Abbott turns his back on families and pensioners

Today the Government’s Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package was passed by the House of Representatives.

The Government’s plan includes increases to pensions and family payments as well as tax cuts so people can do their bit for climate change while looking after the household budget.

About 1.9 million families and about 3.4 million pensioners will receive an increase in their payments, and more than 7.5 million people will receive a tax cut.

Tony Abbott and the Coalition voted against the increases to pensions and family payments, and against the tax cuts.

If Mr Abbott had his way, he would claw back the tax cuts, he would claw back the family payments, and pensioners would have their pension increases ripped away.

The Government’s plan to put a price on carbon will protect our economy, protect our environment and provide households with proper assistance as we move towards a clean energy future.

By voting against these important tax cuts and payment increases, Mr Abbott has turned his back on families and pensioners.

The Government is taking action on climate change to put Australia in a strong position in the future for our children and grandchildren.

Under the Government’s Clean Energy Future plan:

• Every taxpayer with an income below $80,000 will receive a tax cut, with most getting at least $300 a year.
• Pensions will increase by $338 per year for singles and $510 per year for couples.
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holders will receive an extra $338 per year for singles and $510 per year for couples combined.
• Government allowances and family assistance payments (such as the Family Tax Benefit A) will increase by 1.7%.
• Pensioners will receive a lump sum advance payment of up to $250 for a single pensioner before the carbon price begins, to make sure they have extra money in their pockets to help meet the price impacts.

For example, a family with two children with a total annual income of $85,000 is expected to face average price increases of $570 per year due to the carbon price. They will receive assistance of around $948 per year through tax cuts and increased Family assistance payments. They will be $378 per year better off.

On average, the expected increase in costs due to a carbon price for a single pensioner on the maximum rate will be $204 per year. With the increase in their pension payments, they will be $134 better off.

Tony Abbott and the Coalition have tried to stop families and pensioners from getting this assistance and if he becomes Prime Minister, he has confirmed he will claw it all back.

While Tony Abbott and the Coalition keep ignoring the needs of households, this Labor Government will support families and pensioners as we move towards a clean energy future together.