Connect 214
24 March 2011
Responses by NSW parties
The three major parties have responded to National Seniors Australia’s NSW election priorities documents.
A matrix summarising the parties’ responses to our key election priorities can now be viewed here.
Earlier in the week representatives of the Labor, Liberal and Greens’ parties were grilled by older voters at an election forum held by National Seniors Australia.
With the over 50s in NSW comprising nearly one-third (31.3 per cent) of the electorate, seniors in NSW represent a powerful voice.
Global events impetus for retiree drawdown concession
News this week that super funds are taking a hit on the back of current global events has renewed calls from seniors to extend the minimum drawdown concession on allocated pension accounts into the new financial year.
Super Ratings figures released on Tuesday show that the Japan earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis have taken super fund balances down 2%, erasing January and February market gains.
National Seniors chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said that while the setback is considered short-term by analysts, it’s a blow for retirees.
“Seniors had asked the government to extend the drawdown concession because even though super funds were on the up, many were still a long way off pre-GFC levels,” he said.
“Now, events in Japan and the Middle East are adding impetus to these calls”.
“It’s one step forward and two steps back for retirees watching their super balances,” he said.
“With investments still on the mend, older Australians are afraid to dip into their nest eggs unnecessarily,” said O’Neill.
The minimum drawdown requirement has been halved since the 2008-2009 financial year. As a retirement fund vehicle with significant tax concessions, minimum payments from superannuation account-based pensions are required at least annually.
Minimum payments are determined by age and account value.
Changes to disability parking permit holders
Queenslanders with a disability parking permit will now be able to access local disability parking concessions across Australia.
This means that Queensland’s 100,000 red permit holders, who have reduced mobility, can access the same interstate disability parking concessions as holders of an Australian Disability Parking Permit.
The Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, said the announcement is an important outcome for Queenslanders with reduced mobility.
“Queenslanders with a red permit now have certainty and confidence when driving interstate,’’ she said.
“Disability parking concessions help make life easier for people with reduced mobility to stay connected with their community, reducing walking distances and anxiety when heading to work, visiting the doctor or going shopping.”
Click here to find further information about the Australian Disability Parking Scheme and links to each state and territory disability parking agency.
Experience does count
National Seniors is looking for suitable people to take part in the last intake of mature-aged participants for the current state-funded homecarers project.An information session will be held on 6 April from 1:30pm to 3:30pm for people living in Melbourne’s eastern/north eastern suburbs who are interested in paid casual work in the homecare industry.
The session will be held at the Courtyard Room (rear of Whitehorse Council Offices, 397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading).
You must be 55 or over, have car and mobile, and currently work fewer than 15 hours per week.
For further details and to register interest in attending, email National Seniors Employment Services Manager (Vic), Grace Johnston, by 4 April.
NSW voters go to the polls
This weekend NSW voters will get their chance to decide the state’s next Premier.After a rough ride for Premier Kristina Keneally over the past few years, speculation is growing that NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell will thrash Keneally at the polls this weekend.
Do you think it’s time for a change of leadership?
Who are you voting for in this weekend’s election and why?
Have your say on the blog.