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Post by muso on Jan 11, 2012 16:09:17 GMT 7
Well, to tell the story. This Norwegian guy living in rural Thailand on what would be a aus2k plus monthly disability pension told me the following. The Norwegian gov encourages its citizens to travel to seek medical care, because it is cheaper to do so (including paying for travel expenses). He told me that there is a website with approved hospitals, and also, if you can demonstrate that some other medical facility is ok, then that will be included in the approved list. He has monthly medical care at the local Thai hospital, at a fraction of the cost of the same treatment in Norway. Everyone saves. What a simple idea.
However, I will admit that I have not done any research on this, but I have seen him and a lot of other Europeans receiving medical treatment in rural Thailand, and their home govs paying the bill.
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Post by zorro1 on Jan 11, 2012 16:20:55 GMT 7
Good post Muso, its so simple and so logical so why is C/L so focused on keeping us on a very tight leash?
Its not like everyone on DSP wants to escape Australia anyway considering strong ties to family, community and friends, homes etc. I reckon only a small percentage would take it up.
The Norwegian system works well and Saves money.
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Post by rodcourt49 on Jan 11, 2012 16:30:52 GMT 7
..entirely irrelevant to our law 'muso'. It's hard enough to get our heads around our own laws less be taunted by some other countries generous policies. It is generally known that Scandinavian countries receive a lot more in pensions. Minister Jenny Macklin is offering certain DSP recipients some relief and thus easing the burden on Australian Nursing homes, hospitals etc. so it is up to us to prepare ourselves, case by case. Of course if you are one of the lucky ones to get 'Indefinite Portability' then you will automatically carry onto OA Pension at age 65. If you do not qualify for IP then you will most definitely need to keep your 'residency' active and as advised my other members, keeping a property, or leasing it in Australia will help you achieve that status and also give you an income stream. Of course you can't have it both ways and have to declare your income etc. I think too that most members would be loathe to discuss much about this here in open forum, so you will have to read through the plethora of past posts and sort out which applies to you. Of course most of us are very willing for you to PM us and after we feel secure we may offer more...reason being there could be 'moles' about! So, don't think for one minute we are not supportive..we're just cautious. I hope this information is some assistance to you and other new members. Regards. ROD.
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Post by Banjo on Jan 11, 2012 18:44:39 GMT 7
Bear in mind that in the northern European countries people pay a lot more in income taxes which means that they get better pensions.
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Post by muso on Jan 11, 2012 19:15:03 GMT 7
Just by way of background, I worked for a decade in Perth, and then had my own small biz for another decade. So I hardly qualify as a traditional 'leftie' (though I do have an Arts degree with some left wing views (gays can marry, no prob), and comp sci). And then I got sick (no need to go into details). What I want to say is, taking care of citizens in a rich western country is no great hardship. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but as a percentage of gdp versus population the dsp hardly makes a dent. Plus, it can be argued by economists, that subsidising poor people (which I am now) boosts the economy.
So, what am I trying to say? Helping people who need help is no great burden on the Aust economy. I could quote stats of what other groups in the population cost, but I seem to recall that according to the ABS traffic congestion in Syd costs the Aust economy $9b a year. If we had to look at savings there are other places to start rather than the poorest and most defenceless.
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Post by muso on Jan 11, 2012 19:17:10 GMT 7
rodcourt49 Thanks for the info, and everyone else. If and when I reapply I will seek counsel.
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Post by muso on Jan 11, 2012 19:45:28 GMT 7
Some good news! Check the last paragraph. This is from my federal MP in Perth.
It looks like portability is set, just waiting for the criteria, and for me to get back on dsp! Best news I heard for a while.
---------------------- Thank you for your comments to Luke Simpkins MP regarding changes to the eligibility criteria for the Disability Support Pension (DSP). He has asked me to acknowledge receipt of this and to send his response to you.
Between June 2004 and June 2007 the number of Disability Support Pension recipients grew by 2.5%. Conversely, over the last four years (June 2007 - June 2011) the number of DSP recipients rose by 14.6%- up by over 100,000 in four years. As of June 2011 there are nearly 820,000 DSP recipients who will receive almost $14 billion in benefits.
This increase was not economically sustainable or productive for our economy. The Coalition wants every Australian who can work to be able to find a job. For those with a disability and unable to work, we rightly have the disability support pension to provide income support.
The changes you mention were announced in the Federal Budget last year (2011/12) and, as mentioned on the fact sheet, one of the benefits was that it would reduce pressure on nursing homes and aged care facilities. Whilst the Coalition supports tougher eligibility criteria for receiving the Disability Support Pension this measure was passed and will come into effect in July this year.
Thanks for your comments on this important issue.
Ryan Blake
Constituent Liaison Officer Office of Luke Simpkins MP Phone- (08) 9409 4100 Fax- (08) 9409 5100
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Post by rodcourt49 on Jan 12, 2012 7:22:35 GMT 7
Just by way of background, I worked for a decade in Perth, and then had my own small biz for another decade. So I hardly qualify as a traditional 'leftie' (though I do have an Arts degree with some left wing views (gays can marry, no prob), and comp sci). And then I got sick (no need to go into details). What I want to say is, taking care of citizens in a rich western country is no great hardship. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but as a percentage of gdp versus population the dsp hardly makes a dent. Plus, it can be argued by economists, that subsidising poor people (which I am now) boosts the economy. So, what am I trying to say? Helping people who need help is no great burden on the Aust economy. I could quote stats of what other groups in the population cost, but I seem to recall that according to the ABS traffic congestion in Syd costs the Aust economy $9b a year. If we had to look at savings there are other places to start rather than the poorest and most defenceless. We're non-denominational, non-political and non-sexist group of broken citizens asking to be treated fairly..that's it. (The entrance to the amusement park is not far away from the sewerage outlet admittedly, but the boundaries are clearly defined). As mentioned we all have our 'boats to row' and don't need to be convinced any longer about stats, stats, stats! We get bombarded with stats from all avenues and all set and done its done to shut us up so we cannot argue with the figures. Perhaps you could consider being our spokesperson when you put your hand on these stats and can lobby them for further funds, what with your comparisons of DSP v GDP and ABS v $9b..wow!..too much for us lowly plebs who have to battle each day with unrelenting pain, our disabilities and trying to get comfortable for the day ahead. Most of us are not as clear and lucid as you would imagine due to the handfuls of medications were constantly take so please 'muso' get onto them and get some answers. Perhaps you could be the one to put together a much needed 'template' come petition/pro forma so we all can email the same document to the same group of targeted politicians etc. as you appear to have the drive and skills to do that. Good luck and hope to hear from you soon.
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Post by muso on Jan 12, 2012 9:02:34 GMT 7
rodcourt49 Thanks for your words. I have my good days and bad days, and med days. You got to plan to use the good days. I will think about what you said, and put some words together. I would also urge everyone to write to the minister and to their local mp to support these changes and to urge that the criteria be reasonable. Thanks.
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Post by crackers on Jan 12, 2012 9:40:03 GMT 7
Hi i would like to know when the ridiculous changes to dsp overseas start is it january or july??
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Post by Banker on Jan 12, 2012 9:48:54 GMT 7
Hi i would like to know when the ridiculous changes to dsp overseas start is it january or july?? From all reports it must be July.
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Post by muso on Jan 12, 2012 10:02:56 GMT 7
Hi i would like to know when the ridiculous changes to dsp overseas start is it january or july?? What is the ridiculous ? Best I have heard for a while.
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Post by zorro1 on Jan 12, 2012 12:19:37 GMT 7
Im very excited about it. Hopefully there will be a blanket coverage for those that qualify
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Post by rodcourt49 on Jan 12, 2012 14:20:55 GMT 7
..hopefully that too will be grandfathered and we can just move over onto it.
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