NSW: Include 'seniors impact statement' in NSW budget: opp
13 Jun 2009 12:01 AM
EDS: Embargoed to 0001 (AEST) Saturday, June 13
SYDNEY, June 13 AAP - The NSW government should draw up a `seniors impact statement' as part of next week's budget, the state opposition says.
Opposition Ageing spokesman Andrew Constance said the Rees government should ease the burden on seniors in Tuesday's budget, and include what he called a "seniors impact statement".
"They must undertake a `seniors impact statement' in conjunction with the state budget that outlines the effect on the quality of life for seniors in NSW," Mr Constance said in a statement.
"We are calling on the NSW premier and treasurer to enhance the benefits that are provided to seniors in the upcoming budget and ease the burden on seniors following recent massive water and electricity price hikes."
Mr Constance said 75 per cent of NSW retirees relied on state government benefits as their principal source of income, while 77 per cent of those aged over 65 received income support.
"The main concern we have ... is that the Rees Labor government will penalise seniors in the upcoming state budget, in light of the recent pension increases made by the commonwealth," he said.
