FED: Pension should rise to two thirds couple rate: Oppn
26 Apr 2009 12:29 PM
Subject: FED: Pension should rise to two thirds couple rate: Oppn FED: Pension should rise to two thirds couple rate: Oppn
SYDNEY, April 26 AAP - The single aged pension should rise to two-thirds the level of the couple rate, opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull says.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has promised to boost the aged pension in next month's federal budget, but is refusing to comment on reports the rise will be less than the expected $30-a-week increase.
There is speculation that the federal government is considering increasing the single aged pension by only $20 a week so it can also boost unemployment benefits.
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said the opposition will continue to argue that the pension should be increased.
"We have argued for some time very strongly that the singled aged pension should be increased to two thirds the level of a couple rate," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
A pensioner couple on the full rate receive $475.90 each a fortnight, compared with $569.80 for single pensioners.
AAP sg/ss =0A
FED: Pension should rise to two thirds couple rate: Oppn