Andrew Leigh

I put out a media release today with my ACT colleagues on the pension increases that are being provided as part of our carbon pricing plan.

MEDIA RELEASE

SENATOR KATE LUNDY
Senator for the ACT

GAI BRODTMANN MP
Member for Canberra

ANDREW LEIGH MP
Member for Fraser

Extra cash for thousands of local pensioners

Thousands of Canberra pensioners are set to get extra support to help them make ends meet, with $6.6 million worth of new cash payments hitting local households from today.

ACT Senator Kate Lundy said more than 30,100 pensioners in the ACT would receive a cash payment over the coming weeks, ahead of the introduction of the carbon price on 1 July.

“All full and part pensioners in the ACT will receive a lump sum payment of $250 for singles and $380 for couples combined.

“This extra cash will go straight into pensioners’ bank accounts to help them keep on top of their bills,” Senator Lundy said.

Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann said local pensioners will get another boost next year, with an ongoing increase to their fortnightly payments from March.

“In total, local pensioners will get about $338 extra a year for singles and $510 extra a year for couples combined.

“As part of our Household Assistance Package, we’re taking extra care to make sure pensioners have the support they need to keep up with the cost of living,” Ms Brodtmann said.

Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh said about 93 per cent of all pensioner households will be at least 20 per cent better off because of these new payments.

“In fact, many pensioners will end up coming out ahead after the carbon price starts on 1 July.

“We get how tough it is for pensioners, which is why we’ve already delivered historic increases to the pension, as well as delivering this extra boost right now.

“And at a morning team in Amaroo on the weekend, Canberra pensioners spoke directly with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin, and heard first-hand how they will benefit from the introduction of a carbon price,” said Dr Leigh.

To find out more by visit australia.gov.au/householdassistance or call 132 300







ELECTORATE BREAKDOWN OF PENSIONERS RECEIVING HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS FROM TOMORROW

Electorate	Pensioners	Total of payments (rounded)
Canberra	15,000	$3,317,402
Fraser	15,100	$3,339,518
TOTAL	30,100	$6,656,920