State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, will this week ask the State Government to ‘have a heart’ and allow pensioners to keep their concessions despite pension cuts by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government’s recent changes to the pension now mean thousands of local pensioners who were receiving discounts such as free car registration and drivers licence, reduced land rates and rebates on utilities, will be now be forced to pay the full price.
The impact on some pensioners will see costs rise by more than $1000 per year, increasing cost of living pressures.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Since the Federal Government changed the rules governing the pension on January 1 this year, pensioners impacted have been contacting my office about the real impact of these cuts.”
“The impact is not just the loss of a few dollars a week from their pension, the State Government is now also whacking them with full fees and charges.”
“Full car registration and drivers licence charges, fishing licences, full land rates and the loss of rebates on electricity, water and gas, means some pensioners are now paying $1000 a year more. This is just another kick in the guts.”
“These cuts are really hurting pensioners in our community. When you add the loss of the pension, people are losing over $4000 per year.”
“Cost of living pressures are already high and this is impacting on family budgets even further.”
“The State Government should step in and show they have a heart, unlike the Federal Government, and allow already struggling pensioners to keep their concessions.”