An email today from AboutSeniors reader Stella.

Although it was gratifying when it was announced that the Single Pension rate was going to be increased in September, I am sure that we have all realised by now that by the time it comes into being it will have been swallowed up by the various increases in the cost of living.
Here in Queensland with car registration and fuel about to rise everything will go up accordingly and the Single Pensioner will be no better off.
I have two suggestions to put forward that would help considerably, one is that public transport, i.e. buses and trains be free to all Pensioners with
a Pension card during off peak times. This they do in Auckland New Zealand and it enables Pensioners to do shopping, go to the movies etc etc without using a car. Secondly why does the Government not increase the amount a Pensioner is allowed before reducing the Pension. This would be another way of having an increase. The allowance at the moment is pitifully low.
I would appreciate your comments on these suggestions.