During the last 21 months the government has left thousands of pensioners significantly worse off — while reaping millions of dollars in savings from payments. New rules right the wrong, but nobody has held the government to account says Ava Hubble.
Age pensioners
Pensioners, even as Santa, hit in the hip pocket
Last September the federal government announced changes to social security legislation, which, incredibly, has left many aged pensioners considerably worse off, writes Ava Hubble
New pension earning rules confusing and discriminatory
Allowing age pensioners to average their income from casual employment over 3-12 months would be a step in the right direction for the government, writes Ava Hubble.
Gittins: Pollies pander to grey power
Single age pensioners received a pension increase and concessions on their rent. Is it because they are the most ‘worthy’ pensioners? No. It’s because their votes are critical, writes Ross Gittins.
Pensioner relief: the bill that can’t be introduced, let alone passed
The Urgent Relief for Single Age Pensioners Bill 2008 can’t be introduced into the Reps because, under Standing Orders, private members’ bills can’t appropriate money, writes Bernard Keane.
