Turnbull Government pension changes hurting Toowoomba seniors

Toowoomba seniors have gathered today to discuss some of the key issues impacting them, including cost of living pressures and the Turnbull Government’s changes to the pension asset threshold.

Hosting a seniors morning tea at the East Creek Community Centre in Toowoomba today, Seniors Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the changes would mean thousands of Queenslanders could lose their part pension entitlement and as a result no longer receive their Pensioner Concession Card.

“There are more than 21,000 residents who are over 60 living in the Toowoomba region, who may not be aware of the Federal Government’s harsh changes,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“I’m in Toowoomba today to talk to local seniors, to reassure them that our Government knows they are struggling and they will be supported,” she said.

“Once again, the Palaszczuk Government is stepping in to pick up the slack from the Federal Government, extending our electricity rebates to include all Health Care Card holders.

“We have also guaranteed that all Queensland Seniors Card holders will continue accessing the electricity rebate of up to $330 per household per year.

“The Palaszczuk Government has already had to fill the funding gap left by the Federal Government when they scrapped the National Partnership Agreement for pensioner and seniors card holders’ concessions.

“In fact, in the current State Budget, we have allocated an additional $223.2 million over four years to make up for the Federal funding shortfall.

“This funding makes sure eligible seniors have some cost of living relief, through concessions including energy, rates, water, transport, and registration.

“Our seniors have spent their entire lives working and contributing to our state and our economy.

“It’s not fair that the Turnbull Government wants to rip away vital financial assistance for Queensland pensioners in their older years.”

Information about concessions is available by calling 13QGOV or at www.qld.gov.au/concessions

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170