September 10, 2008
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester will push for a Private Member’s Bill to increase the pension and provide a one-off bonus payment before Christmas.
Mr Chester, who was elected on a campaign of fighting for a fair go for pensioners in Gippsland, said it was time for both sides of politics to get serious about helping pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.
“Everyone from the Prime Minister down has admitted that it is impossible to live on $273 per week as a single aged pensioner and we must increase the pension immediately,” Mr Chester said.
“I have raised the issue in Parliament on two separate occasions and I have spoken to several of my Coalition colleagues and I believe that there is overwhelming support for immediate action.
“It is hypocritical of the Prime Minister and Treasurer to say they need to wait for the findings of a review – when they are currently trying to increase taxes in the middle of a taxation review.
“We are a wealthy nation with a $22 billion surplus and we are ignoring the plight of more than two million Australians who are struggling to make ends meet.”
Mr Chester has dismissed the Government’s continual claims that the previous Howard Coalition Government did not do enough.
“What is the statute of limitations on the blame game for the Rudd Government?” he asked.
“When will they stop looking backwards and get on with the job they were elected to do?”
Mr Chester said he was investigating the opportunity for a Private Member’s Bill.
“I believe we should put it to a vote in Parliament and find out what Labor backbenchers really think about the level of support for pensioners and carers in this country,” he said.
Mr Chester has previously called for an increase in the single aged pension of $30 per week in line with National Seniors Australia’s submission to the Government. He has also called for a $300 one-off payment before the end of this year.
“The question is not how this can be factored into the budget – it is whether a wealthy nation can live with itself if it continues to neglect the basic needs of so many people,” Mr Chester said.