[Greens-Media] Robbing the pensioners to pay for the boomers

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Wednesday, 3 May 2006

Robbing the pensioners to pay for the boomers

Greens Leader Bob Brown today released a report showing that the aged
pension is a much better and cheaper alternative than the generous
superannuation tax concessions offered to high income earners.

"If the Government is truly worried about people's level of income in
retirement then it should begin by improving the quality of life of
today's pensioners, rather than focusing exclusively on the imagined
requirements of the retirees of tomorrow," Senator Brown said.

"Any discussion of the standard of living for pensioners who currently
survive on $13,000 a year is completely absent from the debate on
superannuation," said Senator Brown.

In 1996 John Howard scrapped the subsidised dental scheme for
pensioners, citing its cost, but after 10 years of strong economic
growth he has still not found the money to replace it. However last year
the Prime Minister spent more than $650 million abolishing the
superannuation surcharge for high income earners.

"The Greens propose to reverse both of those decisions. The subsidised
dental scheme for low income earners should be replaced, and the high
income superannuation surcharge should be reinstated," said Senator
Brown.

"During his decade in office the Prime Minister has taken most from
those with the least, and given most to those that need it the least."

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603



'The costs of ageing in Australia: a crisis of cash or a crisis of
confidence?' Can be downloaded from the 'media releases' section at:
www.bobbrown.org.au

--------------------------------------------------------------
Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au