Budget relief for Pensioners
By natasha | May 12, 2009
The Australian Pensioners’ and Superannuants’ League, Qld Inc. (APSL) welcomes the commitment by the Federal Government to follow through on their commitment to improve the situation of pensioners.
The pension has been in the past completely inadequate and now pensioners are a major beneficiary of the Federal Budget for 2009/2010.
For almost two years; through lobbying, forums, protests, letters, meetings and begging we have been calling on the Government to show some compassion to pensioners and urgently increase the level of the pension. Some of our calls have been answered.
Raymond Ferguson, APSL Policy Coordinator says “that pensioners, particularly single pensioners will welcome the increase in the base pension rate as announced by Treasurer Swan. The $32.49 increase for single pensioners in particular lifts them to approx two-thirds of the age pension base rate. From this position the APSL is appreciative that our claim for single pensioners of receiving two-thirds of the combined pension rate has been met. This will help the lives of pensioners who are struggling to meet the growing expenses of living.”
“We express our bitter disappointment though that the combined pension rate remains inadequate toprol xl side affects even with the increase ($10.14) announced in the budget. This is a frustration as the formula of 25% of the AMTWE of single and combined pension rates has not increased to the 35% rate which was the demand of seniors’ organisations in general.”
“In the Government’s failure to make an improvement to this rate, the increases announced will only be a band-aid remedy and will not sustain adequate income for pensioners and seniors in general for the future” said Ferguson.
“We are opposed to the qualifying age for the aged pension being increased to 67 years of age. We feel this could have been avoided if the government gave some consideration to increasing the current pension bonus scheme for those who remained at work for another 2 to 3 years after reaching pension age. In doing this it would encourage prospective aged pensioners to remain at work.”
Adjustments to the marginal tax rate of 40% seemed to be another casualty of this budget. The APSL had hoped that an adjustment to the rate that pensioners are subjected to concerning a modest income above the current threshold, which is $138 per fortnight for a single and $240 per couple, would be reduced.
“The APSL will continue its activities in support of the ongoing Fair Go for Pensioners Coalition campaign to have the pension base rate adjusted to no less than 35% of the AMTWE and a reduction of the marginal tax rate of 40%.”
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A better way to shop!
By admin | October 18, 2008
The APSL and Senior Shopper are proud to announce a new service for APSL members. In November 2007 we brought to you details of the Senior Shopper service for people that hold a Seniors Card. We have negotiated with Senior Shopper to provide a service to all of our members not just those entitled to a Seniors Card. and dihydroxybergamottin 6 tramadol 7
The APSL Shopper service will enable all members to use the Senior Shopper service and access a variety of products and services.
For more information follow this link
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Rebates at the Grocery Store a Good Idea for Pensioners
By natasha | September 11, 2008
IGA Maroochydore have implemented a scheme where by pensioners in the area are able to receive a 10% discount off their groceries.
In a Channel 10 News Report on Thursday the 6th March, Ray Ferguson applauded the rebate being offered to pensioners, commenting that it is a very good idea.
The APSL encourages other major food outlets and supermarkets to follow suit and offer similar rebates to pensioners. In times, where the cost of living for pensioners at all levels is getting more and more difficult, a small but significant act of compassion from a retailer makes the world of difference to a the life and budget of a pensioner. hgh awaken
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Backyard Bonanza & Lions Train Day - Sunday 25 May 2008
By natasha | June 21, 2008
The APSL Bald Hills branch welcomes members of the public to join them at the 4th Annual Backyard Bonanza & Lions Train Day on Sunday 25 May. The Bald Hills branch has been working on the organising committee of this event to produce a fun filled community day that offers a range of family friendly activities and entertainment.
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Pensioners urge QLD Govt. to hold onto Patient Transport Services
By natasha | May 28, 2008
The Queensland Government is reportedly considering the contracting out and privatisation of the Queensland Ambulance Patient Transport Services. From what appears to be all part of improving the service and making the service more cost efficient.
The Queensland Ambulance Patient Transport provides non-emergency patient transport in a pre-booked non-urgent service that includes home to hospital transfers.
The Australian Pensioners’ and Superannuants’ League, Qld Inc. (APSL) is concerned that if services are handed over to private companies, the quality of service will be reduced. Or that pensioners and low income earners in need of using this service will be faced with higher transport costs as the current Community Ambulance Cover (CAC) may not apply or cover the transport.
We urge the Queensland Government and the Department of Emergency Services to please consider the impact that contracting out of this service may mean for pensioners and other disadvantaged people.
Ray Ferguson, Policy Co-ordinator says, “We are totally opposed to any consideration by the Bligh Government to any partial sell off, outsourcing or contracting out of the current service provided by the Queensland Ambulance Patient Transport Service”.
“If it is confirmed that such a decision is pending then the APSL will either by itself or with support of other senior’s organisations take all necessary steps to stop a further privatisation of a people’s asset”.
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What about the Disability Support Pensioners?
By natasha | May 25, 2008
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Disability Support Pensioners are subject to the same Income and Assets tests as aged pensioners, receive almost the same amount in pension as an aged pensioner (over 21 years of age) yet were left out as far as the latest Federal Budget was concerned.
Quite often Disability Support Pensioners are living alone and because of their disability face more difficulties. Their disabilities may prevent them from engaging in work, in addition to this lack of income they lack in community involvement and lifestyle. More often than not they rely on direct family and friends in terms of support for mobility.
The Australian Pensioners’ and Superannuants’ League (APSL) urges the Federal Government to treat Disability Support Pensioners equally as aged pensioners in all aspects. If a review in the base aged pension level takes place, and it should, then the same should be adopted for Disability Support Pensioners.
The $500 bonus that will be provided to every Australian in receipt of an income support payment over age pension age should also be delivered to those on Disability Support Pensions.
It has come to the attention of the APSL from a Disability Support Pensioner that the prescriptions allowance has not increased in five years, whilst other allowances have been adjusted.
Ray Ferguson, Policy Coordinator of the APSL says “The APSL gives equal attention and support to Disability Support Pensioners as we do with the aged and other pensioners and we consider that all of them have been neglected by past and present governments”.
“This segment of the pensioner group is doing it just as tough, if not tougher in some instances than other pensioners. They deserve a little respect and the provision for a more comfortable living”.
For more information about this post please contact Raymond Ferguson, Policy Co-ordinator on (07) 3844 5878. hormone and growth human medicaid
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