Senator Fifield: We’re financially assisting seniors in all sorts of ways…

You asked Senator Fifield, “The pension is barely enough to live on. Factors such as increasing healthcare costs, acting as carers, family dependence and every day expenses aren’t allowed for in our pension amount. Can you please fight for us to increase the pension amount or at least the assistance seniors can get for these things?”

And Senator Fifield answered…

I want to make clear that the Coalition is genuinely committed to the welfare of older Australians. Over 60s have contributed an immense amount to our country over their lifetimes and continue to do so in retirement.

They deserve to be treated with dignity and fairness as they age, and this Government will always strive to do exactly that.

The Government understands that some pensioners are concerned about keeping up with rises in cost-of-living expenses. That’s why, although we’re scrapping the carbon tax, the Coalition will be keeping the legislated pensions increases which were to be compensation for the costs of the carbon tax. It means pensioners will keep the increase but won’t have to pay the carbon tax

As noted previously, the Government provides assistance to seniors for the costs of maintaining good health through pension concession cards and the Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare Card.

The Government also recognises the significant work of carers and the pressures they face. One of the core aims of both the National Disability Insurance Scheme and upcoming changes to our aged care system is to better support families and carers. The Government also funds a number of carer support programs, including the National Respite for Carers Programme.