Andrew Wilkie: Don’t leave pensioners out in the cold

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, joined Glenorchy Alderman Kristie Johnston to urge Premier Will Hodgman to fall into line with every other state and territory and maintain concessions to eligible pensioners in next month’s State Budget.

In the recent Federal Budget, the Abbott Government axed the National partnership on certain concessions for pensioners and seniors card holders. The $9m funding allocated to Tasmania substantially subsidised the State Government’s concession program.

All other states and territories have now committed to making up for the loss of Commonwealth funding. But in Tasmania there’s fear and uncertainty as the State Government has only committed to maintaining existing concessions until the budget next month.

Mr Wilkie has been contacted by many pensioners worried about how the loss of concessions for electricity, rates and water and other necessities will affect their strained household budgets.

“These concessions are not a luxury; for many they are the difference between being able to pay their electricity or water bill or have these essential services disconnected,’’ Mr Wilkie said.

“This is now a uniquely Tasmanian problem.

“If Premier Will Hodgman does not cover the shortfall, Tasmania will be the only place in Australia to leave pensioners out in the cold.’’

Background

Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government has not committed to maintaining existing concessions beyond the August budget. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-29/government-to-fill-pensioner-concession-gap-for-two-months/5486336

Australian Capital Territory
The ACT has absorbed the loss of Commonwealth funding for pensioner concessions in its Budget.

New South Wales
The NSW Government committed to make up the funding shortfall in its 2014–15 Budget. http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2014/06/states-bail-pensioner-rates-concessions-except-wa/

Northern Territory
The NT Government has tightened eligibility for its concession scheme in its 2014–15 Budget but the new conditions will not affect pensioner concession card holders (will affect other groups such as seniors not holding a concession card). http://www.cotant.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/COTA-Coomalie-Newsletter33.pdf and http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/13/new-pensioners-squeezed-nt-budget

Queensland
Premier Newman stated the Queensland Government would cover the loss of Commonwealth funding for pensioner concessions. http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressclp%2F3207215%22

South Australia
The South Australian Government committed to funding the shortfall in its 2014-15 budget. http://servicesa.cdn.on.net/budget201415/media/concessions-standing-up-for-pensioners-and-low-income-earners.pdf

Victoria
The Victorian Premier has stated that it will make up for the shortfall in Commonwealth funding for pensioner concessions for one year. http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/vic-health-concessions-safe-premier-says/story-e6frfku9-1226927012810 and http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressclp%2F3252577%22
Western Australia

The WA Government has not changed the concessions provided to pensioner concession card holders covered by the National Partnership agreement. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-24/cost-of-living-rebate-for-seniors-slashed/5546872
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison