Govt gives pensioners Xmas sweetener

(AAP) Like many pensioners Phillipa White has watched her savings dwindle as she tries to make ends meet on $280 a week.

So for the 69-year-old single aged pensioner the $1,400 lump sum payment she will
receive before Christmas from the government is welcome news.
"I have been going backwards, just like a lot of pensioners I know," Ms White told AAP.
"I'm in debt to my savings practically every fortnight and I'm not living
extravagantly by any means.
"This payment before Christmas will be very handy, it will help replace what I have
taken from my savings to pay the bills."
Ms White is one of four million pensioners, carers and families who will benefit
under the government's $4.8 billion package announced.
It forms part of a $10.4 billion stimulus package designed to help Australia counter
the global economic crisis.
Single-aged pensioners will receive lump sum payments of $1,400 and couples $2,100
in December.
People on disability support and veterans pensions, carer payments and low-income
self-funded retirees will also be eligible.
Carer Allowance recipients will receive a $1,000 payment for each person in their care.
This payment will also be given to families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or
with children on Youth Allowance, Abstudy or a veterans education benefit.
Families Minister Jenny Macklin said these people would be able to rest "a little
easier" in the lead-up to Christmas.
"This is a very important day for all of these pensioners, for veterans, for carers
because they do need immediate support," Ms Macklin told parliament.
"They can have a little bit extra to make sure that all the extra costs that they
face will be easier for them as Christmas comes."
Ms Macklin said the government was also committed to long-term pension reform and
would act on the recommendations of its pension review next year.
The federal opposition, minor parties, pension senior and carer groups have all
welcomed the package.
But Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said it would have been preferable if it was
done out of compassion rather than to stimulate the economy.
The coalition has been demanding a $30-a-week increase for single aged pensioners.
"It's not something to lament unduly, but it is a fact I think that the only reason
pensioners have got what they deserve was because the prime minister concluded there
was a need for a fiscal stimulus," Mr Turnbull said.
"What was really needed was not just an injection of liquidity into the system but
an injection of compassion."
Seniors Australia CEO Michael O'Neill said pensioners would be able to buy Christmas
presents for their grandchildren, put ham on the table and fix the leaky roof.
"They will be able to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, they will be able to catch up
on bills and expenses that they've not been able to meet to date."
"This is the opportunity for them to participate again in society and to have their
standard of living improved."
Carers Australia CEO Joan Hughes said carers would use the payment for medical
equipment, washing machines and accumulated debt.
Carers Australia has vowed to continue to pressure the government to deliver pension
reform before the next budget.
Ms White also hopes the government will lift pension rates by the middle of next year.
Although she welcomed the lump sum payment she said it was not a desirable approach
for the long term.
"These sorts of payments should be in installments because there are so many people
who won't benefit when it goes like it normally does into the pokies and such," she
said.