As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, many people need help to make ends meet.

From increasing utility bills to rising food and housing costs, everything is getting more expensive by the day.

In the face of these challenges, many Australians are looking to the government for help in the form of relief programs and assistance.

With mounting pressure on the government to provide relief, the question on everyone's mind is whether these programs will be enough to make a real difference.

As prices continue to climb and wages fail to keep up, it's clear that something needs to be done.

The upcoming federal budget holds a lot of hope for many Australians, especially those struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

Advocacy groups are urging the government to consider their recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Shutterstock.

Leading welfare organisation, the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), have released their budget submission, which calls on the government to provide more support for people on the lowest incomes.

ACOSS demanded that the government increase the number of unemployment benefits granted to recipients from the current $48 to at least $76. This would likely have flow-on effects for other payments such as the pension.

The social advocacy organisation also urged the government to take advantage of the budget to set the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future by investing in essential social services that will improve the esteem and quality of life of people from all walks of life, from the lowest income earners to the most privileged.

Cassandra Goldie, the head of ACOSS, described it as a disgrace that despite Australia being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, its unemployment benefits are among the lowest when compared to the rest of the OECD.

She pointed out that it was the right time for the government to step in and address the issues regarding the adequacy of the country's most essential social security systems to improve the quality of life and productivity of the citizens.

Ms Goldie remarked: ‘The government has the tools to build a more equal Australia ... every budget is about choice, and it does actually set up the values of the country.’

‘We very strongly think the budget should be about tackling inflation (and) we should be focusing on measures that are not harming those who are most at risk.’

Goldie also said that many Australians are taking measures that go beyond their standard level of living to make ends meet.

'This is not about the cost of a cup of coffee; this is about the essentials of life,' she said.

ACOSS also suggested that the government achieve higher levels of sufficient funding by halting the $18 billion per year stage three tax cuts, which they claimed only to benefit the wealthiest 20 per cent of Australian citizens.

The contentious tax cuts, which are set to take effect starting in 2024, have been a hot topic of debate in the country, with some believing that it would benefit the middle and working class while others saying that it would only help the rich.

The group also advocated for increased funding for community services via proper indexation and investments in solar and energy efficiency for low-income households.

Goldie emphasised the need for the budget to prioritise gender equality measures and dedicate more funding to social housing.

She said: 'This is a budget we want to see that actually speaks to the government’s commitment that nobody is going to be left behind.’

A summary of ACOSS’ recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Seniors Discount Club.

In January, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was aware of cost-of-living pressures and plans to provide 'responsible cost-of-living relief' in the upcoming budget.

'My job is to try and make it all add up in the context of a trillion dollars of debt and all of those other budget pressures,' he remarked.

'We will do what we can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief, electricity bills, cheaper early childhood education, a pay rise for aged care workers; these will all be in the Budget in May.'

‘If there are other steps that we can consider and that we can afford, then obviously, we’ll contemplate that as well.’

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has released its budget submission, calling for people on the lowest incomes to be prioritised.
• ACOSS urges the government to use the upcoming budget to lay the foundations for a more inclusive future.
• ACOSS is calling for measures to be taken to increase community services funding, with specific investments in energy efficiency and solar retrofits for low-income households.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will do what it can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief in the upcoming budget.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we make it our mission to keep our members updated with all of the latest news and developments from the upcoming federal budget.

We also previously shared an article where we detail some of the government relief programs that you can take advantage of.

What are your thoughts on ACOSS' proposal? What measures would you like to see in the upcoming federal budget to make your life easier? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Frank1952]

As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, many people need help to make ends meet.

From increasing utility bills to rising food and housing costs, everything is getting more expensive by the day.

In the face of these challenges, many Australians are looking to the government for help in the form of relief programs and assistance.

With mounting pressure on the government to provide relief, the question on everyone's mind is whether these programs will be enough to make a real difference.

As prices continue to climb and wages fail to keep up, it's clear that something needs to be done.

The upcoming federal budget holds a lot of hope for many Australians, especially those struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

View attachment 15706

Advocacy groups are urging the government to consider their recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Shutterstock.

Leading welfare organisation, the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), have released their budget submission, which calls on the government to provide more support for people on the lowest incomes.

ACOSS demanded that the government increase the number of unemployment benefits granted to recipients from the current $48 to at least $76. This would likely have flow-on effects for other payments such as the pension.

The social advocacy organisation also urged the government to take advantage of the budget to set the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future by investing in essential social services that will improve the esteem and quality of life of people from all walks of life, from the lowest income earners to the most privileged.

Cassandra Goldie, the head of ACOSS, described it as a disgrace that despite Australia being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, its unemployment benefits are among the lowest when compared to the rest of the OECD.

She pointed out that it was the right time for the government to step in and address the issues regarding the adequacy of the country's most essential social security systems to improve the quality of life and productivity of the citizens.

Ms Goldie remarked: ‘The government has the tools to build a more equal Australia ... every budget is about choice, and it does actually set up the values of the country.’

‘We very strongly think the budget should be about tackling inflation (and) we should be focusing on measures that are not harming those who are most at risk.’

Goldie also said that many Australians are taking measures that go beyond their standard level of living to make ends meet.

'This is not about the cost of a cup of coffee; this is about the essentials of life,' she said.

ACOSS also suggested that the government achieve higher levels of sufficient funding by halting the $18 billion per year stage three tax cuts, which they claimed only to benefit the wealthiest 20 per cent of Australian citizens.

The contentious tax cuts, which are set to take effect starting in 2024, have been a hot topic of debate in the country, with some believing that it would benefit the middle and working class while others saying that it would only help the rich.

The group also advocated for increased funding for community services via proper indexation and investments in solar and energy efficiency for low-income households.

Goldie emphasised the need for the budget to prioritise gender equality measures and dedicate more funding to social housing.

She said: 'This is a budget we want to see that actually speaks to the government’s commitment that nobody is going to be left behind.’

View attachment 15736

A summary of ACOSS’ recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Seniors Discount Club.

In January, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was aware of cost-of-living pressures and plans to provide 'responsible cost-of-living relief' in the upcoming budget.

'My job is to try and make it all add up in the context of a trillion dollars of debt and all of those other budget pressures,' he remarked.

'We will do what we can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief, electricity bills, cheaper early childhood education, a pay rise for aged care workers; these will all be in the Budget in May.'

‘If there are other steps that we can consider and that we can afford, then obviously, we’ll contemplate that as well.’

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has released its budget submission, calling for people on the lowest incomes to be prioritised.
• ACOSS urges the government to use the upcoming budget to lay the foundations for a more inclusive future.
• ACOSS is calling for measures to be taken to increase community services funding, with specific investments in energy efficiency and solar retrofits for low-income households.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will do what it can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief in the upcoming budget.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we make it our mission to keep our members updated with all of the latest news and developments from the upcoming federal budget.

We also previously shared an article where we detail some of the government relief programs that you can take advantage of.

What are your thoughts on ACOSS' proposal? What measures would you like to see in the upcoming federal budget to make your life easier? Let us know in the comments below!

Why is it that pensioners can't work as many hours they want in a week and pay the nominated tax and still keep their pension...we are the only country in the world that doesn't allow this to happen..this is a no brainer as there are many pensioners would love to do this to LIVE... not save money , the benefits are more money being spent in the community and also keeping elderly people active and not ending up in the health care system...cheers Gordon Stewart

 

[goodmorning]

because they spend more $ on getting mums back to work sooner so they have to put the kids into care can the poor pensioner get a bit of a break to

 

[Suzanne rose]

Yeh stop giving so much money overseas and give more to our needy

 

[oilsfromoz]

The government keeps crowing about how pensioners get an increase to match the cost of living every six months. As we all know, all this does is to raise the pensions to meet the cost of living difference at a single point twice a year but does not take into account the increases over the periods between these adjustments.

Based on the amounts being added to the pension, I calculate that, over the last period since September, cost of living for single pensioners was an extra $243.75 and for couples $366.60. Of course, the new rate will not cover the increase in cost of living over the next six months.

To resolve the discrepancy, and at the rate of cost of living increase, we need to review the pensions every month.

 

[margiiazul]

I think all payments for the 'dole' should be stopped. Young adults are coming off year 12 straight onto the 'Dole' and not bothering to look for work. They say they earn more on the 'dole' than if they were working, so just spend their time at home. Businesses are crying out for staff everywhere yet there are so many young, able, people not working. Why????? This money could be better used elsewhere by the Government. Aged care for one.

 

[KiwiTrish]

As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, many people need help to make ends meet.

From increasing utility bills to rising food and housing costs, everything is getting more expensive by the day.

In the face of these challenges, many Australians are looking to the government for help in the form of relief programs and assistance.

With mounting pressure on the government to provide relief, the question on everyone's mind is whether these programs will be enough to make a real difference.

As prices continue to climb and wages fail to keep up, it's clear that something needs to be done.

The upcoming federal budget holds a lot of hope for many Australians, especially those struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

View attachment 15706

Advocacy groups are urging the government to consider their recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Shutterstock.

Leading welfare organisation, the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), have released their budget submission, which calls on the government to provide more support for people on the lowest incomes.

ACOSS demanded that the government increase the number of unemployment benefits granted to recipients from the current $48 to at least $76. This would likely have flow-on effects for other payments such as the pension.

The social advocacy organisation also urged the government to take advantage of the budget to set the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future by investing in essential social services that will improve the esteem and quality of life of people from all walks of life, from the lowest income earners to the most privileged.

Cassandra Goldie, the head of ACOSS, described it as a disgrace that despite Australia being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, its unemployment benefits are among the lowest when compared to the rest of the OECD.

She pointed out that it was the right time for the government to step in and address the issues regarding the adequacy of the country's most essential social security systems to improve the quality of life and productivity of the citizens.

Ms Goldie remarked: ‘The government has the tools to build a more equal Australia ... every budget is about choice, and it does actually set up the values of the country.’

‘We very strongly think the budget should be about tackling inflation (and) we should be focusing on measures that are not harming those who are most at risk.’

Goldie also said that many Australians are taking measures that go beyond their standard level of living to make ends meet.

'This is not about the cost of a cup of coffee; this is about the essentials of life,' she said.

ACOSS also suggested that the government achieve higher levels of sufficient funding by halting the $18 billion per year stage three tax cuts, which they claimed only to benefit the wealthiest 20 per cent of Australian citizens.

The contentious tax cuts, which are set to take effect starting in 2024, have been a hot topic of debate in the country, with some believing that it would benefit the middle and working class while others saying that it would only help the rich.

The group also advocated for increased funding for community services via proper indexation and investments in solar and energy efficiency for low-income households.

Goldie emphasised the need for the budget to prioritise gender equality measures and dedicate more funding to social housing.

She said: 'This is a budget we want to see that actually speaks to the government’s commitment that nobody is going to be left behind.’

View attachment 15736

A summary of ACOSS’ recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Seniors Discount Club.

In January, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was aware of cost-of-living pressures and plans to provide 'responsible cost-of-living relief' in the upcoming budget.

'My job is to try and make it all add up in the context of a trillion dollars of debt and all of those other budget pressures,' he remarked.

'We will do what we can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief, electricity bills, cheaper early childhood education, a pay rise for aged care workers; these will all be in the Budget in May.'

‘If there are other steps that we can consider and that we can afford, then obviously, we’ll contemplate that as well.’

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has released its budget submission, calling for people on the lowest incomes to be prioritised.
• ACOSS urges the government to use the upcoming budget to lay the foundations for a more inclusive future.
• ACOSS is calling for measures to be taken to increase community services funding, with specific investments in energy efficiency and solar retrofits for low-income households.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will do what it can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief in the upcoming budget.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we make it our mission to keep our members updated with all of the latest news and developments from the upcoming federal budget.

We also previously shared an article where we detail some of the government relief programs that you can take advantage of.

What are your thoughts on ACOSS' proposal? What measures would you like to see in the upcoming federal budget to make your life easier? Let us know in the comments below!

Start a large building programme for low income people more homes like they did after the Second World War because that is what is needed now

 

[Bikkie mum]

As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, many people need help to make ends meet.

From increasing utility bills to rising food and housing costs, everything is getting more expensive by the day.

In the face of these challenges, many Australians are looking to the government for help in the form of relief programs and assistance.

With mounting pressure on the government to provide relief, the question on everyone's mind is whether these programs will be enough to make a real difference.

As prices continue to climb and wages fail to keep up, it's clear that something needs to be done.

The upcoming federal budget holds a lot of hope for many Australians, especially those struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

View attachment 15706

Advocacy groups are urging the government to consider their recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Shutterstock.

Leading welfare organisation, the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), have released their budget submission, which calls on the government to provide more support for people on the lowest incomes.

ACOSS demanded that the government increase the number of unemployment benefits granted to recipients from the current $48 to at least $76. This would likely have flow-on effects for other payments such as the pension.

The social advocacy organisation also urged the government to take advantage of the budget to set the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future by investing in essential social services that will improve the esteem and quality of life of people from all walks of life, from the lowest income earners to the most privileged.

Cassandra Goldie, the head of ACOSS, described it as a disgrace that despite Australia being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, its unemployment benefits are among the lowest when compared to the rest of the OECD.

She pointed out that it was the right time for the government to step in and address the issues regarding the adequacy of the country's most essential social security systems to improve the quality of life and productivity of the citizens.

Ms Goldie remarked: ‘The government has the tools to build a more equal Australia ... every budget is about choice, and it does actually set up the values of the country.’

‘We very strongly think the budget should be about tackling inflation (and) we should be focusing on measures that are not harming those who are most at risk.’

Goldie also said that many Australians are taking measures that go beyond their standard level of living to make ends meet.

'This is not about the cost of a cup of coffee; this is about the essentials of life,' she said.

ACOSS also suggested that the government achieve higher levels of sufficient funding by halting the $18 billion per year stage three tax cuts, which they claimed only to benefit the wealthiest 20 per cent of Australian citizens.

The contentious tax cuts, which are set to take effect starting in 2024, have been a hot topic of debate in the country, with some believing that it would benefit the middle and working class while others saying that it would only help the rich.

The group also advocated for increased funding for community services via proper indexation and investments in solar and energy efficiency for low-income households.

Goldie emphasised the need for the budget to prioritise gender equality measures and dedicate more funding to social housing.

She said: 'This is a budget we want to see that actually speaks to the government’s commitment that nobody is going to be left behind.’

View attachment 15736

A summary of ACOSS’ recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Seniors Discount Club.

In January, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was aware of cost-of-living pressures and plans to provide 'responsible cost-of-living relief' in the upcoming budget.

'My job is to try and make it all add up in the context of a trillion dollars of debt and all of those other budget pressures,' he remarked.

'We will do what we can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief, electricity bills, cheaper early childhood education, a pay rise for aged care workers; these will all be in the Budget in May.'

‘If there are other steps that we can consider and that we can afford, then obviously, we’ll contemplate that as well.’

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has released its budget submission, calling for people on the lowest incomes to be prioritised.
• ACOSS urges the government to use the upcoming budget to lay the foundations for a more inclusive future.
• ACOSS is calling for measures to be taken to increase community services funding, with specific investments in energy efficiency and solar retrofits for low-income households.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will do what it can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief in the upcoming budget.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we make it our mission to keep our members updated with all of the latest news and developments from the upcoming federal budget.

We also previously shared an article where we detail some of the government relief programs that you can take advantage of.

What are your thoughts on ACOSS' proposal? What measures would you like to see in the upcoming federal budget to make your life easier? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Bikkie mum]

With all pension in creases bread will go up in price ,milk is another possibility
plus meat, how many pensioners can afford meat at the prices they are ,I am lucky
as my sons partner cooks roast n always brings me in a plate every week
others are not so lucky to have that

 

[Kenzi]

As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, many people need help to make ends meet.

From increasing utility bills to rising food and housing costs, everything is getting more expensive by the day.

In the face of these challenges, many Australians are looking to the government for help in the form of relief programs and assistance.

With mounting pressure on the government to provide relief, the question on everyone's mind is whether these programs will be enough to make a real difference.

As prices continue to climb and wages fail to keep up, it's clear that something needs to be done.

The upcoming federal budget holds a lot of hope for many Australians, especially those struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

View attachment 15706

Advocacy groups are urging the government to consider their recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Shutterstock.

Leading welfare organisation, the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), have released their budget submission, which calls on the government to provide more support for people on the lowest incomes.

ACOSS demanded that the government increase the number of unemployment benefits granted to recipients from the current $48 to at least $76. This would likely have flow-on effects for other payments such as the pension.

The social advocacy organisation also urged the government to take advantage of the budget to set the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future by investing in essential social services that will improve the esteem and quality of life of people from all walks of life, from the lowest income earners to the most privileged.

Cassandra Goldie, the head of ACOSS, described it as a disgrace that despite Australia being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, its unemployment benefits are among the lowest when compared to the rest of the OECD.

She pointed out that it was the right time for the government to step in and address the issues regarding the adequacy of the country's most essential social security systems to improve the quality of life and productivity of the citizens.

Ms Goldie remarked: ‘The government has the tools to build a more equal Australia ... every budget is about choice, and it does actually set up the values of the country.’

‘We very strongly think the budget should be about tackling inflation (and) we should be focusing on measures that are not harming those who are most at risk.’

Goldie also said that many Australians are taking measures that go beyond their standard level of living to make ends meet.

'This is not about the cost of a cup of coffee; this is about the essentials of life,' she said.

ACOSS also suggested that the government achieve higher levels of sufficient funding by halting the $18 billion per year stage three tax cuts, which they claimed only to benefit the wealthiest 20 per cent of Australian citizens.

The contentious tax cuts, which are set to take effect starting in 2024, have been a hot topic of debate in the country, with some believing that it would benefit the middle and working class while others saying that it would only help the rich.

The group also advocated for increased funding for community services via proper indexation and investments in solar and energy efficiency for low-income households.

Goldie emphasised the need for the budget to prioritise gender equality measures and dedicate more funding to social housing.

She said: 'This is a budget we want to see that actually speaks to the government’s commitment that nobody is going to be left behind.’

View attachment 15736

A summary of ACOSS’ recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Seniors Discount Club.

In January, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was aware of cost-of-living pressures and plans to provide 'responsible cost-of-living relief' in the upcoming budget.

'My job is to try and make it all add up in the context of a trillion dollars of debt and all of those other budget pressures,' he remarked.

'We will do what we can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief, electricity bills, cheaper early childhood education, a pay rise for aged care workers; these will all be in the Budget in May.'

‘If there are other steps that we can consider and that we can afford, then obviously, we’ll contemplate that as well.’

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has released its budget submission, calling for people on the lowest incomes to be prioritised.
• ACOSS urges the government to use the upcoming budget to lay the foundations for a more inclusive future.
• ACOSS is calling for measures to be taken to increase community services funding, with specific investments in energy efficiency and solar retrofits for low-income households.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will do what it can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief in the upcoming budget.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we make it our mission to keep our members updated with all of the latest news and developments from the upcoming federal budget.

We also previously shared an article where we detail some of the government relief programs that you can take advantage of.

What are your thoughts on ACOSS' proposal? What measures would you like to see in the upcoming federal budget to make your life easier? Let us know in the comments below!

I would like the pension have a decent increase that will help us ! The $37 we are getting has gone to a rent increase but only covers 1 week not 2 ! So really I’m worse off again !

 

[dancequeen1]

As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, many people need help to make ends meet.

From increasing utility bills to rising food and housing costs, everything is getting more expensive by the day.

In the face of these challenges, many Australians are looking to the government for help in the form of relief programs and assistance.

With mounting pressure on the government to provide relief, the question on everyone's mind is whether these programs will be enough to make a real difference.

As prices continue to climb and wages fail to keep up, it's clear that something needs to be done.

The upcoming federal budget holds a lot of hope for many Australians, especially those struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

View attachment 15706

Advocacy groups are urging the government to consider their recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Shutterstock.

Leading welfare organisation, the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), have released their budget submission, which calls on the government to provide more support for people on the lowest incomes.

ACOSS demanded that the government increase the number of unemployment benefits granted to recipients from the current $48 to at least $76. This would likely have flow-on effects for other payments such as the pension.

The social advocacy organisation also urged the government to take advantage of the budget to set the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future by investing in essential social services that will improve the esteem and quality of life of people from all walks of life, from the lowest income earners to the most privileged.

Cassandra Goldie, the head of ACOSS, described it as a disgrace that despite Australia being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, its unemployment benefits are among the lowest when compared to the rest of the OECD.

She pointed out that it was the right time for the government to step in and address the issues regarding the adequacy of the country's most essential social security systems to improve the quality of life and productivity of the citizens.

Ms Goldie remarked: ‘The government has the tools to build a more equal Australia ... every budget is about choice, and it does actually set up the values of the country.’

‘We very strongly think the budget should be about tackling inflation (and) we should be focusing on measures that are not harming those who are most at risk.’

Goldie also said that many Australians are taking measures that go beyond their standard level of living to make ends meet.

'This is not about the cost of a cup of coffee; this is about the essentials of life,' she said.

ACOSS also suggested that the government achieve higher levels of sufficient funding by halting the $18 billion per year stage three tax cuts, which they claimed only to benefit the wealthiest 20 per cent of Australian citizens.

The contentious tax cuts, which are set to take effect starting in 2024, have been a hot topic of debate in the country, with some believing that it would benefit the middle and working class while others saying that it would only help the rich.

The group also advocated for increased funding for community services via proper indexation and investments in solar and energy efficiency for low-income households.

Goldie emphasised the need for the budget to prioritise gender equality measures and dedicate more funding to social housing.

She said: 'This is a budget we want to see that actually speaks to the government’s commitment that nobody is going to be left behind.’

View attachment 15736

A summary of ACOSS’ recommendations for the upcoming federal budget. Credit: Seniors Discount Club.

In January, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he was aware of cost-of-living pressures and plans to provide 'responsible cost-of-living relief' in the upcoming budget.

'My job is to try and make it all add up in the context of a trillion dollars of debt and all of those other budget pressures,' he remarked.

'We will do what we can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief, electricity bills, cheaper early childhood education, a pay rise for aged care workers; these will all be in the Budget in May.'

‘If there are other steps that we can consider and that we can afford, then obviously, we’ll contemplate that as well.’

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has released its budget submission, calling for people on the lowest incomes to be prioritised.
• ACOSS urges the government to use the upcoming budget to lay the foundations for a more inclusive future.
• ACOSS is calling for measures to be taken to increase community services funding, with specific investments in energy efficiency and solar retrofits for low-income households.
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the government will do what it can to provide responsible cost-of-living relief in the upcoming budget.

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we make it our mission to keep our members updated with all of the latest news and developments from the upcoming federal budget.

We also previously shared an article where we detail some of the government relief programs that you can take advantage of.

What are your thoughts on ACOSS' proposal? What measures would you like to see in the upcoming federal budget to make your life easier? Let us know in the comments below!

When I as many other Pensioners who live in DOH really do not benefit much from the increase as DOH take 25% for rent and 25% for water they give the increase in one habd and take it back in the other .In our opinion why bother . I am 80 years old and i worked and payed my taxes as every one else have . The only ones i see who benefit here in Australia is the Government .

 

[Milica]

I'm sure if others where to experience a fortnight on a pension, living in DOH, with all the expenses of weekly and fortnightly living coming out of one pension - there just may be thought of an increase in the Age Pension - maybe! Our seniors should be valued, respected for the lives they
have lived and the contributions they have made to our country, in one way or another. They most
definitley should not have to experience financial stress, which impacts on a persons, daily emotional and physical health, not to mention constant state of worry - this is not in later years, Quality of life! Surely they have parents at the same age as our seniors - just think for a moment how it
would feel for your parents if they where ever to be in the same position, it is called, empathy,
understanding, compassion, common sense, practical sustainable living, meeting the needs of others in need so they have a comfortable living as they age - lets get real here - we are living in the
lucky country of Australia!

 

[Groovy]

The rich gets richer and the poor poorer and that’s the reality of life!!
It always was and always be.
Instead of using the money for the citizens they use it for causes that don’t make sense, like war’s artillery, space discoveries and many other things!!
What about the money spent on the dole for kids when they finish school? It should be compulsory for them to get a job……..no job no benefits. They live off those who work hard and pay their taxes. I think the government itself creates unemployment, by providing the dole for this younger generation. I’ve said before and I say it again: a government is made up of imperfect people, no matter who is in power, there‘ll always be problems how they govern!!
Keep well and safe everyone

 

[gordon1940]

Why is it that pensioners can't work as many hours they want in a week and pay the nominated tax and still keep their pension...we are the only country in the world that doesn't allow this to happen..this is a no brainer as there are many pensioners would love to do this to LIVE... not save money , the benefits are more money being spent in the community and also keeping elderly people active and not ending up in the health care system...cheers Gordon Stewart

I support the thinking however additional income should be included in Income Test.

 

[siameezer]

When I as many other Pensioners who live in DOH really do not benefit much from the increase as DOH take 25% for rent and 25% for water they give the increase in one habd and take it back in the other .In our opinion why bother . I am 80 years old and i worked and payed my taxes as every one else have . The only ones i see who benefit here in Australia is the Government .

I understand what you are saying! Those in private rentals are even worse off as our rents are going up by over $50 a week in many cases! It is such a sad state of affairs and it is a worry for all pensioners.

 

[margiiazul]

I think all payments for the 'dole' should be stopped. Young adults are coming off year 12 straight onto the 'Dole' and not bothering to look for work. They say they earn more on the 'dole' than if they were working, so just spend their time at home. Businesses are crying out for staff everywhere yet there are so many young, able, people not working. Why????? This money could be better used elsewhere by the Government. Aged care for one.

 

[lalapea]

Why not give pensioners free power, water etc, that would take some of the pressure off of us trying to juggle our money

 

[siameezer]

Why not give pensioners free power, water etc, that would take some of the pressure off of us trying to juggle our money

That is a very good idea but would greatly increase costs for those not on pensions and that isn't fair either. Here in Vic we get 17.5% off electricity year round and the same off gas but gas discount is only in winter. I would be happy to see our concession increased to 50% year-round for both ... mind you the greedy companies would just raise prices then!

 

[Milica]

I understand what you are saying! Those in private rentals are even worse off as our rents are going up by over $50 a week in many cases! It is such a sad state of affairs and it is a worry for all pensioners.

I am also paying private rental - and am becoming more concerned in the near future in to how i am still going to pay this - i am looking for P/Time work mainly for this reason & off course to pay bills, buy food etc. I have contemplated moving to a country town but the rents now have gone up considerably, nearly the same as the city and in some cases the same - so P/Time in the city - while i can still work! Greed seems to have overcome with everything from rents, food, power, gas with no consideration on how this is affecting the not so wealthy, we seem to have forgotten what we have just gone thru over the last 3 years and reverted back to a me, me
selfish attitude without the empathy, kindness and consideration for others.

 

[margiiazul]

Why not give pensioners free power, water etc, that would take some of the pressure off of us trying to juggle our money

Sadly, there is no such thing as a "free lunch". Someone pays somewhere.