Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

As I was saying, this government has delivered on all its election commitments. The government understands that age pensioners are under financial pressure. The cost of the basics like food, petrol, gas and electricity just keeps going up. Food prices have risen 2.1 per cent in the last quarter and 5.7 per cent over the year—that would be the year those opposite were in government. Unlike those opposite, we understand there is an inflation problem. Unlike those opposite, who cannot quite make their minds up, we are responsible economic managers committed to fighting inflation. We understand the pressure inflation puts on seniors as they try to get by.

We understand the pressure. That is why we are delivering our election commitments and providing extra support to seniors. This includes an increased utilities allowance from $107.20 to $500 a year and an increased telephone allowance for those with an internet connection from $88 to $132 from the fortnight beginning 20 March. The first quarterly instalment of these payments was made in March and another is due in June. These increases are ongoing and are locked in for the future. Plus, we are working to deliver our commitment to index pensions for age pensioner households by whichever living cost index is higher—that is, the consumer price index or male average weekly earnings. We are also pursuing reciprocal transport concessions for state senior card holders, to be in place by 1 January 2009. These measures are a start, but more needs to be done. The recent Senate inquiry into cost of living pressures— (Time expired)