Mr Howard says all up the move will benefit more than 2.8 million people. AAP: Paul MillerKINGSTON, Adelaide (ABC News), October 23, 2007:
Prime Minister John Howard has revealed a $4 billion package for pensioners, carers, self-funded retirees and people with disabilities.
Mr Howard used a visit to the key Liberal marginal seat of Kingston in Adelaide to unveil the package which will see pensioners utility allowances jump from about $107 a year to $500. The allowance will also be extended to carers and people on disability support pensions.
Mr Howard says all up the move will benefit more than 2.8 million people. There is also a bonus for self-funded retirees with seniors' concession allowances to more than double. He says there has to be a social dividend of prosperity.
"We are able to do this because we have a strong budget surplus and I believe that when you are in that position you should use it to make sure that people are given the support they deserve," he said. The package has already been signed-off on by Cabinet.
Speaking on Sky News the director of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), Andrew Johnson, welcomed the election focus on pensioners.
"It's a recognition that so many Australians including pensioners are struggling to pay their bills," he said. "I guess what we're all looking for from all parties is there's a strategic plan and under that strategic plan, investment in the areas we know that's going to make a real difference to those one in 10 Australians who are doing it tough."
Source: ABC News
