[Greens-Media] Costello weighs up Greens' pension deal

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Tuesday, 18 September 2007 

Costello weighs up Greens' pension deal

Greens Leader Bob Brown today welcomed reports that Government ministers
and backbenchers want to increase the aged pension, following a campaign
by the Greens.

"Pensioners are John Howard's forgotten people. The Greens' campaign to
increase the aged pension by $60 a fortnight is clearly resonating in
marginal seats around the country," Senator Brown said. 

"There has not been a substantial increase in the aged pension during
Prime Minister Howard's 11 years in office. Australia's 2 million
pensioners deserve a greater share of Australia's prosperity," said
Senator Brown said. 

The Greens would fund the $60 per fortnight increase in the aged pension
funded by scrapping the tax cut for those earning over $75,000 per year,
announced in the federal budget.

"It's all about priorities. The Greens support an increase in the aged
pension as well as the veterans' pension, but neither the ALP nor the
Liberal Party has matched us," Senator Brown said.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603



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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185	

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www.myspace.com/bobbrowngreens