The following are recent news items on the subject of pensions.
The Cost of Keeping Pensions Up to Pace
The Government's fiscal limits prevent it from generously increasing public servants' super. Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner had bad news for retired and working federal public servants last month, when he accepted the advice of a leading independent actuary, Trevor Matthews. Matthews had recommended against indexing public servants' superannuation pensions according to wage growth instead of the consumer price index, as now takes place.
Click Here to read the full article
ABS Introduces New Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index
The ABS has released an information paper outlining the new Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI)
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Pensions Reform In Lower House
Pensioners will get more money but will also have to wait longer to access it if legislation introduced to Parliament is approved
Pensioners Need Fair Share Of National Growth
It was great to open the Federal Budget documents in Canberra and read the details of major pension reform. Years of unfair treatment of single aged pensioners had finally been acknowledged and a large step taken to rectify it.
Pensions Increases To Proceed This Week
CANBERRA - The government will go ahead with promised pension increases and carer payments this week.
67: A New Bent on Pensions
With the pension age set to rise to 67 in 2017 as a result of Federal Budget changes, many individuals have had to rethink their retirement plans.
Self-funded Also Do Well
Wealthy Easter retirees fared reasonably well in last week's Federal Budget despite inital fears, seniors groups and financial experts say.
Every Little Bit Helps - Pension rise to pay for basics
Hills aged pensioners are a little better off following the weekly boost if $32.49 for singles announced in last week's Federal Budget. The increase will go to covering basics such as food and bills, they say.
Click Here to read the full story
Pension Rise Worry
Elderly pensioners in the Northern Suburbs say the weekly boost in their payments in the 2009 Federal Budget last week is not enough.
Search for Love, Money - Not Enough Bread, Kev
The boost to aged pensions has prompted a mixed reaction from local pensioners, with some saying the extra cash will do little to improve their quality of life
Boost pension of face backlash: Greens
The Greens are warning the Federal Government it faces electoral backlash if pensioners do not get at least a $30-a-week increase to their benefits.
Click Here to read the full story on the ABC News website.
Under Wraps - Minister Stays Mum on Harmer Pension Report
PENSIONER groups have vowed to continue working together after being left waiting for details of how the Federal Government will deliver on its promises for pension reform.
NWU and COTA Meeting with Jenny Macklin
Michael Bailey talks with Jim Lawless about the National Union of Retired Workers meeting in Canberra with Jenny Macklin.
Click Here to read the extract from Radio 4RO (Rockhampton) interview with Jim Lawless, NWU
Retirees Set For Budget Windfall
Retirees will be the big winners from the Rudd Government's second budget, which will also include a major infrastructure statement and further steps to boost consumer spending.
Click Here to read the full article (The Australian, 24 Mch 09)
Fair Go for Pensioners Press Release 16 March 09
Australian pensioners will today make a last ditch bid for an increase in the pension ahead of the Federal Budget this year.
For more stories on this
Click Here to read the AMWU Retired Members Division Newsletter
COTA Over 50s Responds to the Henry Review
COTA Over 50s submitted its response to the Henry Review's Retirement Incomes Consultation Paper.
We'll Stand Firm
Seniors groups will maintain pressure on the Federal Government to keep its sights set on the long-term goal of a fair go for pensioners following the release of the Harmer Review into pensions.
Government Acts to Help Self Funded Retirees
About 400,000 self-funded retirees stand to benefit from the Federal Government's decision last week to cut in half the minimum amount of capital that they have to withdraw from their account-based pensions.
COTA Pressures Government to Increase Pensions Click Here to read Ian Yates ABC radio interviews
Click Here to read more ABC and Sky News coverage on Pensions
COTA Renews Calls For Pension Rise
$30 Pay Increase For Pensioners
Single aged pensioners are in fo ra pay boost of about $30 a week in the May budget as the Government prepares to accept the findings of a review that criticises the current payment as inadequate.
Pensioners Need $50 a week rise
The nation's Senior Australian of the Year Pat LaManna wants a $50 weekly rise in the pension.
Click Here to read the full article
Pension Drawdown Relief for Retirees
Treasurer Wayne Swan and Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, today announced relief from minimum account based pension draw down requirements.
Click Here to read the joint Treasurer and Senator Sherry press release
Aged Bonus Anger
Aged pensioners are in desperate need of further financial help as their $1400 December payments run dry, the Council on the Ageing says.
Pension Review Report Eagerly Awaited
Payments: The Federal Government's Pension Review, headed by Dr Jeff Harmer will report by February 27.
Federal Handouts - Elderly on the Outer
Northern suburbs pensioners say they are in desperate need of further financial help after missing out in the Federal Government's $42 billion stimulus package last week.
Elderly on Outer of Family Bonus
Aged pensioners are still in desperate need of financial help despite receiving a one-off $1400 Christmas bonus, the Council on the Ageing (COTA) says.
Pensioners Feel Pain
Aged pensioners are in desperate need of further financial help as their $1400 December payments run dry, the Council on the Ageing says.
One Off Payment Runs Dry
Cash Runs Dry
Pensioners Plea for More Funds
