Jennny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Minister for Disability Reform
Darly Melham MP, Member for Banks
Robert McClelland MP, Member for Barton
Thousands of local pensioners are set to get extra support to help them make ends meet, with over $9.5 million worth of new cash payments hitting local households from today.
BREAKDOWN OF PENSIONERS RECEIVING HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS FROM TOMORROW
| Electorate | Pensioners | Total of payments |
| Barton | 22,100 | $4,887,639 |
| Banks | 21,100 | $4,666,479 |
| TOTAL | 43,200 | $9,554,118 |
Minister for Families, Jenny Macklin, said more than 43,000 pensioners in the region would receive a cash payment over the coming weeks, ahead of the introduction of the carbon price on 1 July.
“All full and part pensioners in St George will receive a lump sum payment of $250 for singles and $380 for couples combined,” Ms Macklin said.
“This extra cash will go straight into pensioners’ bank accounts to help them keep on top of the bills.
“We know local pensioners can find it pretty tough to keep up. They have the least room to move when costs go up, and this new support from the Gillard Government should give pensioners a bit of extra breathing space.”
Member for Barton, Mr McClelland, said local pensioners will get another boost next year, with an ongoing increase to their fortnightly payments from March.
“In total, local pensioners will get about $338 extra a year for singles and $510 extra a year for couples combined,” he said.
“As part of our Household Assistance Package, we’re taking extra care to make sure pensioners have the support they need to keep up with the cost of living.
Mr Melham, Member for Banks, said “Many pensioners will end up coming out ahead after the carbon price starts on 1 July.
“About 93 per cent of all pensioner households will be at least 20 per cent better off because of these new payments.”
Ms Macklin said the Labor Government would keep delivering for pensioners.
“We get how tough it is for pensioners. It’s why we’ve already delivered historic increases to the pension, and it’s why we are delivering this extra boost right now.
“While Tony Abbott and the Liberals keep promising to claw back all this extra support, we’ll keep working hard to make sure local pensioners are coming out on top.”
Pensioners can find out more by visiting australia.gov.au/householdassistance or calling 132 300.
Contact: Ella Barnett (McClelland) 02 9553 4111
Deborah May (Melham) 02 9774 2111
