The comments from ministers, who say they could not live on the pension of $273 per week provided to 1.2 million Australians, but who will offer no extra money for at least 9 months, are cruel Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown said today.
"This is the indifference to deprivation which people don't like to see from governments, not least Labor governments. John Howard was indifferent for 12 years. But Kevin Rudd should act now. After all, Treasurer Swan allocated $31 billion for tax breaks over three years in this year's budget," Senator Brown said.
An immediate $30 increase for single pensioners is the least the government should give to people in the worst of circumstances.
Senator Brown said politicians' annual pay had risen from $80,251 to $127,060 since 1996, while pensions had increased from $8,907 to $14,196 per year over the same time.
Senator Brown said he will put a motion to the Senate next week calling on the ministers to explain their failure to act.
For further information, contact: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603