NEW WORK BONUS FOR PENSIONERS
From July 1, 2011 age pensioners who still work will be able to earn up to $250 per fortnight above the income test threshold before the pension is affected.
Pensioners will also be able to build up any unused amount of the $250 fortnightly exemption in an income bank to a total of $6,500.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AGED PENSION
In September 2009, the Federal Labor Government delivered the most significant reforms to the pension system in its 100 year history. These reforms delivered pension increases, a new pension supplement, a pension Work Bonus and a new indexation system.
These important reforms made the system sustainable for the millions of age and disability pensioners, carers and veterans who depend on it.
By September 2011 the pension had increased by $148 per fortnight for singles on the maximum rate and $146 for couples combined on the maximum rate, since the reforms began in September 2009.
TACKLING AGE DISCRIMINATION
The Labor Government has introduced a dedicated position of Age Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission from 1 July 2011. The new commissioner will advocate for the rights of older Australians.
A national Age Discrimination Commissioner will provide greater emphasis on tackling attitudes and stereotypes that can contribute to age discrimination. In particular, this new position will address barriers to equality and participation faced by mature age workers and older Australians when compared with young people.
These include discrimination in getting a job or applying for a promotion, enrolling at TAFE or university, applying to rent a house, or accessing utilities such as a bank, superannuation fund, insurance company or government service.