Post by Banker on Apr 21, 2012 15:48:09 GMT 7
Premier Ted Baillieu has failed older Victorians on his key election promise to reduce the cost of living, Shadow Minister for Seniors and Ageing, Jenny Mikakos said today.
Addressing the ‘Fair go for Pensioners’ rally alongside Shadow Minister for the Cost of Living Lily D’Ambrosio, Ms Mikakos said it was clear the welfare of older Victorians was not a Baillieu Government priority.
“In Opposition, Mr Baillieu promised to cut the cost of living, particularly for older Victorians and pensioners, but since taking office 18 months ago, he has done almost nothing,” Ms Mikakos said.
“Labor has recently held a series of meetings with pensioner groups, and we’re acutely aware of the issues facing older Victorians and the impact Baillieu Government policies are having.
“Mr Baillieu must stop ignoring older Victorians. I call on the Premier and Minister for Ageing David Davis to immediately meet with pensioners and hear their issues first hand.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said Labor was intent on holding Mr Baillieu to his promise to cut the cost of living.
“Under the Baillieu Government, we have seen a series of price hikes which are hurting pensioners,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“Public transport fares are up by nearly 8.6 percent and the cost of a new car rose by over $100 on average, after the Government increased both the rate of stamp duty and car registration.
“To make things worse the Baillieu Government callously increased public housing rents for 38,000 pensioners earlier this year to take a share of a pension increase.
“While the year-round energy concession has been welcomed by pensioners, sharp increases in energy costs have quickly eroded the benefit of the extra concession.
“This year’s Budget must include additional supports for older Victorians to ease the cost of living.”
www.danielandrews.com.au/media/releases/baillieu-must-give-pensioners-a-fair-go/
Addressing the ‘Fair go for Pensioners’ rally alongside Shadow Minister for the Cost of Living Lily D’Ambrosio, Ms Mikakos said it was clear the welfare of older Victorians was not a Baillieu Government priority.
“In Opposition, Mr Baillieu promised to cut the cost of living, particularly for older Victorians and pensioners, but since taking office 18 months ago, he has done almost nothing,” Ms Mikakos said.
“Labor has recently held a series of meetings with pensioner groups, and we’re acutely aware of the issues facing older Victorians and the impact Baillieu Government policies are having.
“Mr Baillieu must stop ignoring older Victorians. I call on the Premier and Minister for Ageing David Davis to immediately meet with pensioners and hear their issues first hand.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said Labor was intent on holding Mr Baillieu to his promise to cut the cost of living.
“Under the Baillieu Government, we have seen a series of price hikes which are hurting pensioners,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“Public transport fares are up by nearly 8.6 percent and the cost of a new car rose by over $100 on average, after the Government increased both the rate of stamp duty and car registration.
“To make things worse the Baillieu Government callously increased public housing rents for 38,000 pensioners earlier this year to take a share of a pension increase.
“While the year-round energy concession has been welcomed by pensioners, sharp increases in energy costs have quickly eroded the benefit of the extra concession.
“This year’s Budget must include additional supports for older Victorians to ease the cost of living.”
www.danielandrews.com.au/media/releases/baillieu-must-give-pensioners-a-fair-go/
