Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

in reply—Through the Social Security and Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation Amendment (One-off Payments and Other Budget Measures) Bill 2008 the government acknowledges the role, contribution and sacrifice of carers, and the efforts made by senior Australians and our ageing veterans in laying the foundations of our nation, by making a further commitment of support. New one-off payments that are tax-free and not counted as income for social security, veterans entitlements or family assistance purposes will be paid to them, generally before the end of the financial year.

Older Australians will receive a one-off payment of $500 in 2008. Each person of age pension age or veterans qualifying age receiving an income support payment on 13 May 2008 will receive the payment, as will recipients on that date of mature age allowance, partner allowance, widow allowance or wife or widow B pensions. The bonuses will also go to self-funded retirees if they are, on that same date, qualified or notionally qualified for seniors concession allowance.

The separate one-off payment of $1,000 for carers will be made if they are receiving, on 13 May 2008, a social security carer payment or a veterans carer service pension. The $1,000 one-off payment will also go to carers who receive the non-means-tested carers allowance as well as either wife pension or veterans partner service pension. Any carer receiving carer allowance will be paid a separate $600 one-off payment for each eligible care receiver.

Another measure in the bill is aimed at significantly improving concession card arrangements by introducing a non-cancellation period for social security or veterans entitlements concession cards while the cardholder is overseas. This new limited period will allow cardholders who leave Australia for up to 13 weeks to retain their cards while overseas rather than having to cancel concession cards from the day of departure.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.