SENIOR AUSTRALIANS FIRST CASUALTY OF LABOR’S DEBT TRAIN
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP will oppose the Rudd Government’s legislation to strip 22,000 senior Australians of their entitlement to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card - approximately 220 locals are affected.
“At a time when many senior Australians are doing it incredibly tough, the Government is intent on pursuing their plan to strip them of entitlements” Mr Ruddock said.
Many senior constituents have had their life savings frozen by the Rudd Government’s bungled handling of the bank deposit guarantee. Now Mr Rudd is determined to make life even tougher for them through a policy he did not disclose prior to the last election.
“This is most frustrating for seniors and Veterans in my own electorate” Philip Ruddock said.
Through the Harmer Pension Review the Rudd Government appear to be looking at imposing tougher income and assets test rules, which may even force senior Australians out of their family homes.
“The Coalition Government worked hard to pay off Labor’s $96 billion debt, which enabled us to extend support to senior Australians. After plunging Australians in to debt, and without a clear economic strategy, Labor are penalising senior Australians and rolling back entitlements.
“We must remember that Kevin Rudd said he couldn’t live on the Age Pension, but failed to provide any permanent increase in support for the pensioners of Berowra when the Budget was still in surplus. Senior Australians must not be the first casualty of Labor’s debt train” Philip Ruddock said.