Post by Banker on Apr 19, 2012 15:27:28 GMT 7
More than 100 pensioners have turned up on the steps of Victoria's parliament house demanding increased discounts to meet the rising cost of living.
The rally, staged by the Fair Go for Pensioners Coalition, called on the Baillieu government to recognise the impact of rising utility costs and the financial hardship it causes pensioners.
Speakers told Thursday's rally pensioner concessions were falling further behind the ever rising cost of living and many older Victorians fear living costs will push them into poverty and homelessness.
The coalition wants to see significant improvements for pensioners in the May budget, saying the cost of essential services has increased up to four times the consumer price index.
"What we would like to see is them sit down with us and work out a program short term and long term which leads to a significant increase in the concession for public utilities," coalition chair Roger Wilson told reporters.
The rally also called for increased pensioner discounts for council rates, a reintroduction of the motor vehicle registration concession discount and free public transport for pensioners.
Council on the Ageing chief executive Sue Hendy said the government must listen to pensioner concerns and act to lessen their financial hardship.
"Our most vulnerable people are doing it tough," she said.
"Pensioners worry about whether they can pay their utility bills and this worry is detrimental to their health."
news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8453995/vic-pensioners-demand-higher-concessions
The rally, staged by the Fair Go for Pensioners Coalition, called on the Baillieu government to recognise the impact of rising utility costs and the financial hardship it causes pensioners.
Speakers told Thursday's rally pensioner concessions were falling further behind the ever rising cost of living and many older Victorians fear living costs will push them into poverty and homelessness.
The coalition wants to see significant improvements for pensioners in the May budget, saying the cost of essential services has increased up to four times the consumer price index.
"What we would like to see is them sit down with us and work out a program short term and long term which leads to a significant increase in the concession for public utilities," coalition chair Roger Wilson told reporters.
The rally also called for increased pensioner discounts for council rates, a reintroduction of the motor vehicle registration concession discount and free public transport for pensioners.
Council on the Ageing chief executive Sue Hendy said the government must listen to pensioner concerns and act to lessen their financial hardship.
"Our most vulnerable people are doing it tough," she said.
"Pensioners worry about whether they can pay their utility bills and this worry is detrimental to their health."
news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8453995/vic-pensioners-demand-higher-concessions