CSPA calls for pension inquiry
The Combined Pensions and Superannuants Association of NSW (CSPA) has called for an independent body to be set up to allow pension and allowance rates to operate in a similar way to the Remuneration Tribunal that pays rates for politicians.
Earlier this week, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) said the cost of living in retirement had increased.
CSPA compared figures released by ASFA to the age pension to demonstrate the inadequacy of current pension benefits.
"The ASFA Retirement Standard found that costs of living in retirement have gone up and a couple looking for a comfortable retirement now need an income of $56,339 per year, while those seeking a modest retirement lifestyle require $32,555 a year.
"The Age Pension currently stands at $20,087 per year for singles and $30,284 for couples, leaving it well below the amount required for a ‘modest retirement lifestyle' defined by ASFA as only being able to afford basic activities," said CSPA senior policy advisor Amelia Christie.
Christie said the age pension needed to cover the essentials and keep retirees above the poverty line.
"CPSA calls for an independent body to be set up to determine Pension and Allowance rates to operate in a way similar to the Remuneration Tribunal that sets pay rates for politicians, to ensure that recipients are able to maintain an adequate standard of living," she said.
Christie said the income support bonus that the Government passed on Wednesday was a "slap in the face" to people on allowances, who would receive just $4 per week extra.
"It's made worse by the fact that the Coalition voted against it," she said.
The Senate Inquiry into the adequacy of Australia's allowance payment system last year found that payment rates were inadequate, but no recommendation has been made to increase the payment rates or make a change to indexing, CSPA said.
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