7 July 2011

Staggering $18.8bn in unclaimed superannuation

A nationwide survey by Westpac has revealed almost half (46.1 per cent) of Australians could be missing out on part of their superannuation.

The survey found that of these, 15.8 per cent of people questioned, knew they had unclaimed or ‘lost’ super but are not actively trying to recover it.

Westpac says there are 5.8 million lost super accounts with an estimated $18.8 billion in lost super.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill urged older people to check for any lost super.

“Currently in Australia we are facing rising costs of living and this can help you meet those costs in retirement or can be used as rainy day money,” he said.

“It's incredibly important to get these things in order.”

The ATO’s Super Seeker website is a free service which allows people to check online for their super. You will need to supply your TFN, name and DOB.

To check for lost super click here.

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New national aged care info line

Older Australians, their families, and carers will find it easier to access valuable information about aged care with the introduction of a single, national information line.

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the new national phone number will consolidate the range of existing 1800 numbers, and act as the new, single point of entry for people seeking information and access to aged care service.

To find out about aged care services phone the new hotline number 1800 200 422.

The Government has also announced improvements to the aged care website to ensure better, more comprehensive and up-to-date information is available for the growing number of people who source their information online.

Click here to visit the website.

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Jury duty age increases in WA

The Western Australian government has increased the age limit for Jury Duty from 70 to 75 years.

The increase to the age limit of jurors was brought in on 1 July 2011.

National Seniors welcomes this move by the Western Australia Government but says specific age limits should not be put in place in any state.

“It’s really a case of enabling seniors to contribute to society for as long as they are fit to do so, not until they reach a certain age,” Michael O’Neill said.

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Tasmanian seniors urged to have their say

The Tasmanian Government is looking for locals to have their say on the future policies relating to seniors.

A three year plan is being developed that will establish priorities and actions for the government to progress during 2012-14. Your input is required to inform the development of the plan.

Individuals and organisations are invited to respond to the Future Directions: Seniors’ Policy for Tasmania Consultation Paper through written submissions or through an online survey.

Submissions close Friday 12 August 2011.

Complete the survey online or for further information email or contact 03 6232 7888.

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Live cattle ban lifted

Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig yesterday announced that the live cattle suspension to Indonesia had been lifted.

Abattoirs in Indonesia will now be independently audited but animal rights groups say the Government’s backdown is shameful.

The $320 million industry has been in lockdown for the past month with many farmers saying their livelihoods are at risk.

Do you think the Government has made the right move by lifting the ban?

Or do you think more checks and balances need to be made to prevent further cruelty to animals?

Have your say on the blog.