Post by Banker on Jul 30, 2011 7:43:53 GMT 7
SENIOR citizens of the Sunshine Coast took their concerns on the rising cost of living to Shadow Minister for Seniors Bronwyn Bishop yesterday.
The minister was the special guest speaker at the 11th annual Sunshine Coast Seniors' Forum at Lake Kawana Community Centre, which was attended by up to 100 people.
The event, hosted by Fisher MP Peter Slipper, has been previously known as the Senior Slipper Forum before a name change this year to recognise the regional interest.
Before the forum, Australian Pensioners' and Superannuants' League Caloundra branch member Don Gilbert, 69, told the Daily that everything in life was going up except his pension.
“I retired as a mechanic when I was 55. Now I regret it,” he said
“I should have stayed working until I was 70.”
Mr Gilbert and his partner receive $549 each every week for their pensions.
“We don't get enough money to pay for basics,” he said.
He said food, petrol, car registration, insurance and council rates had all risen recently.
“Everything goes up but we have to keep cutting back.
“It's tough for me now, but it gets harder the older you get. Those in their 80s have it rough.”
Friends Marjorie Smith, Shirley Emmerton and Rita Hewlett said they always received helpful information at the forum.
“It's very handy for us, and the guest speakers are always very informative,” Mrs Emmerton said.
Mrs Smith said she wanted to hear some solutions the Federal Opposition had for problems facing seniors.
“I hope she has some positive solutions, we didn't come here to hear them waffle on,” Mrs Smith said.
Wurtulla couple Ken and Desley Steer also praised the information dished out at the forum.
“We're always surprised about the types of assistance that's available to us as seniors.”
It was Ms Bishop's third appearance at the forum, having spoken at the inaugural event in 2001 and last year.
Mr Slipper praised Ms Bishop for her work.
“She is a hard-working parliamentarian and is passionate about seniors and seniors' issues,” Mr Slipper said.
THE PETER SLIPPER SAMPLE BAG
Free handouts on seating at the forum included the following:
A Special Community Newsletter ‘Stain Removal Guide' from Peter Slipper
A shopping list branded with Mr Slipper
A Measuring Growth chart with Mr Slipper's photo and details on immunisation for children.
A FAQ on fruit fly and fruit fly exclusion zones.
Information sheets on citizen's right of reply and the Australian system of government
Media releases from June, including Mr Slipper launching petition demanding Bruce Highway widening and one on how a carbon tax would hurt Sunshine Coast residents
A fridge calendar branded with Mr Slipper.
www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2011/07/30/everything-goes-up-except-our-pensions/
The minister was the special guest speaker at the 11th annual Sunshine Coast Seniors' Forum at Lake Kawana Community Centre, which was attended by up to 100 people.
The event, hosted by Fisher MP Peter Slipper, has been previously known as the Senior Slipper Forum before a name change this year to recognise the regional interest.
Before the forum, Australian Pensioners' and Superannuants' League Caloundra branch member Don Gilbert, 69, told the Daily that everything in life was going up except his pension.
“I retired as a mechanic when I was 55. Now I regret it,” he said
“I should have stayed working until I was 70.”
Mr Gilbert and his partner receive $549 each every week for their pensions.
“We don't get enough money to pay for basics,” he said.
He said food, petrol, car registration, insurance and council rates had all risen recently.
“Everything goes up but we have to keep cutting back.
“It's tough for me now, but it gets harder the older you get. Those in their 80s have it rough.”
Friends Marjorie Smith, Shirley Emmerton and Rita Hewlett said they always received helpful information at the forum.
“It's very handy for us, and the guest speakers are always very informative,” Mrs Emmerton said.
Mrs Smith said she wanted to hear some solutions the Federal Opposition had for problems facing seniors.
“I hope she has some positive solutions, we didn't come here to hear them waffle on,” Mrs Smith said.
Wurtulla couple Ken and Desley Steer also praised the information dished out at the forum.
“We're always surprised about the types of assistance that's available to us as seniors.”
It was Ms Bishop's third appearance at the forum, having spoken at the inaugural event in 2001 and last year.
Mr Slipper praised Ms Bishop for her work.
“She is a hard-working parliamentarian and is passionate about seniors and seniors' issues,” Mr Slipper said.
THE PETER SLIPPER SAMPLE BAG
Free handouts on seating at the forum included the following:
A Special Community Newsletter ‘Stain Removal Guide' from Peter Slipper
A shopping list branded with Mr Slipper
A Measuring Growth chart with Mr Slipper's photo and details on immunisation for children.
A FAQ on fruit fly and fruit fly exclusion zones.
Information sheets on citizen's right of reply and the Australian system of government
Media releases from June, including Mr Slipper launching petition demanding Bruce Highway widening and one on how a carbon tax would hurt Sunshine Coast residents
A fridge calendar branded with Mr Slipper.
www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2011/07/30/everything-goes-up-except-our-pensions/
