Cassy O’Connor: Premier Hodgman acknowledges importance of Concessions

Under persistent questioning from the Greens in Parliament, Premier Hodgman has admitted the $9 million into pensioner and self-funded retiree concessions, cut by the Abbott government will be supplemented until the State Budget gets handed down in late-August.

“After three questions from the Greens Human Services spokesperson, the Liberal government conceded that the concessions shortfall would be taken up temporarily by the State government, but the Premier would give no certainty for after Budget day,” Cassy O’Connor MP said.

“It is important to understand that there is no certainty for the 100,000 pensioners and self-funded retirees after the 28th of August.”

“Yesterday, the Minister for Human Services clumsily suggested pensioners and self-funded retirees ‘get out of the welfare mentality’ to support themselves in the face of concession cuts.”

“Ms Petrusma clearly finds it hard to understand that a 76 year old living on the pension has very limited chance of finding paid work, they need and they deserve from government.”

“Really, the Minister should apologise to the more than 100, 000 older Tasmanians she insulted with her unthinking words in Parliament yesterday.”

“The cost of living pressure on pensioners and self-funded retirees is somewhat eased by the concessions they receive on power, water and sewarage, rates and transport – but that is all still in jeopardy.”

“Older Tasmanians can take no solace from the Hodgman government, who continue to put politics before people,” Ms O’Connor said.
Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Human Services spokesperson