April 20, 2022
KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter, says the 2.6 million people on the age pension should receive an increase of $100 a week ($200 a fortnight), which would support older Australians dealing with the soaring cost of living.
To pay for the $14 billion a year policy, the Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MP says the Federal Government should place a five percent surcharge (primage) on all imports into Australia which would generate $20 billion a year[1] and give Australian industry and workers a competitive advantage.
“If you want to buy something from China instead of Australia, then you should pay 10 percent more for it,” Mr Katter said.
“It might teach people to buy Australian made and not from overseas.
“People who have worked their whole lives for our nation can’t afford to live on the age pension payment they are getting now. Some people on the pension did not have superannuation for most of their working life.
“Single pensioners can currently earn $180 a fortnight before their pension is reduced. I think that figure should be increased so that pensioners can work if they want to, without being penalised.[2]
Bob Katter was kicked into action by 93-year-old Townsville pensioner, Kevin Pattel.
“I’m 93 years old and am fortunate to have my eight children who keep me on. They buy my clothes, my groceries so my life is more fortunate than others my age who can’t even buy food to eat,” he said.
“Life is impossible for pensioners and after the election, the prices are only going to keep going up. They are going to go sky high – 700 percent in some things.
“Bob has always been a carer to the people, and I had to reach out to Bob to stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves.”
KAP candidate for Herbert, Clynton Hawks, said much like wages the pension hasn’t moved with the cost of living and to him, that is a disgrace.
“These pensioners built this country and deserved to be looked after, not thrown to the wayside,” he said.
“You go to the supermarket, and you probably don’t even notice but the pensioners only have the essentials in their trolleys - milk, bread, butter and a bit of fruit because that is all they can afford.
“By the time our pensioners pay for the rent and fuel they are only left with two coins to rub together for the essentials.
“The Katter’s Australian Party will fight for our pensioners and will fight to see their pensions raised by $100 a week so they can fill their trolleys.”
KAP Candidate for Leichhardt, Rod Jensen, supported the policy saying that it tackled the critical issue of affordable living.
“Where we are at the current rate for pensioners is having a serious impact on the livelihoods of our elderly across the north,” Mr Jensen said.
“They are struggling with almost every day-to-day necessity, from overcrowding in houses, to issues around fuel and transport, and being able to easily access medical aid and food.
“If you are living in the elderly population in Leichhardt, there’s no doubt that it limits your ability to live your life to a good and proper standard and what you see at the end of the day are impacts on self-esteem as well medical impacts due to being unable to sustain necessary core nutrition.
“There is a large cohort of elderly that want to work, could contribute massively to our community but are unable due to the current restrictions.
“Pensioners should be able to get out and do a bit of work and contribute their skills to the community.
“We need to get them out and about, so they are not being confined to their houses all day.”
[1] www.dfat.gov.au/publications/trade-and-investment/trade-and-investment-glance-2021
[2] https://www.dss.gov.au/seniors/programmes-services/work-bonus