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Call on Albanese Labor government to double earnt income amount for pensioners and veterans that choose to work more

The Dutton government would support older Australians, who choose to work more, by doubling the amount of income age pensioners and veteran service pensioners can earn without reducing pension payments.

By news@gippsland - 27th June 2022 - Back to News

Doubling the amount of income age pensioners and veteran service pensioners can earn without reducing pension payments will make it more worthwhile for older Australians to pick up an extra shift or work extra hours and help small and regional businesses deal with labour shortages. The Leader of the Opposition the Hon Peter Dutton MP calls on the Albanese government to implement the policy immediately to help relieve pressure on a very tight labour market.

The proposed change is expected to have a cost to the Budget of $145 million in 2022-23 for age pensioners and veteran service pensioners

Receiving maximum payment

Mr Dutton said, "Employers can't find staff - thousands of jobs across hospitality, agriculture, tourism and retail remain open. This policy ensures that pensioners and veterans, who want to work, are not financially penalised. It puts more money into their pocket. There are around 80,000 age pensioners and veterans who are choosing to work who will likely benefit from this change."

Currently, age pensioners and veteran service pensioners can earn $300 of income each fortnight without impacting pension payments. Under the proposed change, age pensioners will be able to earn up to $600 a fortnight and still receive the maximum pension payment.

Ease cost of living pressures

Pensioners will continue to accrue unused pension work bonus amounts up to a maximum of $7,800, which can exempt future earnings from the pension income test. Well targeted policy, designed to increase labour supply, will ease workplace shortages and put downward pressure on inflation and interest rates.

Labor's big spending agenda, which includes $18.3 billion of direct spending, and $45 billion in off-budget funds, and ill designed policies, which discourage Australians from working and earning more, will achieve the opposite: put upward pressure on inflation and interest rates.

The Dutton government would review, on an annual cycle, the merits of extending the policy change to future years taking into account changes in overseas net migration levels, the unemployment rate and the workforce participation rate. The Labor government must outline its plan to ease cost of living pressures and put downward pressure on inflation. Australians can't afford to wait for Labor to get its act together.

Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
  The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
  More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Wellington Shire Council responds to AKD Yarram closure, pledges support for 73 affected workers and community
  Wellington Shire Council expressed heartbreak over AKD Yarram’s closure, impacting 73 employees, pledging support, advocating state assistance, and encouraging redeployment and economic opportunities to sustain the community.
• Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
  Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services.
• Baw Baw Shire awards over $109,000 in community grants supporting 13 groups’ minor capital work projects
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded over $109,000 in Community Grants to 13 local groups, supporting minor capital works that improve facilities, sustainability, and community wellbeing across the shire.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
  Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.