Being a Pensioner
Hi All
I enjoy your news letter. It is very informative.
One thing that annoys me immensely is the limitations imposed by the Government on Aged Pensioners and in particular the extra income that could be earned. (you may need to change the generalised figures I have quoted.) This is my rant -
The increase in the Pension from September 20th is welcome but it is still not nearly enough. As said before it has already been eaten up by the increased cost of living.
The Work Bonus of around $12,000 until the end of December is OK but it reverts back to $6,000 in 2024. Why not make this $12,000 / $6,000 more like $25,000. At fault is the stupid system of reporting income and the bureaucracy and the list of do's and dont's that strangle the ability to work.
Why is there such a complicated imposition.
Most pensioners, I suspect, would like to work. It might be for 20 - 30 hours a week, only limited by physical and mental fatigue but anything over $250 per fortnight (in 2024) will mean the pension is reduced. Why penalise a 70 year old for wanting to work. The amount likely to be earned will not be huge. The personal benefits are enormous such as mental well being, interaction and a sense of purpose. The money earned would go back into the community. The pensioner would have a few spare dollars to be able to afford things that otherwise would be out of reach. Life would become more enjoyable surely.
But the Government in their wisdom have chosen to impose penalties.
WHY.
Its time for a change especially now as the cost of living gets worse. New Zealand, which is not as wealthy as Australia has an open earning system. I believe the UK is the same.
Make earning extra easier. Get rid of the red tape, reduce the hundreds of staff need to administer this mess and save millions of dollars in salaries, super and other benefits paid to these bureaucrats. The surplus could go to the pensioner and other people in need.
I could go on, but that's enough for one day.
Regards
David.
