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The Budget

Submitted by rlewis on 15 May, 2008 - 12:13.
Agedhealth For pensionable Seniors, the budget promised to index future pensions to the highest of three indicators, CPI, average national wage and a new cost of living index for seniors. It also increased a range of allowances such as gas/electricity/water and more, and made provision for another $500 grant. It seems to me that this is a good budget for seniors, for which we should be grateful. Now we need to have the government drill down into the next level issues of aged health care and housing, and come up with productive and affordable initiatives here as well. The facilitation of seniors employment for those who wish to work is also a growing national priority, as also an urgent review of the livable value of the base pension.[Editorial modified 19 May]



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THE BUDGET
Submitted by rob on 15 May, 2008 - 13:54.

The budget delivered very minimal to those who rely totally on the aged pension.  Yes,  we were delivered the bonus of $500,  but if you listened to the speech by Kevin Rudd, he re-iterated that it was a one-off bonus.  As for the extra utilities/phone allowance - we already have been given that - not new.  The other component of the "maybe"  budget - is that there will be three factors affecting aged pensions .  The CPI,  the Total Male Average Weekly Earnings  and the new one - the Pensioners Cost/ Household Spending.  I sure would like to be one the the people who is surveyed for that!   At least they have said that they will use the one that delivers the higher income to pensioners. 

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