivileged Australians.

[b]Sincerely, Colin Lemke, SA[/b]



Hi

I get the opinion that we do not have to pay the same for petrol and groceries as families or single young people, perhaps they are of the opinion that we just live in our home and don’t drive anywhere or eat food, when the basic wage is over $1000.00 how come we don’t get the basic wage as well after all we all have to use electricity, gas and

most have a telephone I know we do get concessions but inflation far outweighs these, our vehicles and home need repairs the same as everyone else.

[b]Rose [/b]



Thank you for your regular newsletter, it is most informative and I do agree single pensioners do find it difficult to exist on the current pension. I am 68 but have been forced into remaining in the workforce so that I can at least exist.

I also was a member of the Pension Bonus Scheme for 5 years, with a promise of receiving a sum of approx $33,000 when I left working. When this happened and I applied for my bonus, I was given a lame excuse that because I was on a Widows Pension I was not now eligible for the whole amount and was given $11,000. This left me quite shattered and therefore returned to the workforce. Anyway apparently there is nothing I can do about this so have the grin and bear it. Keep up you good work and I look forward to your newsletters

[b]Bethne[/b]



My wife and I moved from Mount Gambier to Robe to be closer to our daughter who was having family problems with her then husband who abandoned her for a girl he found on the internet. I am a TPI pensioner fortunately to some extent, my wife is my carer and now our daughter’s carer who is suffering with schizophrenia. Fortunately we moved to Robe before her husband left as because she was constantly in and out of Glenside and Kingston Hospital because of the way he was treating her. Since he has left she has not only once been to hospital for Breast Cancer, but regularly has to go and see her Physiatrist who comes down from Adelaide to Millicent.

When we moved we built our house on the same land that our daughter and husband had purchased some years before and we managed to subdivide 5 acres off the 15 they owned. When he left his intention was to take over the house and land and live their but thank to a bit of money left over from the sale of our house in Mount Gambier and the building of this house we were able to help her keep her house but it meant leaving her with a mortgage which we then took out a loan to pay off some of the mortgage so that she could get a loan. Which now we are struggling to pay as with the price of petrol and food both we and our daughter are really struggling. I spend a lot of time going to doctors and reach my safety net by May every year and have to go to see my Cardiologist in Adelaide every six months and because my health is deteriorating I use a walking to get around and now my wife has medical problems but gets her respite by being a Volunteer Ambulance Officer.

Last night we heard the opposition talking about the price of petrol and saying it way around the mid $1.40's but that is way out as we do not have the luxury of the price fluctuation we just have to pay the full amount that the petrol stations charge (at the moment $1.55/L) and this does not change.

You could say why don't you move to Adelaide but that is also out of the question as I have PTSD and need my quiet and space and hate large cities anyway. Mount Gambier was getting too big when we left.

You know my daughter wakes up in the mornings crying because she cannot afford to do anything - belonging to clubs means using Petrol, visiting friends means using Petrol, going to the supermarket means using Petrol and even collecting the mail means using Petrol. She has had help from Wesley for a few years but even they had to travel out from Mount Gambier.

I would like to extend an invitation to Mr Rudd, Mr Swan and Jenny Macklin to come and spend some time with us and try and explain were our money goes. I know as I keep records as I do not get around much and it keeps me occupied.

I hope this has not been a pest to you but it has been good to get it off my chest and writing to Politicians is like writing to a brick wall.

[b]David M[/b]



I get a NZ pension, and topped up by Centre Link. (Thank god for Centrelink)

My weekly income is $317 a week. My out goings weekly are

Rent-- $225 ( I live in an over 50's Village)

Power-- $12

Phone-- $7.

Internet-- $10

Food-- what I can afford

Veg-- " " "

Meat -- non existent

Petrol--- What’s left over, if any?



So an increase would have been a GOD SEND.

[b]Regards Barbara[/b]

Hi, I am on an age pension (74 y.o.) and even though I live in Government housing; a one bedroom flat at $175.00 per fortnight, I find it very difficult. I do not own an auto so a good share of my pension is spent on transport, doctors’ appointments (taxi) etc.

[b]Jan [/b]



I would be grateful if you could pass on to Mr Wayne Swan my comments about the aged pension.

We pensioners are in dire straits. Currently I am in danger of losing my home due to unpaid rates. I live alone and very economically - have not tasted a steak for ages and have no new clothes for ten years. If I lose my home it will put pressure on the Government to find me housing but I'd prefer to be independent.

For years I worked and paid taxes. I raised three boys on my own and sent them to a private school, thus saving the government thousands. The needs of my boys came first and thus I was unable to have any superannuation. I have no money in the bank, and certainly no investments. I am one of many thousands who are in a similar situation.

PENSIONERS NEED AND DESERVE HELP!



[b]Elizabeth, Lithgow.[/b]



I am the recipient of the Aged Pension and part-time student, I am occasionally offered some part-time employment – usually for only a few days or weeks each year.

My concern is that, as the Aged Pension is subject to tax, this part-time employment is regarded as a ‘second job’ and, therefore, is subject to the highest level of taxation. My pension is decreased because I am earning x amount of $s, but because of the withheld tax, I am receiving much less and have to wait until I have lodged my tax return to receive the money. My annual income never exceeds $20, 000, and I find myself at a disadvantage because I take up an offer of part-time employment.

Why is the Aged Pension regarded as salaried income? Why is it in a different category to other pensions, such as the Disability Pension? Aged pensioners are not ‘working’ for their pension. I would like to have this issue raised with the appropriate department, as I am sure I am not the only aged pensioner who is disadvantaged by this ruling.

Thank you for a great newsletter and the opportunity to raise this issue which has been on my mind for some time.



[b]Wendy[/b]



Obviously we are not going to be recognised as upstanding members of the community, perhaps if we were of a different culture we would benefit much better. If we are not going to receive a livable pension then allow a bigger outside income.

[b]John Melverton[/b]



The trouble I have found since the election, that the Prime Minister - Mr. Rudd, The Treasurer -Mr. Swan, and others up the Parliamentary ladder are very reluctant in replying to emails or letters. Before the election, I got replies within days, now it can be months just to get an acknowledgement to ones letter and then when you do get the reply you get everything answered but not the question one asked. They have sat down and done letter a,b,c,d,e,f,g, and it is up to who ever is in the office as to which one you get.

Fortunately I am one of the lucky 'pensioners', I do have a supplementary income, or otherwise my life would be very miserable. I would not be able to enjoy my hobbies etc.

I am annoyed that Pensioners were left out in the cold, imagine trying to live on $273 per week and pay rent. Even here in Campbelltown, 10 years ago, rents were about $120-240 per week. Now they start at $240 up to $480.

If one is on the pension and renting then that leaves $33 per week to feed oneself, pay electricity, gas, water etc and maybe run a car, I know that they can get a rental subsidy but that has not been updated for years. Even if they put that up for rental pensioners that would help the a little bit.

Each Government - whether Liberal or Labor has been talking of putting up pensions but when it comes to the crunch, they always forget the pensioner. In Thursday's Daily Telegraph (NWS) 15/5/08 there was a little piece which effectively said that Mr. Swan couldn't work out how to give the Pensioners a rise without blowing his Budget.

What an excuse.

As for those on $150.000 or more who are complaining about losing $3,000 per year, wake up, you have $150,000 and you want MORE, and the pensioners and probably some of them are your mothers and fathers are doing without because you are so greedy for MORE.

[b]Betty Gerdes[/b]

Subject: Federal Budget – Removal of Medicare surcharge



So Rudd has stated that couples earning up to $150,000 per annum are on Struggle Street. This level of income is of course the taxable income. Gross income is liable to be as high as $250,000 with the addition of tax plus salary sacrifices so popular today.

Why do people on this level of income need another $1600 added to their income?

If these people are on Struggle St then I wish I was one of them.

What does Rudd call a pensioner couple on $26,000 per annum?

With the ever increasing cost of fuel and groceries I find I am at least $50 per week worse off than two years ago even taking into account increases in the pension.

A reduction in tax is of no value to a couple on the basic pension as they do not pay tax on such a meagre income.

When pensioners try to earn a little extra income to take them above the subsistence level of the pension then a couple pays 40% tax (20c in the dollar each over a meagre allowable income level for ever dollar they earn.)

It seems that what ever pensioners do to lift their income above a subsistence level then the Federal Government has their hand in their back pocket. (deeming rates)

I believe my concerns are reflected by the thoughts of all pensioners who have been passed over and trust that your publication will take this matter up and bring the plight of pensioners to the notice of the Federal Government to ensure that those in real need receive first consideration...

[b]D G H[/b]



Letter to the Editor:

WASTED RESOURCES;

Dear Mr. Rudd,

“How do I say in Mandarin - “The old, and disabled are hungry and in need of care and our natural world is dying”.

Your new budget - neglects to work towards two major problems in Australia today. When part of the solution is right there in front of your governmental noses.

Problems - The Aged, the disabled are living in poverty and without sufficient care and the world is running out of natural resources.

Solutions - These very groups of people are the ones who are most energy efficient they - by choice and necessity - conserve all their resources - they nurture their gardens, use public libraries, hospitals, transport - they volunteer their time to care for others.

Therefore - care and reward those who not only look after themselves and others - by providing them with the basic necessities of life immediately -

PRETEND - it’s a national emergency - we need adequate housing, hospital, income, and support for this group now - so that they can continue to work tireless to make the world a better place.

Ps. If we hear of people being forced to live in such circumstances in another country - The Big Hearted governments RUSH to provide AID to the distressed. Hello - the Distressed share your POSTCODE, and probably worked for 50 years to keep your roadside clean for you.

[b]Lindy C, Tasmania[/b]



I must be very out of touch with the real world as I cannot believe that families on $150000 - $180000 are “working families” when considering SA wages. I would have thought they are in the very well off category.

[b]CM, SA[/b]



As I say, that's the way the vote bounces. I was never sure it was the right thing at all to vote for this government. They lack the core skills (cunning aside) to manage all of the issues facing this country. Seniors are obviously way off their radar. I'll make a bet with you, though; just wait for the budget before their re-election - my bet is that they will suddenly realize the predicament facing those on the pension. Don't hold your breath waiting for any recognition before then. My other bet is that the same dills who voted for them this time will be convinced by the sudden recognition they receive in that budget.

[b]Warren S[/b]



I am very concerned about the plight of pensioners in all categories. I think it needs to be remembered though that there are not just those that are renting and home owners. There are also those who are still paying off their homes who would be at a greater disadvantage than those who are renting, as well as having to pay off their homes they also have to meet all the costs of maintenance, rates etc as well, this also applies to those who own their homes outright.

I would say those pensioners paying low rent in government housing would be better off than most, including those renting privately and also many of those pensioners still paying off a mortgage or owning a home with the associated costs etc. ALL pensioners need help.

[b]Vic W, WA[/b]



For Heaven's sake, doesn't Wayne Swan have parents? Maybe they are in the $150,000 a year bracket?

My mouth just gaped open when the budget was announced and there were no nice surprises for seniors (except the $500).

My biggest concern is this; many 30 to 40 year olds do not care about their baby boomer parents anymore (I have noticed this trend); however, it seems to me that it is becoming an epidemic and spreading fast. It's all about THEM, THEM, THEM.

The front page of The Adelaide Advertiser had a photo of a couple with two children and they said they found it hard to manage on $150,000 per year. They want everything and they want it now.

All the poor old pensioners want is a decent living, nothing fancy, just to be able to have a few extra nice things for themselves.

It's more than a disgrace; it's almost criminal, but will they be charged and tried? I think not.

[b]Lesley[/b]

I am 63 and my wife 62, and in a short time I thought we would qualify for the Seniors Health Card (taxable income under $50,000 for singles or $80,000 for couples)

But no, I see they have slipped a new deal in where the means test is based on

1. Taxable income plus

2. Salary sacrifice plus

3. Income stream from taxed superannuation fund

When we both fully retire, I would expect our income stream would be around $100,000pa, so we won't qualify.

This didn't get much publicity, but I just wish we could get some consistency from one government to the next.

[b]John S[/b]



It seems to me that ABOUT SENIORS and all interested pensioner bodies are pushing for only an increase in the age pension for the single pensioner, or at least that is the impression us pensioner couples are getting, it’s as if you seem to think that we are doing ok thank you.

I have spoken to many couples and we are doing it tuff as well, they have said to me that everybody is just concentrating on a push for the single pension only to be increased, i.e. the media, yourselves, the Australian Pensioners and Superannuants, Channel 7 To-day tonight, and the list goes on.

We all agree that the singles do need a real extra boost beyond what the couples need, but please start making a mention of all pensioners, we are also on this planet and need a substantial increase, because as it might be a suprise some that we also eat, drive cars, pay bills, pay rent, or pay rates and this list goes on and on.

Also the media, yourselves, and these groups will give the Government the impression that only singles need to be taken care of, and I am sure you would agree that if they thought that they could solve this problem by just improving singles pension, they would do so.

By the way I did notice that Brendon Nelson, did condemn our treatment in the Budget, but did not mention any thoughts on what should be done about increasing age pensions, just like politicians of all parties, apart from one member, just hope it all goes away.

[b]Anthony Hutchinson[/b]



The biggest mistake it appears the pensioners have done is to have fought in the wars to provide a free country that enables fat cat politicians to keep getting increases in their wage.

Perhaps the pensioners should also have their pensions reviewed by the remuneration tribunal.

[b]Daniel H[/b]



Hi, I am on an age pension (74 y.o.) and even though I live in Government housing; a one bedroom flat at $175.00 per fortnight, I find it very difficult. I do not own an auto so a good share of my pension is spent on transport, doctors’ appointments (taxi) etc.

[b]Jan A[/b]



Hello I heard that some well know people were asked to live for just two weeks on the normal, single aged pension. Most had run out of money before the end of the first week. Maybe the only way to get this through to our insensitive politicians is to force them to do the same!!!

[b]Jackie Nowland[/b]



Thank you for your regular newsletter. I am 66 and still working three days per week, and not drawing the pension- hopefully to get the five year working bonus promised by Centrelink, when I turn over the big seven0. According to some fine print I picked up somewhere, there is now no guarantee that the bonus will be paid at the end of the term. Could you address this issue in a newsletter? My other (rhetorical) question is, why did so many retirees swallow the 'krud' smoke and mirrors, before the last federal election, and vote for this socialist crew. They have no time for old people or the bush! I notice Obama (the bin laden candidate) in the US, is using some of the same tactics to fool unwitting people into voting for him. Those two would make a handsome couple I reckon.

[b]Cluny B.[/b]



The budget was a disappointed from pensioners’ point of view. Ironically, it should empower the voluntary euthanasia lobby.

[b]June[/b]



Whilst I am not on an old age pension I am in receipt of a military service pension. This pension is indexed by the CPI which is far below the rate of inflation. Yes I know that I get more than an aged pension but it is catching up to me. To correctly index military pensions would cost the Government less than one tenth of one percent of this year’s surplus.

Improving the age pension to a reasonable would cost around 1to2 percent of the budget surplus. Makes you wonder where this new Government is going-Look after the workers but forget the seniors, they have passed their used by date. We should remember this at next election time

[b]Jim[/b]

I endorse your protests about the inadequacy of the provision for age pensioners in this budget, particularly the single age pensioners. I agree the base rate should be increased but the single rate should be a much higher percentage of the couples rate as so much of the expenses are the same.

I think pensioners did not lobby enough before the budget came out as many, like me, assumed a Labor government would look after us - instead we even had to fight to get the one off $500 lump sum payment inaugurated by the Coalition.

I know they are supposed to be reviewing the whole pension situation in the future (?) - but we want something now and by the lack of recognition of our problems in this budget we do not feel too confident about the future. Have the victory happy members of the Labor party forgotten that age pensioners have votes?

If what the previous government gave us was called pork barrelling - well I will accept a bit of pork. But for them we would not have the increase in the utility allowance and the one off payment (no guarantee for future years).

Let us not hear any more about "working families" - the Prime Minister's family works and they are not among the lower income people. Why not just call us lower income? Working families really is meant to refer to the working class families but of course it is incorrect to talk about class these days. And poor people are not necessarily among the 'working class' as far as background is concerned.

Thank you for your efforts to improve life for older people and hopefully keep the government to its word of making the better off feel the pain of inflation.

With the surplus we can afford to look after the underprivileged and carry out the more visionary plans this government is talking up.

[b]Barbara K[/b]



As a part-Pensioner and part-Self funded retiree, I cannot believe a new Government that relied so much on the Grey vote to get elected has completely turned their back on this group. The Treasurer says people on $150,000 household income are not rich, and then in his next breath states that Pensioners who are on less than 1/10th of that figure may be struggling. It is a callous and uncaring Budget, with a "let them eat cake" attitude towards seniors. They will only be interested in the Greys when the next Election is due. Let us hope that we do not forget their complete lack of empathy.

[b]D B C Brighton, SA [/b]



Dear Ms Elliot

I challenge u to manage on a pension for just 1 month, paying electric, telephone, (broadband !!!! forget it) got to be dial up!!!! Rates, all unexpected bills, and if u r lucky a special like a chokkie biscuit!!

[b]Margaret B[/b]



I am compelled to write to express my disappointment in the new Budget where Seniors are concerned.

As a 62-year old still working because I have to, and because my level of expertise in my industry (community aged care) is considered valuable by astute employers, I am desperately sad about the plight of today's Seniors on pensions which are a national disgrace, and for those, like myself, who will have to survive in the not-too-distant future under the governance of political parties who have no concept of what poverty really is (ref. politicians' salaries, perks and pensions}.

I guess this issue of an insulting pittance being doled out like it was some kind of favour or gift, is also not applicable to the lives of these politicians via their mums and dads, aunts and uncles etc, or surely they would stand up to the line and work hard and long to fix this.

What about those older people who support a loved one at home instead of allowing them to go into (costly for the Govt) residential care? Carers payment? Hello??? What about those forgotten grandparents who spend most of their remaining years minding grandchildren while their parents try to earn enough to buy a house, pay rent etc? Where is their quality of life, freedom to travel, money for a few small luxuries, such as a monthly night out for dinner etc???

How would the pollies feel if they had to wait 3 years for a knee or hip reconstruction because they cannot afford private health insurance? How would they feel if they were left unattended on a hospital trolley because they don't have private insurance??? How would they feel if they had to walk, and fall, in cheap footwear because they cannot afford decent quality clothing?? How would they feel if all dignity was stripped from them due to being made to feel like charity cases?

In fact, I wonder if they actually do FEEL anything!

Do us a favour, Mr Swan and colleagues. Go home, look at yourselves in the mirror. Picture your face in 10-15-20 years time. Imagine your abilities or disabilities in the same timeframe. And put yourself in the place of today's Pensioners. Do you like what you see? Do you FEEL anything?

And please don't ever forget.....we Baby Boomers WILL stand up and be counted. You will NOT do this to our very valuable and valued aged population for much longer, so you may as well start fixing it now!

[b]Dawn G, WA[/b]



I want to thank you for the newsletters, I enjoy and benefit from them very much....I am a very contented Senior, pensioner, part-time worker[7hours weekly]and busy Volunteer. I am also a Mum, Nanna, Great-grandmother and Widow. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of all Seniors..

[b]Doreen [/b]



I would just like to remind politicians that the older population votes as well as the younger generation who seem to be getting all the breaks. If only we had the same breaks when our children were young. Do politicians realise that a single pensioner has to pay for everything requiring maintenance to their homes as well they use the same amount of electricity, gas, rates, water as a married couple. Just because you are single doesn`t mean that everything is halved.

[b]Marie D[/b]

Not only are aged pensioners left out of this Budget but, those who are on the Disability Support Pension have also.

The truth of the matter is that pensions have been allowed to fall too, too far below that which would give all pensioners (Aged, Disabled etc) a decent way of life. For too long the Government has completely ignored the plight of most pensioners, and for the previous Government now to say that prices, interest rated, petrol etc has just risen because of the present Government is laughable. A small increase in the pension would not amount to much as , as I"ve said, we have slipped too far behind. However, I believe the Rudd Government should have given a reasonable increase of say $30 to $50, Those in receipt of the Disability Pension did not receive the $500 bonus all other pensioners received from the previous Government. When Peter Costello gave the $1600 allowance to the carers, I suspect that he thought that that would keep the disabled happy and then he believed the $500 would also do the trick for the other pensioners. These were only vote buying exercises on his part. From my recollection, these were a one off and not set as being an annual bonus, but they made out when Kevin Rudd came into Government it was suddenly set in stone as being an on-going thing. Sorry to be so long winded but I can not see how a Government that has been in for 6 months has to cop all the blame from one which has had over 11 years to rectify the situation but did nothing.

[b]Graham W[/b]



I totally agree with you about single pensioners. My sister in-law has a hard time surviving , every time they raise the pension they put the H.C. rent up how does that help , they give it with 1hand & take it back with the other. We own our own home so that is a plus, but she never had a chance to buy any thing. It must be hard to check every price on what you can buy.

[b]Ann D[/b]



Yes, I fully agree that Pensions need increasing, especially to those receiving a single pension. A person I know is trying to pay off her house on the single pension. She survives with help. If she was renting she'd be getting a rent allowance. All should get the allowance but under a different name - just additional pension.

Howard's pension is a disgrace. He should be looked after, but not to that extent. He has lived off the public purse and now is the pig into the trough. My wife and I receive the aged pension. We own our home and survive, but there are no luxuries!

[b]Jim C[/b]



Like many other active pensioners we work for our pension with "voluntary" tasks. I can safely say we love doing it and look forward to our stint. From manning hospital kiosks to helping in courts and every thing else in between we serve the community in many ways. We also save the government and the community millions of dollars. Many don't get recompensed for their efforts but yet still give freely. Certificates and accolades don't put petrol in the tank or biscuits on the table. Successive government of both colours have been very patronising treating us with contempt.

To us anybody on $150,000 pa is not just rich they are very rich Part of the fault lies with us, many have been brought up with a "don't make a fuss" mentality. Well its time to make a fuss.

[b]Aldo[/b]



G'DAY All

I am badly disabled, have use of one finger on one hand, no use of my left arm, no use of my legs.

I had to retire at 49 now 66, my wife gave up her job which she loved to look after me (she is now 60).

SANDY sometimes has to dry me after a shower,then help me get dressed. I am in a wheel chair when we go out of the house, in the house I go from chair to chair, MY wife receives A part disabled pension as we have a good super(we thought) my wife is getting old before her time, I thought the new Rudd government would have given the disabled carers a fair go.

[b]Bill[/b]



I would like to bring to your attention the following anomaly which relates to the Aged Pension and of which I have seen no discussion:

I guess if I relate my own situation as an example, as a number of others must be similarly affected:

Having been redundant from my workplace at 55 we decided that if we sold our house and moved to the country to build a house on 39 acres that we were buying so that we could live cheaper and enjoy the countryside. The land is poor rocky pastureland and we decided we would try and replace the trees as it did not have many left. We did all this over the last five years and ongoing.

The land has increased in value now that we have built, however the Seniors Pension (which we will part depend on at 65) is reduced as it takes into account the value of all the land excluding the first 5 acres. So with nothing on it except the trees, we are being penalised, whereas our house in Melbourne would have been worth more and yet the assets test would not apply. And further, for those who have the capacity to subdivide in Melbourne (under 5 acres) the test does not apply, provided like me it is their home.

The total value inc house, as far as council is concerned is about $590,000. So if the house and 5 acres are taken out the remaining land is worth about $250,000 on paper, but if we were to subdivide which of course we would not like to do, we would be up for maybe $200,000 in roads and other costs.

I am just wondering if you are aware of this situation which to my mind is grossly unfair that the unusable land valued (for rates) at $250,000 is taken into account for the assets test. My inquiries indicate that Centrelink usually get the land values from the council. Finally, just to add that It is not as if we enjoy the extra land for free as our council rates are double the Melbourne property we sold to move here.

[b]Brendan D[/b]

Hello. I too am disgusted and very disappointed by the budget and the lack of concern when it comes to the needs of the senior pensioners. I am lucky; I own my own home and still have a partner. Every week I listen to the struggles of many women in the friendship group I run and feel so helpless. One woman is paying $230 a week for a 'unit' that four years ago would have let for about $60 a week. When her savings run out I don't know what she will do. Another lady's rent has risen from $170 to $195 in one year and all she has is her pension. She is now forced to ask her children for money to survive. Another woman and her husband are paying $210 for a house they have lived in eighteen years and considered themselves lucky until this week when an electrician advised the landlady that the electrical system was in a very dangerous condition and the landlady declined to do anything. If they complain they are most likely to be told to leave. These are just a few examples. These women are living under a great deal of stress worrying from one lease to the next. Nobody should have to live like that in their senior years.

[b]Regards Norma[/b]



Agree with all the sickening remarks about the seniors who have made this great country what it is today, I start my aged pension next week at 63.5 years, also been on disability pension for some years. I also worked full time and paid all the taxes for over 35 years, yet I have been told because the disability pension which pays the same as the aged pension just another name I will not be allowed to receive the bonus because I am a week short of going to the aged pension. Talk about discrimination, or have I got this wrong. I see it if I had been on aged pension I would have got it, but on disability pension I cannot have it. Disgusted.

[b]Kaye S[/b]



I too was really surprised at how the budget forgot about our seniors. They seem to forget that if it were not for them working all their lives, they would not be where they are today. Today’s seniors are like those living in the country areas. Forgotten. If one is not young and living in one of the cities, they do not seem to care. People in the country

areas provide more income to the country than all those in the cities and it’s like our seniors, they have worked hard and paid tax all their working lives and receive little in return.

With all the unemployment now days, governments paying young people to do nothing

and stay home watching TV, have babies very young, there is not going to be anything

for the seniors soon. I think they should concentrate more on those who have made a

great contribution to this wonderful country and reward them for the contribution they

have made.

[b]Joan[/b]



"Beautiful young people are acts of nature,

Beautiful old people are works of art."



I am not worried about the lack of reference to the aged pension in the budget because I agree that a complete examination of the tax system would provide a better picture of the needs of people in the aged pension bracket and would allow an examination of future needs. For example, I am a part self funded retiree with a small input from Centrelink through a disability pension. This area of pensions is also in need of an overhaul. The tax review will be very important for the aged and disabled and urge all people in receipt of this kind of support to take part in any consultations in relation to the tax system. I am prepared to wait to receive a better outcome. It is extremely hard, I have a mortgage and a minimum income but I need something better than a bandaid.

[b]Janet [/b]



My name is Edward Cooke & I am a self funded retiree & also an ex-serviceman who served his country for 20 years & have paid my taxes since the age of 16 years when I first started work. Why does the Federal Government discriminate, yes I say discriminate against pensioners who through their working life supported the economy of this great country of ours to make it what it is today. It seems that when a person ceases to be employable & retires they are thrown on the scrap heap & discarded as no longer required. Wake up Mr Rudd & honour your political pledges which got you into office & give the pensioners a fair go in the true spirit of Australia.

[b]Edward C[/b]



For the minister

I am an Independent Retiree but the plight of Australian Age Pensioners is a National Disgrace.

We do have a voice...and some serious numbers

[b]Helen H[/b]



I would like to know how the pension rate and especially the weekly single aged pension of $273 can be justified in the light of the announcement in today's Courier-Mail that the average wage is now $1124. This means that a single pensioner receives less than a quarter of the average wage. As the number of aged grows more and more older Australians will be pushed below the poverty line.

[b]Bernice A[/b]



I, with all my friends who are pensioners and mainly single pensioners, are thoroughly disgusted like everyone else at the lack of consideration - after all the build up before the election- for pensioners. I could not believe what I was seeing and not hearing during the budget speech....its like we didnt exist....how can they in all honestly, crow about the budget surplus and not set aside extra money for enhanced indexation. (I heard them mention the words but that will be pushed aside for who knows how long) That’s what we want, an increase in the way they assess the pension...not the miserable 22% ? of the basic wage...it needs to be increased, just like their enormous salaries are every time they go up... I just get so angry when I see them increase the baby bonus - how silly is that...its far too much in most people's estimation - its like a slap in the face for the pensioners - how dare they Ill be looking out for any action that anyone is taking and ready to join in the marches etc.... Keep up the good work.

[b]Loretta M[/b]

Pensioners make up two million of the voting public. The sooner pensioners realise this we can VOTE OUT governments! The sooner governments realise this, AND that the number is increasing, the longer they will stay in power.

[b]Clive B[/b]....65 and still working!



As a single pensioner who is lucky enough to have a small part time job to try and make ends meet, I lose 40 cents in every dollar after earning $132.00 per fortnight.

This does not give any incentive for a person over 65 to work, this amount should also be increased by the government as well as increasing the age pension not only for single pensioners by at least $100.00 per week but also for married couples as well.

Lobbying the politicians before and after the elections and not getting any response except that "Mr.Rudd is going to look after pensioners" what a joke, another broken promise.

[b]Judy W[/b]



I am disappointed and saddened by the neglect of pensioners in the recent budget. The government I voted for seems to think pensioners are of little consequence, are treated like second class citizens and punished for being old. Admittedly we are not in the paid workforce now but I would like to see if the country would continue to function if we withdrew our volunteer labour.

We don't expect lavish handouts but during our working life our generation had to save and buy a house without a First Home Owner's Grant. We had our children without a Baby Bonus and brought them up while receiving the princely sum of 50 cents for the first child and $1 for the second and most of us did not have the luxury of a superannuation package.

I contracted Poliomyelitis at the age of 4, worked until I was 50 at various jobs including Home Care and did my bit volunteering but around the age of 50 my disability started to get worse and degenerated into Post Polio. The degeneration is continuing and now at the age of 69 with full blown Post Polio I am unable to walk without a walking frame and am headed for a wheelchair. The pain and fatigue associated with my condition is quite enough to contend with without having to continually make choices as to whether I can afford to put on the heater or must go to bed to keep my polio legs warm. Or can I afford to replace my support stockings or must I try and put up with them a bit longer and risk a leg infection? The leg infection will need medication, possibly a stay in hospital or home visits from a nurse and will cost the government far more than if they added a few more dollars to my pension.

Life can be really scary when you are my age, have no savings and your only asset is a house and I am just one of many. One of our problems is that if we can't use public transport and need a car we are terrified it will have to be replaced and we don't have the money. We are terrified that any of our appliances will have to be replaced or that we will need to have work done on our house and again we don't have the money. I moved house 3 years ago because I couldn't manage the steps at my last house - the move cost more than a year's pension and I only replaced a modest house with another modest one because I couldn't afford to move into a retirement village. I had not been in this house very long when I had a number of falls and had to get walking frame. This meant the house needed some modifications and that used up the little bit of money I had put aside for an emergencies so heaven help me if I have another emergency. On $273 a week there won't be any savings to cope with it.

[b]Trish P[/b]



I would like to mention to the Treasurer, or whoever you intend to reply, that not only are seniors deserving of more than the disgracefully low age pension, but that many of them (like myself) are also caring for another age pensioner.

OK, so I get an extra $100 per fortnight for that, but it does not cover lost sleep, lost time with my friends and loss, through Alzheimers, of my friend. Thanks for your ongoing commitment.

[b]Carol P[/b]



Before the election our local MP was advising us to vote labor because it was planning to reintroduce the dental scheme especially for seniors who are forced to pay up to $300 just for examination and cleaning.

When are we going to hear what is being done to have this scheme available to seniors?

[b]Steve[/b]



I'm lucky because so far I have had good health and do not need medication which can be very expensive for some older people. The $2.50 PET ticket for travel is excellent being able to hop on and off buses and also the trains; but even so if you go to a major shopping centre which takes me about 1 l/2 hours, you have to buy some sort of refreshment so the outing costs at least $10. I'm not lucky enough to have a car so am reliant on pubic transport. With petrol prices so high I wouldn't have enough money to run it anyway! Fortunately I am still able to walk but worry about the future when I am not so active. One extra big expense is delivery charges: I used to be able to get the odd taxi but think 3 times now before using them.

2 fruit and 5 serves vegetables - are you kidding - I certainly can't afford this. Bread, milk cheese: just glad my days of children are over. My children used to have their friends after school and it was amazing how they could empty pantry!! So I am pleased that families have been helped a little.

As for the free travel vouchers, it doesn't really matter to me whether you have to pay 15% of the ticket price, because being a single person I could not afford the accommodation charges, and do not use them. I not that far from the beach so have my holiday at home but it would be nice to visit some other places instead of reading about them.

[b]Marguerite, NSW[/b]

I don't know if you or your readers realise the following. I haven't seen anything in the media so I don't think they have thought it through yet either. There are a number of existing pensioners under age pension age, that is those on disability support pension plus other older income support recipients on widow allowance, partner allowance, mature age allowance and newstart allowance WHO WILL LOSE THEIR PAYMENT AND THEIR CONCESSION CARD COME 1/7/09.

HOW? WHY?

Because as announced in the budget, the govt is changing the income test rules for welfare recipients under age pension age.

From 1/7/09, any wages they or their partners are salary sacrificing to superannuation will be counted as income for Centrelink purposes.

Currently that is exempt income, meaning the money you salary sacrifice to super in your name Centrelink does not see if you are under age pension age.

So who will be hurt?

Here are some examples:

The partnered person who is medically eligible for the Disability Pension and their partner is under age pension age and still working. If their combined income is currently over $65,793.00, the working partner under age pension can salary sacrifice some of their income into superannaution in their name to bring the combined income under Centrelink's income test cut off point and the desperately ill/disabled partner can get a few $ pension and most importantly the pensioner concession card. If they can't get that card they WILL BE PAYING FULL PRICE FOR THEIR MEDICATION.

Now that is just not on.

Another example is the older man who has worked physically hard all his life, often in lower paying, unskilled jobs whose body is begining to break down as he enters his 60's. He's not eligible for age pension because he's not 65. He's not eligible for the Disability Pension as he is not disabled. He can claim Unemployment Benefit but if his wife is earning MORE THAN $1408.34 PER F/N OR $36,616.84 P.A. FROM 1/7/09 HE'LL GET NOTHING. NO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT. NO JOB NETWORK TO RETRAIN. At the moment she can salary sacrifice some income to her super and bring him under that income test cutoff point so he will get a few $ newstart allowance and some retraining opportunities.

And what if your a single person with a degenerative disease, say motor neurone disease, parkinsons, multiple sclerosis and you have a supportive employer who is prepared to support you by having you work reduced hours until your illness forces you to stop work all together. Currently if your income is over Centrelink's income cutoff point of $39,351.00 for a single pensioner, you can salary sacrifice to your super and come under the limit and get that precious pensioner concession card without which your medical and pharmacy bills are prohibitive.

We are talking about welfare recipients here, these are not wealthy people.

Why do they have to suffer to build a bigger budget surplus?

We cannot let this change come in.

It will be too devastating for too many people.

Can we get a petition up from the about seniors community.

Can we ask them to lodge their objections with their local member, the treasurer and the prime minister as well as raising awareness in their local community.

[b]Jan E[/b]



I am so disgusted with this Government to think they never listened it is just typical I want to see some of them live on the pension for 1 month including Kevin Rudd and see what they have to live on .It absolutely stinks and they need shooting .Oh and the pc's in the schools another dream Rudd had .Come down to earth and live like them for a while.

[b]Barbara,[/b] Yamba



The Honorable Justine Elliott MP

Minister for Ageing

[b]Walk in our shoes for a while and feel how difficult it is to live even miserly from week to week.

Shirley A[/b]



As a concerned age pensioner I feel that we should hold the Rudd Government accountable thru an independent source re every day workings if us pensioners want something to do with sport and make millions of dollars we would get priority, but making the government spend money on pensioners who have made this country decent they must remember it was the young people who elected the Labor Government who could not see how Labor works, God help us

[b]Frank G[/b]



Mr Rudd has repeatedly spoken about working families. We were working families, without the benefit of superannuation, child care, baby bonuses and all the rest. For years we watched him on Sunrise, only to find he is very able at slick commercialism of himself, without any consideration of the abuse of trust in regards to his repeated comments about being a party for all Australians. Sorry, his party is for a select part of the Australian people, and he may well be under the false impression that spin does keep you going round and round. Wait and see Mr Rudd.

[b]Marion[/b]



I believe as a carer and my husband a age pensioner, that the Government should bow their heads in shame.

They do not know what it is like to try and make your money stretch from week to week.

The government only knows how to spend money on themselves.

One thing they have forgotten, it is not their money it is our money the Australian people, so they have no right to stop the Pensioners and Carers in living a descent life.

In stead of giving themselves a rise this week I believe $30,000 then give at least $20 - $30 dollars to all pensioners.

A 1st year apprentice age around 17Yrs would earn more than a pensioner and they would have no commitments, not like us pensioners.

Just because people get old does not mean they should be shoved in a corner with a small loaf of bread and told to survive the best way you can, this is what the past and future Government has done.

This has to stop, give us what we deserve, a fair go.

[b]Kaye and Neil J[/b]

At the present we are only allowed to earn $2530.50 per fortnight. However if you want retirees to keep working they should be allowed to earn more. Being a retired teacher I retired but haven't stopped working. I am a casual relief teacher for 4.5 days per week tutoring indigenous high school students in mathematics. With the new Vic. salary agreement I most probably will only be able to work 4 days per week and have to take off a week mid-term. Whilst this is fine for me it is not fine for the children.

If people over 65 are willing to continue working why not help them reep the benefits and help the nation as well as their mental and physical health. Why not reduce the amount earned by 10c in the dollar of pension rather than 20c. An active retiree is a happy and healthy retiree.

[b]Geoff H[/b]



I am upset to think that after all the years of the Howard goverment lack of feeling for the old aged that now Kevin Rudd whom I voted for has cast aside all compassion for the aged

We do not want the world, we only want enough to live in it. Why give to the baby makers every thing, some who have never worked a day in their lives while we have worked all our lives .

[b]Maurice L[/b]



Can you when doing all you can to get an increase in the age pension also go to bat for those of us on the Widow Allowance. It has not been a pension since 1997 and all we get is the Newstart benefit. Because I turned 60 in 2007 and had been a widow since 2005 I do get the pensioner concession card but I still only get the Newstart allowance plus 8dollars so I get $479.80 a fortnight. I have to pay my mortgage, rates, phone, gas, power bills , bus fares out of this and then try to buy food. Because I still have a mortgage I am not allowed to defer my rates and only get a small discount off of my rates. My house badly needs a lot of maintenance but I have no hope of doing any of it on this income and you can not save anything so I have no money in the bank and as a result the state of my house is just getting worse and worse.

[b]Mrs Margaret R, WA[/b]



I would just like to point out to Mr Swan, Mr Rudd and Ms Elliot that they do not own this country - WE DO.

A government is elected to carry out the will of the people, now the will of the Labor Party or the trade unions.

I think Mr Rudd needs to be reminded how many votes are now carried by pensioners and that the older we get, the more cynical we get of politicians and their promises.

We did not elect Rudd to travel the world on extended trips.

We did not elect him to start giving our money to overseas countries in trouble when we have millions of people in trouble here. When was the last time China sent us any money ?

The state labor governments will be on very shaky ground come their elections if pensions have anything to do with it.

[b]Derry[/b]



I would just like to add my voice to the hundreds and thousands of Age Pensioners that are not happy with this Government. It a crying shame that people are trying to live on $273 dollars a week.

How on earth do they manage if they don't own their own homes, we barely manage and we do own our own home?

With the cost of rental homes averaging $250 a week in our town, I can't imagine the worry of trying to keep a roof over ones head let alone feed ones self.

These are people who have worked and paid their taxes during their working life, now on reaching retirement age they are just expected to die out of the road, to save the Government money.

Shame on these fat cats, they will be giving themselves a pay rise next.

They better not try! How soon is the next election, so we can get rid of them?

[b]Sheila Hardman[/b]



Hi Folks

For the first time ever I voted Labour, why I thought Mr Rudd and his team meant business, and were likely to look after us, not so though. Please let Mr R and his party know once was obviously too often for me, next time I vote for the Libs, I guess that will include my wife also.

[b]Rob R[/b] - SA



I am on the Disability Pension & am utterly disgusted with the lack of consideration shown by the Rudd government in the budget. We never got to much out of the Howard government, but we got a big fat ZERO out of Rudd & Swan.

[b]Michael R[/b]



Watch for the next pay increase for Politicians! Their next increase could have been allocated to the pensioners!

Perhaps it should be a rule that all elected politicians should live for one month on the pension when they first come to power.

[b]Carol B[/b]



The current pension is OK for those who don't own a car, don't want to travel anywhere, don't want to buy new clothes and who want to stick to home brands at supermarkets and I can only liken this to the depression days when people lived with a pall of poverty over them. I think it's a total disgrace and makes us feel like we really don't matter. They had a chance to rectify this but have shown their true colours by ignoring us. I dread opening my letterbox in case there's a bill in there which will leave me penniless until the next lousy handout - how bad is that?

Thank you for wanting to hear our comments and for forwarding them on to the Minister for Ageing, who, of course, will never know how it is to be below the poverty line.

[b]Maria C[/b]



What does one have to do, to get the authorities to listen and act, on the miserable existence that the 'old folk' have to endure. It seems that the government just does not want to know. Perhaps the display put on by the pensioners outside Flinders Street Station on Friday will, I hope, gather momentum and finally force the government to do something.

[b]Geoff B[/b]

I am a 65 year old lady still working to be able to exist.my husband suffered a mild stroke in 2000 while at work.for 6 years we were back and forth on disability pension and workers compensation.neither of us had much in the way of superannuation,my husband's had to be used during the 8 years since his stroke. He is now on disability and i am still working.

i would like to retire but do not know how we will exist. I work in the aged care sector which is very hard demanding work. I can only say that i am glad our parents are not alive to see what is happening to the older australians,the ones they all worked hard for to make this the best country in the world...now our older citizens are living in poverty and no-one cares.

We have both worked all our lives,put 3 children through university,paid our tax's....what have we got to look forward to....my husband even had his disability pension cut because i took long service leave..not in lump sum but fortnightly...i am a low income earner, but still he was penalised due to my long service leave..he got $212...less $20 he is having to pay back because my superannuation of $39.000 is now taken into account as an asset.(.our only asset apart from furniture) we are paying $340.00 rent per fortnight.

.at this rate i will be working till i drop..we are trying to get a granny flat on our daughters property but through the state government housing you have to have assets under $30.000.no wonder people cheat the system..

Now today we hear social security will be able to get information from the banks to catch these cheats....if people have enough money they can hide their wealth. The only ones to be penalised will be the people who are living in poverty, and like us be penalised for trying to live a decent life after retirement age then get slugged with a penalty for having something(superannuation) the government have made us take up..but urge us to work over retirement age.

We are very worried,concerned and stressed about what the future hold for us.

[b]David and Elizabeth E[/b] - Mornington



I am a 69 yr old single aged pensioner with numerous medical problems.

I too am concerned on how to survive from week to week. I am in a SA Housing Trust house paying $ 70.-- p/w rent, my weekly medicines are approx. 15 p/w, on top of that I receive fortnightly help from Dom. Care for which I pay 7.50. my electricity and gas is $ 20.-- p/wk, car registration 10.-- p/wk, dare I put 20.-- put petrol in my car, my groceries come to $90.-- p/wk on top of that I have my care insurance (third party only), content insurance and other small incidentals.

As you can see there is nothing left to go to a movie or visit friends, or even think about a week-end away. (dare to buy shoes).

I cannot understand the Government doing this to us. Up until 5 yrs ago I use to be able to save $20.-- per fortnight from my pension, but can no longer sustain this.

The 500.-- one off payment will be kept so as I can pay my water consumption, as from the 1st of July SA Housing have taken the allowance away,.

I too would like to participate in a petition to the government but don't know how to go about this.

My parents and us 4 siblings came to Australia in 1958. (from Holland) My father worked hard and so did we all, I brought up 2 children (no government bonus) for having them but as I worked was able to give them a good education , there was no super in my working days, my parents lived rented hence no inheritance.

It is only of late that I wish I had stayed in my own country as the pensioners in Holland are well taken care off.

SHAME MR. RUDD. When I voted labour I thought we would be recognised as older Australians who too have worked HARD to bring the country into a beautiful place to live, but never thought that I would be on the poverty line in my "golden years":.

Thank you for helping us, I always look forward to your newsletters.

[b]Trudy[/b], SA



My husband and I emigrated to Australia in 1977, and wouldn't live anywhere else now, but it is getting so hard to live on the pension we are feeling the pinch, we have a part British pension and a part Australian pension, we were under the impression that when the English pension goes down we would get the Australian put up. As you know the English pension is not worth much at the moment, and we are getting much less monthly, but we got $3 more in the Australian pension this week which doesn't seem very fair with the price of food and petrol going up all the time. We live in Toodyay so the prices are higher here than in Perth, and it is only an hours drive to Perth, so we don't see the reason for things being so much more expensive.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and we still call Australia home.

[b]S&F;[/b]



What can one say? Disappointment is such a small word for such a big issue, we, as workers and now pensioners, built this house of Australia, we furnished it with our sweat and tears, and now when it is time for us to enjoy the fruits of our labour, we can't afford to live in that which we have established. Two million grey votes is a lot for any government to lose, we do not ask for much, if we cannot have sustenance, can we at least be given a small amount of consideration, it won't fill our bellies but perhaps may help to ease our pain.

[b]Johnson S[/b]



Like millions of others, Derek and I are so very sad and disappointed that nothing was forthcoming from Rudd’s first budget. We are aged 69 and 72, we rent a property and are watching our meagre savings being used up at an alarming pace. For example, after a dreadful hot summer here in SA we had an electricity account of $400! Couldn’t really pay this off in payments as we would lose the 6% “pay on time” discount offered. The final straw was Derek (bless him) coped a traffic infringement for travelling at 61 kph in a 50kph zone a fine of $196, which represents his weekly pension!!!

[b]Daphne and Derek P[/b]

I agree with just about everything that has been written in your latest newsletter. Rudd's obsession with 'working families' to the exclusion of just about every other section of society is appalling.

The only thing I don't agree with is the emphasis on the plight of older single women. What about us older single men? Although older women substantially outnumber us blokes, some of at least have survived and have needs, too.

I am 62YO, and heading for closure of my small retail business. Thanks to the rising interest rates plus other pressures on small businesses these days, my business is not making a profit and I am looking down the barrel of a retirement shotgun in 18 months' time with no money, no housing or property assets, and I no longer own a motor vehicle. A business without profit fetches little or nothing on a sale basis. My superannuation benefit is somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000.

The Labor Government has done nothing in this budget to give me any hope other than facing the prospect of being cast onto the scrap heap of poverty. I won't be able to afford to keep renting the little house in Northcote I currently occupy. (Not that the Liberals showed any more regard for us, despite their current noisy rhetoric.)

Perhaps Mr Rudd should just enact legislation to punish enterprising older single Australians like me who have worked hard all their lives, contributed four children to the community, and heaps of tax to the Government, but have still been unable to fund their retirement adequately. He could simply introduce gas chambers to exterminate us, Nazi style. It will be a lot quicker and less painful than starving us to death or watching us die of Exposure when we are cast out of our homes. Then he and his government, and those in the coalition parties also, won't have to worry about caring for or the cost of maintaining the poorer ones of us in the ageing population. Our Quality of Life problem will be resolved by their Removal of Life action.

Not happy, Kev!

:-(((

[b]Brian M[/b]



Hon Justine Elliott MP

Minister for Ageing



We think it is an absolute disgrace that the age pension has not been significantly increased in the recent budget. The general public are outraged on what our senior population receive to live off each fortnight. I would like to throw out the challenge for all politicians to live off on what they get a fortnight and see how they feel. A time period of three months should be set aside for this exercise to happen. We really think that would change their minds on this very subject. But alas, somehow I don’t think that will happen. We think they are all fully aware of the situation but they do nothing about correcting this injustice. I really don’t know how they sleep at night, but they probably do because their bellies are very full.

Our older population have worked long and hard to make Australia what it is today, but too many people have very short memories on that subject. These men & women have fought in wars to save this great country of ours and this is how we repay them for all their efforts with the pittance they receive each fortnight.

Millions pour out this country for aid without any thought for our pensioner’s. Our motto is looking out for your own first, then and only then, what is left over give to others in need.

[b]G&D;[/b], WA



I would like to say how disgusted I was with the Rudd budget . I am sick and tired of hearing about families. Mr. Rudd should remember that seniors vote to. And I for one will never vote for him again , and I hope other pensioners remember this when the next elections come about. Why does he have to have another inquiry about pensions when he admits we do not get enough money. and why lump us in with the tax. The Liberals are no better and I won't to voting for them either.

[b]Maureen O[/b]



Hi Kaye & David, Many thanks for all the emails that you send,I take the time to read them especially this one,We are totally shocked with this last budget, there are so many of us that live from day to day, we are fairly fortunate we dont have a mortgage we only had a small super fund that we used to pay off the bank when we retired, my wife suffers with arthritus and we often have to spend extra dollars on tablets or creams so it would be nice if only they gave us another $30 or $40 dollars a fortnight towards petrol and groceries.

[b]Stan B[/b]



Whilst I’m lucky enough to get a little bit extra on top of my pension it's still not enough to lead a great life. Because of this extra money whenever I attempt to do any paid work which I enjoy doing (eg Exam supervision at the local Uni for two weeks a year) Centrelink reduce my pension by 40cents in the dollar. Which means by the time I pay petrol and parking it's just a waste of time for me to do this work anymore. Centrelink said "something is better than nothing" Thanks, working for about $8;00 an hour is not very encouraging. Im sure there are hundreds of other fit and well pensioners who would love to do some extra work to help thing along, but because they may just be over the threshold of earnings they're penalised. We're not earning a fortune and it's only very part time.

What to you think??

[b]Judy S, WA[/b]



Seems to me that we pensioners have a used by date, and 'it's up'.

Pollies old age will be more than comfortable as they vote themselves pay rises and the food old 'Futures Fund' will make sure they get more than their share. Anyway, they can always get a buddy to recommend them for a peachy job (see Peter I won't accept a government appointment Beatty). They don't care if pensions fall below the poverty line further so we can't drive a vehicle or but decent food. They are 'Alright Jack'.

Sandi

[b]Kingaroy[/b]

I am 61 years old and live alone. I have been on a Disability Pension for a number of years now due to Osteo-arthritis. I am finding it extremely difficult to continue to live on this pension and am very frightened of what my future is when my rent goes up another $20 in September 2008.

I believe my Pension pays a little more than the Aged Pension, so I can only imagine the worry and fears our very valuable elderly citizens are going through.

To our greedy and very stupid Politicians, I say, HOW DARE YOU, how dare you treat those who have made this country what it is today and made it possible for you to be where you are today, the way you are. Are you going to continue to treat them as a 'throw-away'? Are you going to continue to shamefully stick your head in the sand (not exactly where I think they are sticking their heads....but) and hope they will just fade away so you don't have to think about them. Remember, the worm will turn. They may be old but they are not deaf and dumb and they will remember all your lies(oops promises) leading up to the election, and next time you will hear them load and clear when you are looking for another job.

I believe every person who is elected as a Politician whether federal, state or local should be made to walk in the shoes of various person's lives, before they can take up any portfolio in government. That should not be for just a few hours or a day, but, like work for the dole, they attend one day per week or something.

Why can't the government realise that one of Australia's greatest resources is being lost, by not putting in effect work for the elderly. I know they are making a token effort at present, but it is not nearly enough. Hundreds of the jobs out-sourced by the government each day, should be structured to be carried out by the elderly.

Think of the huge difference a few extra dollars each week would make in the elderly's lives, and an every greater impact would be on their health and wellbeing - giving them a sense of purpose, giving them some measure of control over their lives again, instead of being at the mercy of some government beaurocrat getting paid squillions each week who wouldn't have a clue or care what the lives of the elderly are like.

I have recently been getting some casual work, but, despite the discrimination laws, the age barrier raises it's ugly head when it comes to permanent work. I have been looking for a permanent or permanent part time job as a Paralegal, but am hitting the thought processes of young executives, who have no time for the elderly and don't realise the benefits of having a mature, stable person in a position who, with a little respect and a decent day's wage for a decent day's work, would be prepared to stay in that job until they couldn't work anymore. Doesn't that make more sense than having a constant turn-over of young staff looking for that extra something or getting married or having children.

If anyone has started a job site strictly for the over 60's, I would love to hear about it, as I really want to get back to work and get out from under the Centrelink merry-go-round.

Maybe I'm just getting old, but I just can't fathom a government treating such a precious resource as our elderly as they are. It makes me steam.

[b]Fluffy Duck[/b]



I think seniors who own their own homes are worse off than those who rent. We have to pay all our own overheads (rates, water, emergency levy etc. in addition to utilities). At least if you're renting you don't have these bills. I'm getting to a stage where I have to give up the car and become a recluse or the dog - my only companion. When things like the washing machine break down the cost of repair needs weeks to budget for on a single pension and a new one out of the question. My 14 year old car no longer gets its regular service. I have spoken to people about going into retirement/rental accommodation. I have stopped eating meat as I found that took too much of my weekly shopping allowance. I no longer wear my hearing aids as the annual $37 battery/service costs is equal to a weekly grocery shop.

In S.A. we (pensioners) have to pay for the annual ambulance cover. We have to pay for disabled parking permit. Both these were covered in NSW. (I came to SA because my husband and I were told there was a better chance of a kidney transplant but when I got here was considered too sick to be taken on their list though I was on the N SW list). My official carer husband died shortly after the move from NSW, leaving me as a disabled pensioner, having to pay for assistance for everything.

Things are worse for disabled, widowed pensioners. I have to pay to have everything done since my husband died - gutter cleaning, grass cutting, gardening, painting, general housework. I have a flat pack cupboard to be assembled and have been on the list for a handyman to come to do this for me since September 2007. The only reason I can run a computer is that son gives me his cast offs and pays the internet charge.

[b]Jen R[/b]



Same old story pensioners but when the elections roll around that is when they will feel sorry for the oldies they will then throw them a few crumbs

[b]Ernest H[/b]

It seems to me that the big missing item in the budget is the continuance of doing nothing about the ever rising cost of fuel, petrol is bad enough but diesel is a total disgrace, it costs less to produce and yet is 20c/litre dearer than Unleaded. If the ACCC cant find anything wrong with that we would most certainly be better off without them, perhaps the savings could go to start rectifying the age pension pittance.

That aside, the Federal Government could utilise our vast reserves of natural Gas, promote Biodiesel production, offer incentives for industry to come up with an alternative to the current reliance on Arab oil. The result, cheaper fuel, lower inflation, therefore lower interest rates and lower cost of living generally, with huge benefits to the environment as well, we all benefit and the Government is flush with money they cant spend so perhaps they could remove the iniquitous 38c+/litre excise on every litre of fuel we purchase (are they just plain greedy)

Wayne Swan also announced the greatest shake up of the tax system, I wonder what he means by that? The last time when Peter Costello visited this area the terms of reference were very narrow and as a result of not looking closely at all of the available alternatives we got a GST which is a total mess, every self employed person and small business is forced to do many hours of work for the Taxation Department and suffer the frustration that inevitably goes with that. It is not a simple system but an enormously complex one. Alternatives like the Debit Tax which is simple to administer, would remove the need for tax returns completely and cannot be avoided by anyone, was not considered at all (one is left to wonder if Peters strings were being pulled by someone else, like the world bank for instance) I would hope that all of the alternatives would be investigated fully this time and a decision made on the basis of what is best for Australia as a nation and her People as a whole and nothing else, I will however believe it only when I see it, call me cynical but how other could you be, given past history.

Both of these issues properly implemented would not only make living on the current Pension a whole lot easier but would benefit just about everyone and the environment to boot. Getting the tax system right could also lead to more revenue (with closed loopholes) and just perhaps the Government of the day might get really generous and lift the age pension to a level which would say thank you for a life's work well done, in the only way that counts. And yes, you are right, most retirees still work, for the community, unpaid and by the Government, under valued.

[b]Ray E [/b]



The Rudd Government certainly and “clearly” showed just how much it cares for those on the aged pension in its 2008 budget.

I would like to suggest that the Minister takes on board the clear, undeniable facts:

* that most pensioners on the present pension are struggling

* that most pensioners have paid taxes all their working lives to the Governments; Commonwealth, State and Local not to mention the hidden taxes, oh so conveniently forgotten, that all continue to pay. The GST was to fix all that – we continue to laugh!!

* that many pensioners paid these taxes with the clear understanding that they would be reasonably cared for in their old age.

* that the huge sum of 25% of the basic wage is not a reasonable income for an older person to live on in this day and age. Indexed or not.



Our Governments do not honor or respect the elderly as they do not honor or respect mothers who stay home and look after their children instead of putting that burden on the shoulders of others and ultimately society and then complain. Our country may be wealthy – with wealth comes greed and selfishness – sadly, our country is no longer a ‘smart’ country and with Governments that only depend on so called experts all, of whom have an axe to grind - usually funding – and not common sense, we now have a long line of uncaring Governments and the Rudd Government is lining up with the best of them. To think I thought they would make a difference – silly me!!

[b]Judy W[/b] – Pensioner.