Pension increases

$5 per fortnight for a couple sometimes I think it may be better to live apart. I do not understand how they think that pensioners can live a reasonable life without dipping into savings. I know that our savings have gone from around $6000 to $200 in two years. I believe the single pension should go up by at least $12 and the combined couple pension by $14.

Could a politision live on this, I think not

It is a shame. Politicians are out of touch with pensioners needs. I am very sad what they are doing with us.

Break out the Champagne, age pension is going up by $5 per person in a couple, per fortnight. Wow, an extra $5 per week. We won't know what to do with all the extra money.
Politicians are laughing at us, aren't they.

This is yet another insult to the people who put them in their cosy job and all they gave us is empty promises. I have said all along we need to be given at least the average wage to live. After all if it is good enough for a worker to receive that amount then why should it be any different for us? We still have to pay bills, eat and get around the place via some sort of transport. We usually have more to pay out as our health needs rise. Sad to say.

Is this government kidding. I suppose the illegal boat people also get the increase and they have not paid taxes as we older folk have done.

I can now buy an extra 4 and a half litres of unleaded fuel a fortnight or two extra loaves of bread.
I bet my Electricity bill goes up by more than the increase.

Norm39

It is an insult! I just checked our accounts..including credit...as we have to find moiney for some repairs to our 5 year old car. Our available cash has gradually dropped from around $12000 6 years ago to just over $500 now. I have struggled to maintain my private health cover, but after being a member since childhood, I may have to drop it. as I have chronic health problems that will cost the government a packet..OH..hang on..with the long waiting lists I may be dead before they need to pay to treat me!

Why is the question just aimed at the single pension?
Married people are severely discriminated against just by being married. Marriage "costs" a couple $186.00 per fortnight from the single rate, around 25%, because they are married. Nearly FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS a year.
Each individual married pensioner is still an individual who has individually become entitled to a pension. So, why doesn't each individual person who is one of a married couple be entitled to their individual entitlement?
The "argument" is that old belief that two can live as cheaply as one. Well try telling that to the supermarket, or the coffee shop, or the shoe shop or the health insurance fund, or your mortgagee and ask for a 25% discount because you are married!!!
Sure there are savings by living together in the form of rates, electricity and gas, but, they don't add up to anything like $5,000 per annum.
I am most grateful for the Age pension, most grateful, but, by discriminating against marriage it goes against everything that this society holds dearest.

And to answer the question, no, I do not think that the single pension is enough, but, I certainly think that the combined married pension is grossly unfair by comparison.

$3.35 a week extra....WOW, That's an extra 4 tins of NoFrills baked beans a week. Don't know if I can cope with such a rich addition to my diet.

What are you having for dinner tonight Julia? Tony?

$6.70! Woopee! According to Gilkatho Cappuccino Price Index, I could buy a cup of take away Cappuchino each week and STILL have 40cents left over. Thank you oh powers that be, for this great bounty!! Sorry for couples, you wont be able to be so frivolous
De

$5 per fortnight increase - BIG DEAL. The Health Insurance increase has taken that already before any of the other bills.

Wow! almost enough for 2 cups of coffee. Big deal and we are supposed to be grateful. Politicians really are out of touch with the real world. I would challange any of them to live for a fortnight on a single pension, that includes paying bills, (with health funds and basic services increasing their charges) and then buying food, when you have done this there is not much left for anything else.

At least we don't have to go on strike to get a pay rise! Don't forget,compared to many people around the world,we aren't doing too badly. For example, you probably wouldn't want to be a pensioner in Greece.
Another point to take into consideration is the extras we receive: discounts on utilities, rates ,car registration etc. I will never be rich but life can be happy and comfortable.

I suppose those of us in Government housing will lose 25% of that for a start, won;'t be much left to fight over

I suppose those of us in Government housing will lose 25% of that for a start, won;'t be much left to fight over

P.S On the other hand, being an old dog, I might just spend all that money once a
week on something special - a tin of PAL ("pensioner's pate") if it's on special!

I strongly suggest that we ALL refuse this "charity". This is another insult by our greedy, rotten
selfish "Public Servants" eg. POLITICIANS.These FREELOADERS taking 2.1 mio. Pensioners for
stupid taxpayers (GST).

$6.70 a fortnight is an absolute joke. I agree with the majority here. I could never see the politicians giving themselves a meagre $6.70 payrise, they prefer a pay rise of $75,000!!!! (Not that they do much to earn that). I don't want that much, I'd just love to be able to pay all my bills, ON TIME, put good food on the table, provide for my daughter and maybe have a little left over to do something I like to do. That $6.70 will go within a week or so with rising food prices. So it really makes no difference at all. The politicians are SO out of touch with us normal people. I believe that before someone can become a politician, they should have to spend 6 months or more living on a pension, just so they can get a feel of what life is like for the lower paid people. Get some insight and get themselves out of their comfort zones........can you tell I really dislike POLITICIANS???

A real insult to age pensioners, who are they kidding?
I would like to know why politicians get raises of thousands of dollars and pensioners get $ 3.55 a week, when the amount we get is insufficient to start with, not even the minimum salary!
It has been always the elderly that are the victims of such a social injustice, no wonder many don't even bother voting for the impossibly incapable people in all the parties in Australia.

I am lucky in that I own my home and car, and have a little in the bank. I budget very carefully, and do without a lot, but feel that if I had to rent a residence, I would not survive. I recently lowered my medical coverage in the hope that I won't need these items in the near future in my cover. However, with some needy repairs and maintenance my small amount of capital is dwindling slowly. I would love a part- time job, but cannot get a job because I am 65yrs, even though I am very well skilled and up to date with technology etc. I have a desire to travel a little for the first time, but I am beginning to see that may not be feasible, so I will most probably miss out andwatch the travel shows on TV. I feel I am luckier than most, but feel very sad for those who are struggling far more than myself. It is these pensioners who are in dire need.....

You are all out of my thought range.Cheers.

It's so sad when all I see is whinging about how greedy the politicians are and how disregarded the aged population are. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!!!! Just about everybody I speak to have "always" voted Labor or have"always" voted Liberal and they continue to do so to the bitter end,poor miserable sods that they are. For a while we had a pathetic attempt to consolidate with a mob called Grey Power.....what a name! If every Seniors in Australia got together and Voted as one we would not only have the balance of power,we would have government. Nice thought isn't it.

whatever happened to Grey Power? it really is an insult - was made 'redundant', am unemployable because of age so exist on the pension. Yesterday was pension day but I did not see the increase show in my bank - seems we have to wait another fortnight for the "largess" to arrive

I am really fed up with all politicians,they send $$$$ overseas,look after illegals.Who do we vote for ????We do need to get together and stop letting them get away with it.I agree with dmoore's comments.Any ideas I will be in on it.

I am really fed up with all politicians,they send $$$$ overseas,look after illegals.Who do we vote for ????We do need to get together and stop letting them get away with it.I agree with dmoore's comments.Any ideas I will be in on it.

Nanna Norma Yes we have paid our taxes,I have worked from the age of 15 why should we always be put on the backburner

When food items go up in price it is never by a few cents. So $5 a week for a couple really is an insult. Electricity, gas, petrol have all gone up by dollars a week, not cents. And lets not even get started on rents.

I live in a rural town S.A. in a community age home I paid the equity and pay a weekly fee.I don't pay rates or water,only phone and power. Own my car,have a healthy bank balance pay all bills on time live quite comfortable on pension some pays I have as much as $300-$400 over my power bill is less than $250 per Quarter.I don't skip on anything buy the best food.I don't smoke or gamble but enjoy a glass of wine.Feel sorry 4 less fortunate.

Our government is supposed to work for the people. That went out the window quite some time ago. Now they only worry about their own retirements. They don't care about us. Let them try living on our pension. They don't care about the aged, unemployment or anything like that as long as their own pockets are lined with cash and a lot more than any of them deserve.
It's an insult the way the government treats the average Australian these days. It also seems that the government is pushing towards not being married. I think it is disgusting and disgraceful all round.

I agree with most of what is said here, on top of that we live in a small town in Nth Queensland, we are open game for Councils, Traders, Fuel Retailers and anything else that can be jacked up because it has to be freighted. We aren't living we are scraping our way thru life.I volunteer for all of the things I can to put something back into the community.
Is anyone really trying to do something about our position, don't expect politicians to do anything, we need to stand up and be counted. Election coming up, great time to get motivated.

Now lets see how far this goes! We don't need old farts representing us who fall asleep after 10 minutes round the conference table.We certainly don't need Government appointed people supposedly to look after our interests. We don't need wise crackers like 'keep the bastards honest' or 'I'm as mad as hell" or"I had a dream" types.What we do need are young,well educated whipper snappers with fire in their bellies and a desire to look after the people who put them there. Unfortunately those types aren't reading these pages so don't realise what a vacuum they could fill. A despot in Uganta got tweeted 16 million times in 48 hours, surely we can stir up a bit more than we're doing!

So the Ministry of Love [ center link ] have excelled them selves again.The bureaucracy further insist on more money for themselves and demand we live on less and less .It is not only the money though.For most of our earlier working life we were promised by countless polititions of all parties that we shall recieve an entitlement to a pension to enable us to live in a modest comfortable manner.Most of us did not have the income or time to amass a great superanuation.
So they reduce our entitlement to welfare and subject us to an agressive regime and oppression. We have to continualy tell them everything that we do and where we go,who we see and what we buy [if we can ].LEAVE US ALONE TO GET ON WITH FEW REMAINING DAYS LEFT TO US.
We exist below the poverty line DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.INCREASE THE PENSION TO A REASONABLE RATE, and remove the oppresive regulation.

WHAT IS REQUIRED IS AN ACTIVE ASSOCIATION TO FIGHT THIS INJUSTICE

Has anyone thought that for every increase someone is paying more tax, unless you are mining then you have all the anti excess profit tax whingers on your behalf.
Of course everyone wants more, but try to be satisfied we are in Australia and not in a country where there is no help for the elderly,

Have just realized that the latest pension increae for my self and my wife separetely,is in fact an amazing 0.85%.I do not believeit can anyone else,I repeat 0.85%.

At the moment, we are managing on the age pension, mainly because we live in a granny flat attached to our son and daughter-in-laws house, and pay reduced rent because we take care of our grandchildren several days a week. This arrangement won't last forever, though, and I shudder to think about how we will manage in the future. Due to past financial disasters, we do not own our own home or car, and are never likely to do so. I really don't expect to live the high life on a pension, but are we not entitled to at least be able to afford a reasonable standard of living?

Our food cost has gone up by that much, petrol has gone +25%, power is up ????
Is that an answer?

I think its very insulting to even think about giving us pensioners such a pittance!
After all they the politicians couldn,t survive on what we get for a day let alone the two weeks we are expected to do so!

Dotty
20th march
8.08pm

Will not even buy 2 bread

what we, pensioners get a dribble. that has already been swallowed in the past twelve months through utility increases, smart metres, plus a cost of living increased beyond reason. I believe :( the politicians increase was well beyong that si why do they expect those on pensions to survive on such a miserable increase. My savings have disappeared, so what can be expected for the future.

add to the above comments the need to go to the doctor, pay the difference on pharmacy products; face long waiting time to get medical or hospital service as well as facing the same for dental services. I received a set of dentures after waiting approximately 8.5. years. They did not fit, so I rang the Royal Dental Hospitalto see whether they could be remedied. I was told that I would need to go on a waiting list. I said OK; note on the computer when my turn came would someone knock on my coffin to let me know. The lady I spoke with had a sense of humour and laughed then said it could be sped up by entering the student programme. I did and I would say it was the best thing I could have done. If the quality of students is indicative of our future dentists we will have enough, providing we can retain sufficient in Australia. Faced with a pension that is inadequate I would not have been able to have a decent set of teeth. Come on pollies, you have ensured you you receive a nore than adequate pension. Why not us?

stop whinging and vote labor out at the next election

If the authorities were fair dinkum at looking after those who've 'done their bit' for this great country, they'd go a little bit closer to the percentage increase that is given to them and company executives. I'm not advocating that we should be paid the same as them but, if nurses and teachers can be granted 20+ percent increases, we should at least be given MUCH higher increases than what we are currently given; everything else increases in proportion to what THEY get, not our piddling amount!

NO I DON,T LIKE THIS, SO ANNOYED PRESSED WRONG BUTTON, PROBABLY COST ME MY $2.50 to correct my statement. What an INSULT """

I wonder if Life Choices, could set up some kind of letter where we could all add our thoughts and be sent to the politicians.

I appreciate reading everyones comments re the various topics we find on Your Life Choices, but I am also very disappointed regards some of the nasty comments from a few people against some contributors. To those who do this, if you have no positive contribution to make and can only make denigrating statements then please remain off this chat series...after all we attract what we think and say. Thank you.

"Do you think $6.70 per fortnight is enough of an increase? If not, by how much do you think the single Age Pension needs to increase?"
It certainly needs to increase by much more....but who can put a guestimate that would equate to what we need, let alone what we feel we deserve, having brought this country to the fantastic place it is now; after all, without the taxes we've paid for 50-60 years and more, it wouldn't be in such good condition. I mean. look at how many are clamouring to get in!

This is a disgrace. How polititians can be so arrogants, inhumans and cruels to give us $2.50 per week or $125 per year while increasing their salaries by $75.000 plus per year.
We must do something to show everybody that we are still capable of mounting a good old fait.

THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE THAT CALCULATED THIS RISE AS A BALANCE WITH THE RISE IN THE COST OF LIVING, SHOULD BE SACKED AS HE/SHE IS NOT IN TOUCH WITH THE REAL WORLD. DID THEY SPEAK TO ANY PENSIONERS PRIOR TO THE DECISION

The problem pensioners have is there is no strong lobby group. Politicians think probably correctly we will not change our life long voting pattern. I don`t have the answer on how to lobby but i will vote liberal at the next election, not because i think they will help the pensioners but because labour have little concern for us.
It is sad that with our growing voting power we can`t put it to better use. scotia

Yes..our $5.00 each per fortnight rise....rent went up 4 weeks ago by $5.00 a week (govt housing )private health going up $7.50 from April 1st..I have ovarian cancer,had a stay in hospital 2 weeks ago..had to pay my $250.00 excess..but today my oncologist said have to give me Avastin chemo which is in short supply,but having private health I get it for $100. instead of $2000..as long as we can scrape to pay it we will..its saving my life or at least giving me time..we have no savings left at all..but at least we are both still here...yes $5.00 is a joke.

why don't that stop the line rent on the phone we would be $360 a year better off and stop all the fees and charges at the banks and the $60 each year for a card the make money with the fees the u s a pay $ 60 for a debit card this this the next thing

Of course it is an insult,also why do married or couples receive $185 each less than a single person if each Pensioner married or not received the same amount a Defacto couple could live under the same roof instead of separate dwellings and the availability for Pensioner housing would increase by 50% and the Government would save a fortune in payments to the Defacto relationship snoopers they employ,it would also encourage couples to marry instead of being penalized
DAVO

maybe we should contribute 1 cent each and take the B......... to court like fat boy mineing magnate and others maybe then they night listen. we can not win this fight unless we have a tribunal set upp to fight on our behalf . codge

The Pension is a bloody pittance--I would like to see the Pollies exist on it--they soon give them selves a substantial rise--the rises are out of date WELL b4 we get them with the rise in everything !

We are being punished for being Pensioner's,who were never informed about Super,when we worked long and hard in our days,but to receive a pittance of a rise like $6.70.as soon as we receive this everyone and their dog hikes up prices,I barely have enough as it is for rent,utilities,phone and internet,let alone food,etc.yet the politicians give themselves raises,so they can live in the land of luxury,what a joke,come live in our shoes for a fortnight.and see if you make it.

One other thing that goads me is,those who can earn money before centrelink can touch it,that should be the rise the other pensioners get,but being 70 we cant get work to help us.

If you wish to change this situation of pensions that are very inadequate and become a larger voice to action for change, then please go to the article under government where others have voiced an opinion for taking action to change the situation. Show that we are not apathetic and take ACTION! We are a powerful group in numbers but we have to VOICE it so that politicians sit up and take notice!!!!!!!!

And where is that site MAC22

Your Life Choices under Government, an article by Ken who has joined your Life Choices. Just scroll down on the front page.

Found it thanks MAC22

http://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/news/the-biggest-unused-voting-lobby-in-australia

It's a joke, what do they think pensioners are ! You do the right thing by paying your taxes through out your working life think that you will get a good pension and what do they give you !

Also the age going up to end up at 70 !!! how the hell do they expect people to work till then --what if you have a physical job--and even now once you are 45 it is hard to get a job--

Consider this proposition. With the huge number of pensioners this Country has, what a united voting block they could create if they banded together as a group and formed a political party, and dont discount this for over the years some democracies found value in calling on the knowledge of older statespeople. Why not form the UNITED PENSIONERS UNION... even the acronym might get these wealthy immature politicians quaking.. The catch call for such a force would be "UPU".. If you are having troubles with the meaning sound out the acronym.....

UPU--I like it Banjo

Yes,even though there are people out there trying to help pensioners get a fairer deal,we need someone in power who will the right thing,or maybe form our own party for Canberra,and stand up and fight for our rights.someone with a lot of get up and go,no nonsense attitude.

I HOPE ALL THE POOR RETIRED POLITICIONS CAN SURVIVE ON THIS GRAND INCREASE TO THEIR PENSIONS
Barry

I am an aged pensioner. Electicity tates have increased by a third in the last couple of years.
In South East Qld we have access to 21 providers. What a joke. Governments are supposed to look after infrastructure of the community, instead they privatise everything they can get away with. Then the boards of these companies and the CEO demand huge salaries and we pay. What happened to our catch up with the mining tax etc.. It's getting like the Howard Govt. They used to give $2, 12 months too late and then take $6. for some state or council reason. We need about $30 raise to keep up.

good one banjo that would be the rite move since the70,s the grey power has more than tripeled so yes we have astrong and powerfull voice and even if we don,t win enough seats we as sure as hell can stick it up them viva grey power

The Hon Prime Minister said that we would be compensated for the mining tax and Climate Change increases. Companies are charging for those already, but as usual we fall behind again. We would just like to keep pace, Julia.

What a load of whingers. I suppose we are lucky as we own a house and a car and have no debts. Having been always self employed we have no superannuation but are now really on easy street. We know exactly what we are going to get every fortnight and can plan our finances properly. We dont have to worry about tax. We get lots of perks and can go visiting any time we like. Last year we went to WA for 3 months and it cost $54 a day including all our petrol. As we get older I guess we will need more for medical expenses but I am putting a bit of money away every month to help with that.

we didn't get an increase yesterday - in fact, it was 80 cents less for each of us.

I am trying to live on a widows allowance of $532.80 pf it is very hard. The greedy Gillards,Newmans and the rest would spend more than that on a meal.

My husband says "we are getting paid to go on holiday" Something that has never happened to us before. If we went on holiday we didn't get any money!!

No doubt about these poli-tricksters. They are so concerned about looking after boat people etc. they have no idea what is going on in the country they were elected to govern. We need a Minister for AUSTRALIAN affairs to see the problems in health & housing apart from many others. To think we have to vote for one of this lot in 18 months!!!.
tasherlock

Poly = many Tics= blood sucking --describes them fully

Does anybody seriously think that the Liberals would be any more generous? They never have been before. Pensioners have nearly always been far better off under Labor. Just be thankful you live in Australia where there IS actually a pension and you don't have to rely on family or charitable handouts for the rest of your life.

Presumably you can all still afford your internet connections?

No we are never better off with the Libs--but the Lab are not as they used to be--and yes I am pleased I live here but I worked long and hard and paid taxes like so many others and I expect what we were promised--and the cost of living has gone up way out of control--and yes I have internet--but I don't live the high life either. I own my home and car and pay my bills of which there are many as many would know but thats about it.

WHO THE HELL DO THESE FAT OVERPAID WANKERS THINK THEY ARE WHAT A JOKE THIS PAYRISE IS I SUPPOSE ALL THESE ILLEGAL BOATIES GET THE SAME IF NOT MORE WISH WE COULD AFFORD A LUXURY MOTEL TO LIVE IN. DONT GET ME STARTED ON FUEL ELECTRICITY WATER, COUNCIL RATES,ETC ETC ETC THESE CLOWNES [ POLLIES ] WOULD NOT KNOW WHAT WE PAY FOR THESE LUXURIES ITS ALL FREE FOR THEM SORRY WE PAY FOR THEM SO THEY DONT CARE... I PERSONALLY DONT THINK ANY OF THEM COULD RUN A CHOOK RAFFLE LET ALONE THE COUNTRY........................................

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There was an attempt a few years ago to start a party for pensioners. We got as far as looking for someone to represent us out of all the people who troubled enough to write in their comments....and that was as far as it went. There were arguments about this one & that one & why they wouldn't be suitable & the comments started to get out of hand so that was when I decided to not read any more & left the list in The Meeting Place. So do not know what eventuated. Quite obviously nobody was found as it never happened or this discussion would not be happening. It is a big shame as we really need to do this, it will be the only way but sadly as I have said before trying to get all pensioners motivated to do something is a nigh on impossible thing. I held meetings where I live but found they just wanted someone else to do it for them. Apathy is ripe I am sad to say. If only!!!!

I wonder how Mr Rudd would manage on the amount we get! Does he still get paid on top of his immense pension, what if he had of one the vote the other week, would he have to manage on the payout he got or would he have got additional pay? They don't even deserve a fraction of what they get, we survived whilst growing up and had hard times but it made us better people. No matter how hard it is we will struggle through, but people like the ones in power would and don't know how to. kita qt. Stockport.

Well, all these comments show the diversity of problems that exist for pensioners, but it was rare to hear from hardly anyone who would like to take ACTION and approach their local member with the realities of life as a pensioner, like the positives and negatives, and suggesting the amount that would benefit them per fornight to meet all their utility bills, Rent, power, rego, hh insce, health insce,rates (if homeowner), groceries, emergency fund, petrol & repairs, fares (if no car), clothing, ....and more.....work it out and show an estimate of what is required to live with dignity.

We all have the power to do this and approach your local member and have a positive discussion with your representative. Let us know some of the responses by them, then think about if you are willing to create a group of Seniors to represent the majority of us, to try to change political thinking. I don't feel we should blame any party but ourselves for our lack of courage to action, organising, moaning, complaining etc. If we want to have this change then it is up to all of us to do something about it. No one person can do it alone and this needs feedback regards any action taken, and in the near future, to form a powerful group of strong pensioners fighting for justice, and increased monies to live on for their circumstances.
It is terrible in this day and age to see not only our older pensioners living on the street, in cars, or deserted buildings. Each person is a human being that need our help and to assist them to improve their circumstances in life. Only a large number of people acting together in good faith that are honest, hardworking, generous with their time, and feel kindness to all peoples that would benefit all of us in forming a working group to fight for CHANGE......before it is all set in Concrete.

Have I anyone out there who thinks this way and is willing to offer their time and service to form a group to work towards this recognition of pensioners needs, and their valuable skills that are no longer, in most cases, recognised for their contributions to society now and in the future? Would love to hear from you!!!!

I answered you MAC22 on the other page that was mentioned here. Kens column. have a look.

By the way I wouldn't have the strength to organise a group but certainly would be a part of one in as much as I can. I am too disabled to walk the streets. Plus if I go ahead with the op I am supposed to have any day will be out of action for the best part of a year. Ever had a spine screwed & plated with rods?

Me again. I have been on Today Tonight regularly over the years as they contact me to give them an update on cost of living increases. They know I keep receipts & books with all the prices in so each year they give me a ring. Must be due to get another call so must update my books.

Hi Terrib, I understand your difficulty, but you have a wealth of experience, courage, and useful contacts. You would be an asset to any organisation. I have a brother who is wheelchair bound and so is his wife, so I understand where you are coming from.

No I have never experienced a back medical problem but I have a friend who has experienced this and had surgery. I hope all will go with you, and you will be in my prayers and may your angels watch over you....take courage, you are special.

MAC22 I am curious. Did your friend by any chance have scoliosis? I have this plus many other complications among them being osteoporosis. So the surgeon is unwilling to perform surgery unless I ask for it due to the fact the bones are now weak & he is afraid the screws will pop out therefore causing me more complications. I am trying to get info from others that may have had the same deal so I can assess if the risk is worth taking.

Terrib, I am sorry, no that is not the case with my friend, however although his operation was a success, he has to have surgery done again roughly every three to four years as it does not last.

Nan Norma, I too have been onto the local member about this plus other things--same as you--I got the stock standard letter--every time--they don't give a hoot about anything but their own security

Yes Nan Norma & PlanB that was the sort of reply I kept getting whenever I wrote to ministers. I think they have a set one on file they pull out for these kind of letters. They say what they have done for us since taking power & how the previous lot didn't do this or that so we are better off etc, etc,.

Yes Terrib, thats right they are always blowing their own trumpet in the local paper and slipping stuff in the letter box but do stuff all when you write them

Yes it is a tragically miserable increase..........and if the "Mad Monk" ever gets the keys to "The Lodge" it will get even worse. He may follow the UK Conservative Chancellor who today "froze pension benefits" in order to save 3Billion GBP - so he could cut taxes - see :
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/budget/9158143/Budget-2012-George-Osbornes-3-billion-pension-raid-helps-pay-for-tax-cuts.html

.......BUT, we will have our own revenge. After spending taxpayer money on "Intergenerational Reports" that blind Freddie could see (at no cost) that we Pensioners, Baby Boomers, Grey Nomads etc. will become a huge voting block that "makes or breaks" Federal Governments. If they ignore us, they will pay the ultimate price at the Polling Booths of Australia!!

Your pile of dollars is far too much on the picture,I would like to thank Kween Julia for the ERR!! rise.., and tell her to take $3.30 change..I will have just enough for a loaf of bread,with mine... I'm wondering what She will buy with her $2,6000 a week just received.?????...but as my 87 year old Veteran neighbour says Half a Loaf is better than NONE!!!... AHH WELL!!! Another 6 months to wait again .. Got any Margerine???? Ha Ha !!!

First may I say to those who commented on the fact that they found no problems with their financial posiion today, well thats great for you, a minority, it appears obvious that you are younger than the greater pensioner population. Enjoy your easy life, but in the terms of Aussie mateship dont condemn us older ones, who though as the end of the perch draws closer, have the right to a just living allowance. I dont want what the Pollies get I just want them to share with us. Us the people who gave them the opportunity to rise to their giddy heights.

For all of you who are in the group of "battling pensioners" remember these may I use the term "old" adages...

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!

We may have tried in the past,

BUT PENSIONS AND LIVING COSTS HAVE MOVED POLES APART!

Let our voices be heard and loudly so.

2 BOB MORE !! IM an old age pensioner!! And not a violent person!! BUT If ONE more pensioner tells me down the Street .."I dont know how you cant live on the pension" again I will not be responsible for the reaction..They had just finnished telling me how their Son/Daughter pays all their Power,Phone,Gas,Etc Bills !!!??? I too would be Delighted,if this was the Case ???..Goodby Old Bomb, New Car Please..Ha !Ha!! Kick in the Crotch!!!

SexeeBear..Up the Top there!!! Well arent you a Happy little Vegemite !!!???? You tell my Stuffed Hip to get up and get out to work!!! Stupid Crow!!! I'm 66 Darling!!!

I agree with sexeebear 21/3/12, only about a part time job, I don't agree that the measley $ the government has bestowed upon pensioners is adequet in any way, BUT there are jobs out there albeit part time / casual if you look hard enough, I am almost 70yrs old, have trouble walking due to Arthritus in the knee, but I found myself a part time job and work 5-6 hrs a week, and with the government's scheme to only access me on anything I earn after $250.00 per week, plus the $146.00 I am allowed to earn, I am able to keep all of my pension plus the bit I earn,,, now before you come back with all your mmmmmmmmmmmm comments, I realise it is not the solution for everyone, but if you are fit and able,, then give it a go, and as for you particolor, I too have had both hips replaced, one replaced twice and still have probs with it, but I don't whinge about because there are others who are worse than me and can't even walk, stop feeling sorry for yourself.

When everything else fails, alternative best option is, hire a leaky boat - head for Xmas Island - get arrested then its plain sailing, temporary accomodation with small discomforts, eventually plenty money, plenty white-goods even a house, good on them, by all accounts there are a lot of boats heading in the same direction for pensioners. It feels good to get crap off your chest however, its water off a ducks back as far as polititions are concerned, they are only there to pass the time away until their big pension pay day comes along. I shall be saving my $2.50 per week towards a fine for not voting.

Please go to the following website www.yourlifechoices.com.au/news/it-really-is-time
to celebrate the good news and the ACTION to START!!!

your right Billy, yesterday I went to the Royal dental Hospital web site, to check on the waitting list time, then to the Student Programme, and guess what ?? along with Torres Islanders and Aborigines, the B******* refugees got first preference over pensioners, I say if they want to come live in OUR COUNTRY so bad we do a swap with them, let them live like a pesioner and we take on the refugee life

the B******* refugees got first preference over pensioners,

OMG you have to be joking !!! But I do believe you, that is disgusting !

what a joke we should come in on a boat, we would get more, or be a crookes like polie's and get $10.0000 for doing nothing, we worked all our lifes , now all that work goes to boat people and others and cheating pollie's. we should have got at leat $30 or more it dose not cover the power and water not even a drop, as the the youg one say it sucks Ann

easy to say comments about Greece etc , or get a part job --- i am 81 my wife is 79 married for 60 years ,, instead of telling us things we can not do ---- tell us things we can do , we do manage but it was and is a struggle

You lucky to get 10.00 for a pensioner couple.my husband
and I got only 6.00 just because my husband get a little bit of superannuation.

easy to say comments about Greece etc , or get a part job --- i am 81 my wife is 79 married for 60 years ,, instead of telling us things we can not do ---- tell us things we can do , we do manage but it was and is a struggle

++++


You took the words out of my mouth Phil

Dear Miss Marple.
Go and write another Novel,aint read one for years..I live in a country Town ,WHERE THERE IS NO BLOODY WORK!!! CITY PEOPLE Get their petrol for Free as far as I'm concerned and they whinge about it !!We get no compensation for the vast difference in price?????
And Look after your other 2 Hips!!! WOOF!!!
You people aren't thinking at all..Lets Stop all Child minding,and volunteer work,Etc
They have no Idea of the Value of old people on the Pittance,ERR!! Pension,and send their PAY RISE Backto them,it is absolutlly no use to you!!!
1 tin of PAL a week(on Special)
For those in State Housing you will get 25% Less on account of your rent will go ^UP,leaving you with $5 for the Fortnight!! Or 35.1000000Repeater,a Day!!!!
SPEND WISELY!!
( NO LUXURY ITEMS)<<< Copied from 1938 Food Voucher !!! LEEEERVE YERS !!!

PS...I have no hip to speak of on one side due to a Birth Defect!! Yet I Drove Trains for 30 years and paid Huge Amounts of TAX!! Thanks Miss M... Happy Birthday !!!

Oh yes, news time...won't be many more today

Where can i send a thank you card to Julia Lair [Pinocchio], Tony Rabbit, Bob brownnose, Wayne swine, and other over paid pollies a..holes. If every pensioner sent a thank card and spoke their mind maybe the a...holes might take some notice ???

It really is hars to stay positive with a $5 raise for couples. As most have said all items go up , so this rise covers little. My husband and I have many health problems so are trying to continue to pay Health Insurance, going up over &20 a month in April, so there goes double our rise. Thus we will still be $10 a month worse off next month than last. We are also having to move into smaller premises for health reasons and will lose more pension until our house sells, which could be months. Coral

What a joke $6.70 a fortnight for a single. I see so many retirees sitting in Shopping Centres on cold days trying to keep warm. and having asleep, because they cant afford the electricity and gas bills, my God it really is getting worse when we have to do this. I think this Government are more for the younger families.Now if you have a baby you get a lump sum, and the parent gets 6months full pay from work,and then monthly allowance,No one should be paid for having a baby, thats a couples decision.We got nothing forthe first and $5 a month for the 2nd.Is this really the lucky country????? Remember this when you vote next time.

send boat people back and look after australia and all pensioners jul liar worst pm ever

we will all get ripped off when carbon tax happens every thing will go up hard

It is all very well for sexeebear to tell people to find part-time employment.A lot of people.myself included,retire at the statutory age pension requirement age because of ill health.As people get older they become more susceptible to illness,that is provided that they live to that age,whichof course a great number don't.Seseebear is fortunate to be in a position to be able to work.Don't critisize those who have worked all their lives and are taking a little back from the large amount that they have contributed.

To the majority of you who are getting some sort of increase in your pensions, spare a thought to those of us who don't get one at all. I am on a mix of NZ Police Pension, WINZ (the NZ counterpart to Centrelink) and a bit of Centrelink pension which is paid on income testing. My income has remained substantially static for the past 3 years and we are having to gradually erode our savings and assets to live a fairly frugal lifestyle. I suspect the policy of Centrelink is to gradually grind us into the dirt so that we get stressed about trying to exist and therefore meet a premature death, which solves all of Centrelink's problems.

To Miss Marple & any others using the "Keatingism"...go and get a job - what planet are you from?? This is just one of many studies into unemployment :
http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/jobless-outnumber-officially-unemployed/story-fn7kjcme-1226308283102

You overlook that Pensions are for those who have paid for the current generation's schooling, food, shelter & upbringing & so forth. Then there are those who are disabled....what do you expect of them.

Even though it was Bismark in Germany that was the first Government to introduce a "public pension scheme", we should not now sink to the depths of "the final solution" for the current or future taxpayers & Pensioners of Australia.

my husband and i live in a tiny 2 bedroom unit, due to ill health we need a bedroom each, at age 72 and 73 respectivly, we are both on quite a bit of medication , which eats into your pension before you start. the doctor recently gave me a new tablet to stop crippling pain in my right leg. he gave me a couple of sample packs to see if they worked, they did. but now find they will cost me $79 amonth,because they are not on the pbs. i have no hope of paying this ,so look like suffering. this pension increase of $5 each is gone allready as being in public housing 6 weeks ago our rent was increased by $6 a week each so where is the justice in that. we are behind the 8 ball before we begin. this rise is a disgrace,it is now sunday and i am broke until thursday, government, tell me this is fair.

It really is a joke, Julia got a pay increase of $90,000, we get $6.70 fortnight, all the politicians are way overpaid, to sit and fall asleep at question time, laughable. A major concern is the new rates on the electricity and the gas bills, Im dreading the winter ones, ah!well have to wear a hooded jacket indoors and not use the heating. This really is appalling treatment of the seniors.

Posted on behalf of Catherine M

The pension increase is a joke. Politicans should be ashamed of themselves. Don't know how they sleep at night. Pensioners do not live they just exist. The grey army has lost its political voice and there is nobody to put our case forward for us. Most of us are sick and walk with our canes but we shold be organised to travel to Canberra and shame the government. I am 90 years old and the pension does not keep up with the cost of living. There are things we would like to buy but we cannot afford it. We still have our rates and taxes to pay out of a pittance of a pension. We have worked long and hard over the years and reared good families to be put out to pasture in our old age. What people may not know is that when we worked as married women raising families as single parents, we were not allowed to pay into super. By the time the super was brought in we could not afford to pay it so we did not have the luxury of paying into super. That is why the majority of us in my age group do not have super. Ashamed of this greedy government and so should all of the politicans. I think they should all live only on the pension for 6 months and give that money to charity which they would have earned.

Catherine M, Tuesday, March 20, 2012

catherine m, couldnt agree more.i started work at 14 married at 20 and had 3 children. all adults now, and have there own families, i had a small break inbetween having my kids then was back at work. super was never heard of . i have worked and paid taxes all my life, my 3 kids have all always worked and have never collected the dole or any other benefit, same with my husband and i, this $6 is an insult.i dread the colder weather coming because the fuel bills will rise. christ, where does this all end.

In 1994 my husband and I got the age pension for the first time we were 65. The council rates were about $500, and we received $250 discount for pensioners, our rates are now over $1000 and we get $250 discount, and it is the same for the electricity, I have kept the bills so I know it is true. Every yearthat goes past our pension becomes less value. I agree with Banjo we need our own political party. Busybee.

Thank you all for your comments, and I am prepared to organise a get together as many feel very strong about this. We need to be a VOICE in the wilderness for all and for the future pensioners of all ages. Please advise Kay if you wish to join a group to discuss strategies and how and what action we need to take. All for one and one for all....so to speak. Kaye can forward your contact details to me......Lets stand together for ACTION......

today i recieved 2 bills, my gas and mt phone, the phone bill was $21/30 for calls ,but the bill was $68,/64/ these are all telstra charges on a monthly bill.the charges on the gas bill was $48 then we have electricity, this is all money we pay before we even switch on a light, turn on the stove make one phone call., it is a complete disgrace, i do know people who have had there phone cut down so they can get incoming calls but cant make calls out, people should not be isolatef from the outside world like this, i am prepared to join any group that can help, surely ,united we can do something.

I am prepared to join the Voice

OK, this is NOT an increase, this is a DECREASE, let's star from the beginning, Kevin Rudd decided to split the $500.00 at the end of the year and give us $30.00 a fourtnight, when Julia Gillard got in, she decided we get $15.00 a fournight, every March and Sept.
Now, the $15.00 in been REDUCED to $6.70, this is a joke and an insult to all pensioners.!
When are the government and the press going to get right.!
DO NOT published pension increase when it's a DECREASE.! Please give us a break!

Maybe we should copy this and send the lot to Julia

I agree with Plan B send a copy to Julia, if anyone can help surely she could.Busybee.

I WANT MY MUMMY !!!

Hi All,
The increase was absorbed before the ink was dry and has been for a few months "prior to the announced increase.
Perhaps we need to consider who has highjacked our governments.
This may be where we should commence.
Commonwealth Constitution. Governments have attempted to change the Constitution through various means, except the legal means, i.e. referendum
Where any state Act conflicts with the Commonwealth then the Commonwealth takes precedence.
Local government. Has no standing under the Commonwealth Constitution. High Court decisions regarding negligence and failure of “Duty of Care”, refer to local government as service providers to the local community. Accepting that council are service providers, it follows that council might not have the authority have the authority to sell of public assets and Crown Land (people’s land) without the approval of the people.
Should councillors go overseas junkets at the expense of the tax/rate per on matters that have no relation to providing services to the local community. If they stayed at home and oversaw the provision of services, we might have more accountability and transparency. In turn, we might also get improved roads, health services support for the disabled and frail, Parks and Gardens Recreational facilities for all, etc.
I say for all because it seems the trend of councils is to support and fund large sporting venues, which benefit the few but seriously inconvenience the majority. The local community must pay to attend with the profits befitting the few vested interests, often coming from outside of the local area. Not all citizens are sports oriented, preferring to walk in open space and enjoy the quiet there as well as the sights and sounds of birds, etc. Councils are selling off public lands to developers who are not concerned with the interests of the community; only to make a quick profit and leave future problems to the local community to solve.
Halls and community centres already paid for by the ratepayers have been privatised and the public must pay for the use of those halls. Under the Local Government Act, there is provision for councillors to delegate decision making to administration and council has only to approve the recommendations.
Where delegations are unlimited, unsupervised, uncontrolled, they can leave councillors in the dark about the details leading to those decisions. Under those conditions, council can be led into errors of judgment and law, as well as allegations of conflict of interests or corruption and pandering to their mates.
Action taken through the courts may prove they do not have that right and therefore may also be in breach of the Commonwealth Crimes Act and be liable for criminal action.
State Government. The Victorian Constitution 1975 is invalid, as the Victorian Constitution 1855 has not been repealed. I am not sure whether a referendum was held; if not then this is more serious as the 1855 Victorian Constitution would take precedent.
Any Victorian government using the 1975 Constitution as its base of power could find that any Acts, amendments or regulations that has been legislated may be invalid.
We have had the experience of e.g. the education department selling off land (Crown land), Hospitals being closed and sold to the developers and then finding later that the assets were needed.
Vested interests try to claim that the commonwealth Constitution is out of date because it was designed by Westminster. I am neither Royalist nor Republican but my studies have convinced me that it is a well-crafted document stemming from the Magna Carta and also takes into consideration it was being designed for fledging colonies who would gain their complete independence.
It matters not who wrote it as long as it meets the people expectations and provides justice for all, whether street sweeper or Company directors. It should be unbiased, providing justice for all.
Our governments have sold Australia out to foreign interests; ignore the Commonwealth Constitution and the right of the individual are being eroded. An example might be VCAT, the so-called people’s court. It has become captive or the corporate legal system and decisions have been made that deny the ordinary people their rights and support the corporate interests.
The cost of a “little person” denies them the right to be heard. Often they are threatened that cost will be made against them. This is sufficient from many people on low income from seeking justice.
WHAT WE REALLY NEED IS FOR OUR GOVERNMENT TO HONOUR AND RESPECT OUR COMMONWEALTH CONSITUTION AND THE COMMONLAW RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL.
TO GOVERN ON BEHALF OF ALL CITIZENS WITHOUT BIAS OR PREJUDICE.
Then we may get justice for pensioners, the disabled, returned service people, etc. but until that happens we will not receive justice. If we can get government to govern for the people then we would not need a Pensioners Party or any other Party seeking justice for all.
I could go on and on. I could go into the privatised public utilities that are now in foreign hands and things like the smart meters are being forced on the public in breach of the Trade Practices Act, The Commonwealth Weights and Measures Act and the Commonwealth Crimes Act and perhaps many other acts.
Should the people choose to take class action then governments could easily find they are vicariously equally guilty, especially fi those governments are invalid.
The public is denied information about their rights and as a result appear to be apathetic, believing they have no rights therefore accept all that is dished out to them.
I would urge people to read their Constitution; Try to obtain an English translation of the Magna Carta, along with the State Acts, etc. and you will then be able to make informed decisions. Politicians elected to represent you in their constituency; once elected follow the Party rules generated by the power groups. The elected politicians must represent the people who put them there. Where I live, the performance of our elected MP’s is remarkable for their lack of performance for their constituents.
AT 79 years of age, I doubt I will benefit from change that bring justice but because I sincerely believe in the rights of the Australian people I continue to work as a volunteer community advocate and doing what I can to ensure justice for the weak and vulnerable in our community.
What we have now is No, but if we try we can change that No to a Yes.
Regards.

just imagine of we all became polititions for 10 yrs those of us that survive would be well off and we would get a pension to last us another 100 yrs now you all know the real reason why most pollies become pollies in the first place not to do good but to fill the hip pocket with our money look closly at what they get after 10 yrs plus they are allowed to continue to work and still get their full intitalments we do not suffer the same fate as they do no no no they start in polatics early retire early the get a posting over seas and after 10 yrs claim another pension on top of the one they are allready receaving. al lpollies are the same no mater who you vote for it still amounts to greed. have a nice day.

Yes Codge--it is a real rort thats for sure

I GIVE UP THIS IS WHATS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME--GET AN EMAIL AND NEVER CAN FIND THE POST !!!


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Thank you Drew

I am 65 and supplement my pension with some part time work.
As for those people that think that they are too old or cant get a job!!! there is always some work around if you really want it.

+++

When I was 65 I also did some work--but as I am much older now I find it hard enough to do the work I have to do around my own place--let alone get a darn job

It is sad to hear comments that deride others who make comments. It is my belief that anyone should be able to make a comment but I believe no one has the right to deride others opinions. If you have nothing positive to add to the discussion, only criticism, then it would be better to say nothing.
Across Australia pensioners living in widely differing circumstances, lacking transport and may amenities, therefore their comments are relevant. Many would like to work if work was available and health permitted.
When I reached retirement age, I sought employment, part-time of full time, but was told I was too old to gain employment.
Now I am seventy-nine, in poor health, unable to walk far, stand, or sit for long periods, yet I have used my knowledge and skills as a community advocate in matters involving the environment, public health and of particular interest the disadvantaged, including child protection.
There is a demand for advocates. The public is kept ignorant of their rights and need someone to speak for them and there is a shortage of advocates with knowledge to speak for themselves. A major interest in the disabled and child protection where experience has shown that governments have little concern about these people.
Departments are politically aligned and will not go against the power base just in case it affects their funding. Organisation try to operate on funding that like the pensions is inadequate, leaving the organisation under staffed and under resourced.
Organisations are afraid to ask for sufficient funding just in case they prejudice their applications. In one area I worked as a consultant I found this was not unusual and those I spoke with I told I would not approve their applications if they were based on “guesstimates”. When asked to explain what I meant I showed them where costs has been guessed. I said that it was important that their apllications should be as accurate as possible, because if the programm ran out of funds and the organisations did not have sufficient then they would fail.
I also believed it was the responsibility of the government that it was aware of this and ensured that only projects that had sound applications were funded. It nor only discredited the government but also was a misuse of taxpayer taxes.
Community services are the responsibility to deliver services to the local community. It is done this by legislating the Local Government Act and delegated this task to the local councils, at least as long as it suits the government. If it does not suit them then the state steps in takes over, e.g. the Kennett government.
Unfortunately, this was taken too far and public assets were sold, including Crown lands. This I believe it did not have the authority to do this. I can quote the legal sections of the various Acts and legislation. Kennet’s government claimed it brought down the state debt. I did, but not as a result of fiscal management but selling of assets that it was authorised but because the public was kept ignorant of its rights there was no challenge to that.
No one has asked for an accounting and audit of all of the assets and revenue owned by councils. This includes arts and treasures and equipment and buildings. Where are they? There is a belief in the community that under the commissioners appointed many of these assets finished up in the hands of vested interests at fire sale prices. No wonder the public distrusts politicians.
Now is different, people are getting tired of privatisation and allowing commercial companies to breach trade practices laws and many other Acts being used by commercial interests forcing products on to the public that is not wanted or asked for.
It is also interesting to hear recommendations to contact your local MP's. Well in my area (Geelong) their responses are remarkable for their lack of a response. They promise the world for their constituents but once elected you are lucky to be able to get an appointment, that is, until the next election.
Councillors are the same. I recently put in an objection to council selling off public assets. I asked where their authority to sell of public assets and Crown Lands was. The Commonwealth Constitution does not recognise councils.
Victoria governments since 1975 use as their power base the Victorian Constitution 1975, which is invalid, as it did not follow due procedure or due diligence and most importantly the Victorian Constitution 1855 has not been repealed. This has wider implications because any Acts, legislation, amendment could be effected unless they are covered by the 1855 Constitution.
Changes have been made to our laws that breach the Commonwealth Constitution. Governments, Business Politicians have joined in keeping the public from getting knowledge of their rights to get their own way by relying the lack of knowledge.
Our governments have failed the Australian people, by denying them the right to be taught the Commonwealth Constitution in our schools so people are aware of their rights. This is extremely important, as we are becoming a multi-cultural society.
There those vested interests who decry the commonwealth Constitution because it came from Westminster. I am neither royalist nor republican but having read and studied the Commonwealth Constitution I find it a very sound well-crafted document. Crafted in a way that recognised that the colonies would eventually seek their independence.
The Americans have their own Constitution and Bill of Rights and people coming to the USA are expected to learn it and have a working knowledge of English before becoming citizens.
It is time for us to demand that governments respect our Commonwealth Constitution, which allows the State to provide community services and manage the Sovereign lands (The sovereign being the people of Australia).
I know of one instance where an applicant wanted the case heard under the Commonwealth Constitution and the magistrate claimed not to believe in the constitution. In order to become a magistrate it was required to swear allegiance to the Crown and the Commonwealth Constitution. The person was threatened and when he refused to be intimidated, the magistrate walked out of the court and the security officers threatened to arest him. He refused to be intimidated, telling the security people he was not answerable to them, as they had no standing in the people’s court. Anyone touching him would be charged with assault. Eventually I understand, everyone backed off and no action was taken. Where the matter now rests, I am uncertain.
Now this page is not the place to go into legal argument but I raise this in order to let people know they can do something and it is time to question your rights and whether these rights have been taken away, e.g. smart meters. I refused to have one installed and said I was prepared to take action, even to include the state government as being party to a company trying to use its power in the market place to force products and services not wanted or requested. I am listed as refusing to have it installed. I refuse because there are too many untested issues involved and my Common Law Rights are being taken away.
I hope it give you some thoughts to consider
Sorry for the “light reading”.
Regards?

I THINK THAT IT IS DISGRASEFULL HOW THEY ARE TREATING US , AND THE LIKES OF TOMPSON AND SLIPPER ECTECT GET AWAY WITH MURDER ,WHEN IS IT GOING TO END , PLEASE SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE THE GUTS TO HELP ME DO SOMETHINK TO THE LOT OF THEM . HARRY FROM BONDI

Professori...I like anyone like you who stands up and says it like it is!!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

PS..I am enjoying My 10 cents pension increase that I waited 6 Bloody Months for,It was $6.70 but the State Housing decided they would have $6.60 of it ????.. I know! I know! there are those of you that will say be thankful for Small Mercies !!!!! YAAAAAHOOOOOO!!

WELL IVE READ ALL YOUR COMENTS AND I TOTALY AGREE WITH MOST , DREW CAN YOU PLEASE TELL MACC THAT MOST OF US WOULD BE GLAD TO DEMENSTRATE , LETS DO IT WITHOUT ANY MORE TALK , PLEASE ONE AND ALL THE GOVT IS RIPING US ALL OFF , HARRY FROM BONDI ,

To add to my earlier comments, I received a letter from PowerCor advising me that smart meter installers were working in my area and would advise me when they would come to install it in my home. I rang PowerCor and said "don't you people understand plain English? I said I had had several discussions advising I did not want and would not allow the installation of the meters. It was reiterated that the government had mandated it and I would have to allow it to be installed. Again, I reiterated my stance, adding that I had been threatened to have my power cut off and was told I could face a $500 fine if I refused.
My reply was "do that and I will see you in court and in addition you will be disconnecting my power and I will go public. Water and Power were essential services, not to be denied citizens. Whether it had been mandated is questionable under law and the government could easily find itself party to class action as having a vicarious responsibility for its action.
I doubted the publicity would be good for a company using its power in the market to try to intimidate and coerce a pensioner into accepting products that were not wanted or needed and were of no particular benefit to the consumer. The only beneficiary would be a private commercial company owned by overseas corporations and I stated I would be prepared to go to court to protect my rights against companies that were breaching the Commonwealth Constitution, Commonwealth Weights and Measurement standards and possibly as a result could face prosecution under the Commonwealth Crimes Act.
I told her that would do for starters but there are many more questions regarding the states and their role in breaching the Constitution. I have questioned the state authority to sell public assets and lands, asking under what legislation they had that power. I also made the point that the Victorian constitution 1975 was invalid as the Victorian Constitution 1855 had never been repealed and therefore where there was any conflict it would take precedent. I added that any Victorian government using the 1975 Constitution as its seat of power might find that other Acts, legislation or amendment could be also invalid.
The responses so far from authorities to those comments have been a thunderous sound of nothing. The answer was easy; tell me under what legislation the state has to do these things against its citizens. However, this appears too hard or they know well and truly, they are acting without appropriate authority.
This is what I mean when I say it is time for Australian citizen’s start asking where and what legislation that gives the authority.
The sovereign people own the Land therefore comes under the Commonwealth Constitution laws.
Any major changes have to go before the people under a referendum for approval. Contact your MP's and keeping asking questions and insisting on answers but not PR type of answers.

Yes NannaNorma good idea who can set up a site where we can send our gripes to the Polies,they might listen if we all band together.

Bluemoon ..your wasting your time!! They wont listen!!! They are too busy working on their next Pay Rise!!!
Ps..I have now saved up 30 cents after 3 fortnights !!!!!!!!!!

When someone says that they are lucky because they don't have to worry about paying bills, they own their house and car, I think, NO! Not lucky just very sensible planning. I haven't been supported by a husband for 25 years; I've been in employment most of the time on minimum wage. I bought an old house and took in a boarder to help pay the mortgage. I moved on to another smaller Unit in later years and also took in boarders to help the finances. I'm well over retiring age but I work part-time because I enjoy the company and the challenge. My 'temporary boarders' help me put aside money to pay for an overseas trip each year with a girl-friend.
I volunteer on days off to give back to the community and enjoy it. I'll volunteer more if and when I fully retire.
Am I lucky? No! All of this was planned out by me many years ago and, as long as I stay healthy and go to gym and aerobics and dancing, I hope my life as it is will continue for a long, long time.

I have only been on the age pension for 2 years, and I find Centrelink and the Government simply wonderful. I live 300 k's from the nearest town, way out in the bush and the support is beyond belief.

Surely someone in Government can sit down and work out a fair payment scheme
To cover the cost of inflation on many areas, we are always hit with increases which affect us the most, like, fuel, food, including daily items such as milk, bread, etc etc
not including insurances, education, medcines. Dont get me started on pay rises for politicians your flogging a dead horse, For me thank god for Aldis when i go shopping real value for money, you dont pay for all the fancy trimmings like Coles etc , sure you cant buy everything from Aldis but in general i am so grateful we have one here in Moe Vic
I will never shop at Coles of Woolworths unless absolutely desperate
$100 goes a lot further, the governement should have all pensions increase automatically like $10.00 every say 4-6 weeks we were given a advance payment to try to smooth over the carbon tax wait till we start to get bills coming in was this payment to try to shut us up for a while just a bandaide to the problem.
Your landlord also only has to increase your rent and you cant claim anymore for rent assistance so something has to suffer im younger than most and my heart goes out to the elderly its sad when you see them keeping warm with blankets or going to bed early worrying about gas/electricity costs, yes it can be constructive and save money but what sort of life do they have its very very sad whats our society becoming...shouldnt we be looking after the people who have forged this country and made it what it is today...

WELL JULIA AND SWAN YOU WONT GET OUR VOTE THATS FOR SURE !!!!!! HARRY BONDI

When the kind rebate of $380 per couple was mentioned, I started on the math, and to date I am $30 in the black. But as yet I don't have the trailer registration, haven't added food and fuel, not added our council rates due half yearly. Guess I will be well and truly behind the 8-ball.
Car registration came in around the time we were paid, and it has an added $20 extra on it, bet they will increase it again next year and blame it on the carbon tax.
I can't turn anything else off, changed my monthly plan with my ISP 3 times so far, next step is off the Net altogether.

Hi everyone in todays telegraph PM Julia Gillard is loved very much by the Asylum seekers?????
because she going to give them a pensioner when coming into Australia?????? No wonder we are not happy as we received CRUMBS (for our pension)
With all the hard work retired pensioners did in their working life,plus we paid taxes,us RETIRED PENSIONERS are treated with such disrespect from our government.

hey seexybear how dare you to tell us pensioners to find part time work, what about the people that cannot work, due to ill health or like my husband only 20% vision ,$5 a week is a slap on the wrist .Dont you think if we could ,we would go out and work ,instead of crying and struggling to pay for medication and food and bills. Governments dont give a damn ABOUT US WE ARE THE leaser breed.

housing is in the $250 to $300 a week mark,take $600 a fortnight and you have around $200 left with rent assistance,$200 is not enough to live on,i have 2 cats that cost money,a beauty course which is $95 a fortnight,foxtel $112 a month and money for dinner and entertainment,there is not enough money left over for bills.i live with mum and dad and they are building me a granny flat that i will have to wait for because i can not afford $300 a week rent somewhere else.i will be paying $150 a weeks rent plus electricity and a bit of money thrown in for water for the water tank.it is taking a while to build but i got no other options at the moment.i am applying for a part time job early next year,i'm not sure how much money i'll get to keep from centrelink probably still not enough,i will have to see if there is much improvement.

I feel Julia Gillard has a lot to answer for especially when she keeps handing out to the asylum seekers?........ the red carpet treatment thats for sure, weekly pay, food, clothing medicial,dental,while the............... dinki die asssie struggle on..................I
Like to Julia go back to Wales and be nice to her own country........PM wont get back in.

What's wrong with the dates on this comments column? March, May, June, July, Dec ?

Abe,
please explain more??

chrissnr1 pensions are for us to live on not to pay bills the problem is that to many pensioners still have to much debt left to pay by the time we are retired when we we should have all our debt cleared PS i agree the pension increases are not enough but just think how better off you would be on the pension if you were DEBT FREE

sorry to tia-maria i should not have included bills in my comment my main concern is about the amount of debt pensioners still have or still obtain after they retire still trying to keep up with the jones es i suppose

Thank you tia.maria again i strese that pension is for basic living conditions there are other gverment help out there for health and houseing conditions and also charities to help those who are in dier strates think of the countrys that dont have these sort of help i do agree the pension would not cover all these things but it is not supposed to thats why there are other help out there we are realy not to bad after all

chrissnr1,
First are you Australian? because I am a dinki Aussie who worked and paid taxes all my life like many other Aussies.............But for some one like yourself to be as critical to look overseas were people dont have the hand outs? ...........makes me wonder were you were born.???
2nd/ government dont help out as much as you think (unless your been in this situation only than you may understand) others disability pensioners struggle......... but you wont hear them complaining (there not like you) The Government is very good giving tax payers money to the Asylum Seekers,food,medical dental and roof over their head and money........NOW who is lucky in the land down under??..........less for the retired aussie pensioners who worked hard and paid taxes.

tia- maria thanks again first of all you are right i am not a so called dinki di aussie but we have been here in austraila for 46yrs arrived 1966 with 4 children+ my wife was 3month pregnant we both worked and paid our taxes until we retired we are now in our seventys and enjoying our retirement all of our five kids have had jobs since leaving school and done well for themselfs one is a deputy school teacher one has his own painting buseness one is a motor mechanic one has been in the forces and now runs his farm the only dauther we have is a proud house wife who has put two of her children through university so i would say that we as ten pound scottish mygrants have done not to bad for this our adopted country

chrissnr1, good morning I am happy that our country made your life a better home to live in and given you the oppunity to bring up your kids,also its good to see the kids do great in there careers .
But in 1966 it was the great years in Australia ...................BUT many Australia (our pensioners today had it tough) there were the WARS plus The Great Depression (you missed out on) this is why mate your dont understand the hardship these Men and Women endure in their time.
Please mate dont judge them OK?... we worked hard and paid taxes to give back to the migrants who came to Australia for a better life, the Aussie dont get the Golden handshakes like Asylum Seekers are getting. AND TO SAY THERE KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES ITS NOT SO...........MY FAMILY HAVE EXCELLENT CAREERS.

thank you tia-maria i still go back to my point that i feel that lots of aged pensioners still carry to much debt into there retiremnt years also most young ones carry to much debt with them bfore they get married and so this terrible cycle continues debt is far to easy to obtain for anybody i guess you and i appear to be some of the lucky ones during our past years and i am gratefull for the little help we received from the austrailan goverment and your taxes for the first 12 month after we arrived in austraila but from then on it was up to my wife and i to make a go of it and beleive me it was not easy also bringing up five kids

very dissapointed tia- maria you are taken this attitude towards the early migrants from the 50s 60s when itwas the goverment at the time who begged the mirgrants then to come down under and help build this country into what it has become today as i say my wife and i and five children i beleive have more than paid back for the first 12mths ater arriveing in austraila i am pretty sure the lovely migrants who you met received the same help as all migrants at that time PS pensioner with no debt not have two or three credit cards is a happy pensioner chrissnr1 happy pensioner and not a self funded one either who has also had prostrate cancer

Sad to see how so many of the oldies here can't spell or proof read, so hard to read what are obviously valid points......but then you have the nerve to complain about the youngsters and today's education! Meanwhile, some of you have lost the plot of what this post is all about; I seem to recall earlier so many calling for us to get together in some way to form a formidable 'voting force' from which to approach the Gov't to reconsider their position regarding the miserable amount they pay us as pensioners who have mostly built the base upon which our great country was developed BEFORE THE INFLUX OF MIGRANTS!
Some early 'posters' had suggested they may have been in a position to help build this 'voting force' but have become silent, perhaps because of the diatribe which seemed to take the discussion on a different journey to that which it perhaps should have continued on. Could those earlier contributors please return and help us to re-enter the challenge to produce that electoral army that could give the Gov't our full-on ear pounding about our pittance of an income we are expected to PAY OUR BILLS with, as well as just exist?
BTW, great to see the posts that have been made to date, they have been filled with good memories of those early days of migration to Australia.
Ron

Not only are they giving us a paltry increase or decrease but they are also changing the health situation with regard to home health etc i know you are going to say that this is a state problem but it is the federal government that is reducing their funding to the states with regard to home health . i spoke to somebody in the aged care to do tai chee which they have been doing for ages but they dont know if they will be able to because of funding. i wanted to do this for my balance and health. i would love to be a fly on the wall to know what these governments are up to because you cannot rely on the press mostly the A.B.C who are so far up this government it is not funny

If you wish to be grammatical, i is I and tai chee is Tai Chi, (common spelling) capitals to be used where it appropriate.

Do you know how much we need per fortnight? I can tell you exactly.
It is a $100 increase.

Through our son in another state, we did a test, for a month he sent us a $50 gift per week, and at the end of that month, I found myself living normally and all bills paid without a struggle or pulling in the belt to make ends meet.

Although we are back to normal, it was truly eye-opener as to what all of us require to live normally without missing the little things that makes life easier. Not to mention the lack of stress that accompanies the attempt to fulfil our financial commitments.

But it was truly an eye-opener for us.

Do our illustrious leaders read these comments or are we just talking to our selves .Please call us seniors not pensioners.Pensioners are politicions whose used by date is up, reference the GILLARD Circus

My husband and I are both on a Disability Pension. We are in our late 50's and unfortunately have terminal illnesses. Like every other married couple, we are being discriminated against for being married. I understand the desperation of single pensioners as we feel the same being married. We eat double food, double medicine, double clothes, double nearly everything in fact yet our pension is not double. The only money we save is on power (not hot water as we have double baths and showers). Of course the other problem for us is Housing Department Rent as we have to pay double that too!!
I wish someone would finally stand up for the married people of Australia and say enough is enough and work out the Pensions at a much fairer rate. I am sure the Politicians wouldn't take less of a Parlimentary Pension simply because they are married.
Hopefully someone who cares about Pensioners will do something to help us enjoy the final years of our lives.
I wish all the best to my fellow Pensioners who are all doing it too hard.
Aggie
Tasmania

$6.70 will not even begin to cover the rise in electricity costs ,let alone ,food ,transport petrol ect ,my rent went up by $30 a fortnight ,but i guess we must make sure there is enough money for gillard to cover her $90,000 a year pay rise ,I would live very well indeed on just her pay rise alone ,or even half of it

Unfortunatly some of the older folk have issues with spelling and pronouncing their words,my Mum was taken out of school at 12 years of age to help your grandmother,she didn't have a choice,had 3 children to raise on her own.So show some empathy,it is not hard to understand what they say,a lot of them don't even know how to use a computer.
We should become boat people they are being looked after better than us,who do we vote for?????I don't believe any of them.