Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Housing, upon notice, on 8 May 2012:

With reference to the increase to the Commonwealth Aged and Disability Support Pension, of approximately $10 and $32 per week for couples and singles, in the 2009-10 Federal Budget and with particular regard to recipients of the pension who are state housing tenants:

(1) Is the Treasurer aware that tenants in Victorian public housing received notice in January 2012 (effective 12 February 2012) from the Victorian Government that their pension increase would be included in rent calculations and classed as assessable income for the calculation of public housing rents.

(2) Can the Treasurer confirm the impact this will have on a single aged pensioner in terms of the net increase in rent paid per week.

(3) What is the estimated increase in revenue to the Victorian State Government as a result of this measure.

(4) Is the Treasurer aware that the Western Australian Government recently indicated publicly that it was planning on a similar measure, before withdrawing the announcement due to public outcry.

(5) Have any other states taken similar action.

(6) Does the Treasurer support such action by the states.

(7) Is the Australian Government considering any action to prevent states from including current or future increases to Commonwealth benefits being treated as income by the states, such as paying pensioners rent assistance or introducing legislation.