Supporting Seniors in Hindmarsh

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Federal Member for Hindmarsh, Steve Georganas, today joined the local Fulham Over 50’s club to discuss the important support the Gillard Government is providing to seniors.

“After a lifetime of work and giving back to the community, we believe that our senior Australians deserve support and security in retirement,” Ms Macklin said.

“We’re proud to have delivered historic reforms to the pension that since 2009 have seen a boost of $172 a fortnight for single pensioners and $182 a fortnight for pensioner couples on the maximum rate.

“Our reforms represent the most significant changes to the pension system since its introduction more than 100 years ago and include the biggest ever boost to the pension, a new pension supplement, a new carer supplement, an improved indexation system and the introduction of the Seniors Work Bonus.

“Australia’s 3.5 million pensioners have more money in their pockets because of the Labor Government – and that includes more than 28,000 pensioners in Hindmarsh.

“And just last week we announced a reduction in pension deeming rates which will provide part-rate pensioners with an extra $6.80 per fortnight on average.”

Local pensioners are also benefiting from extra payments through Labor’s Household Assistance Package. Single pensioners are getting more than $338 extra per year and couples are getting more than $510 extra each year, to help with the cost of living.

Local Member for Hindmarsh, Steve Georganas, said the reduction in deeming rates will make life easier for more than 70,000 South Australian part-pensioners.

“We understand that pensioners have limited room to move in their budgets which is why we’ve delivered reforms that make balancing the household budget that little bit easier,” Mr Georganas said.

“Our improvements to the indexation system have been critical as they mean that when pensioners’ costs of living go up, the pension goes up with it.

“Labor understands the pressures on pensioners and working families. In contrast, Tony Abbott plans to claw back support for pensioners and families.

“Labor will keep delivering for local pensioners to make sure they get the fair go they deserve.”