Post by Banjo on Jul 10, 2014 6:42:44 GMT 7
Barnett’s ‘grumpy’ claim disrespects WA pensioners
Wednesday, Jul 9th, 2014
The Australian Greens have rejected Colin Barnett's characterisation of ‘grumpy' WA pensioners, saying people across the state are genuinely concerned about the cumulative effects of cuts to concessions and entitlements and the cruel Federal Budget.
"Mr Barnett cannot explain away the social impacts of cruel policy making by saying West Australians are ‘grumpy'," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on family and community services said today.
"There is real concern across the community as state and federal leaders threaten disadvantaged people with cuts to income support and concessions that will make their lives harder.
"These pensioners aren't members of Mr Barnett's 500 Club, they're people who are worried about how they'll pay for a visit to the doctor and they're going without a heater in winter because they're worried about paying the bill.
"Premier Barnett's Liberal mates in Federal Parliament are working to deliver a budget that cuts the indexation of pensions and puts a $7 GP co-payment in place. A new report from Sydney University shows that a couple on the aged pension face at least $200 per year in out of pocket expenses as a result of the proposed GP co-payment.
"Cutting pensions and increasing costs for health care will put more people at risk of going without the treatment they need and will put more pressure on community and residential aged care services, which we already know are overstretched across the state.
"These insensitive comments shows that the Liberal Governments, at a state and federal level, are disconnected from the pressures being faced by people across the community," Senator Siewert concluded.
greens.org.au/node/5405
Wednesday, Jul 9th, 2014
The Australian Greens have rejected Colin Barnett's characterisation of ‘grumpy' WA pensioners, saying people across the state are genuinely concerned about the cumulative effects of cuts to concessions and entitlements and the cruel Federal Budget.
"Mr Barnett cannot explain away the social impacts of cruel policy making by saying West Australians are ‘grumpy'," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on family and community services said today.
"There is real concern across the community as state and federal leaders threaten disadvantaged people with cuts to income support and concessions that will make their lives harder.
"These pensioners aren't members of Mr Barnett's 500 Club, they're people who are worried about how they'll pay for a visit to the doctor and they're going without a heater in winter because they're worried about paying the bill.
"Premier Barnett's Liberal mates in Federal Parliament are working to deliver a budget that cuts the indexation of pensions and puts a $7 GP co-payment in place. A new report from Sydney University shows that a couple on the aged pension face at least $200 per year in out of pocket expenses as a result of the proposed GP co-payment.
"Cutting pensions and increasing costs for health care will put more people at risk of going without the treatment they need and will put more pressure on community and residential aged care services, which we already know are overstretched across the state.
"These insensitive comments shows that the Liberal Governments, at a state and federal level, are disconnected from the pressures being faced by people across the community," Senator Siewert concluded.
greens.org.au/node/5405