PARRAMATTA PENSIONERS CONCERNED WITH NEW YEAR’S PENSION CUTS 13th January 2017 Julie Owens, Federal Member for Parramatta says up to 1430 local pensioners have had significant cuts to their pension because of changes to the pension assets test made by the Turnbull Government and the Greens. Around 1010 Parramatta pensioners will see an average cut to their pension of $137 a fortnight, and a further 420 local pensioners could lose their pension entirely under the legislation which came into effect on New Years’ Day. Ms Owens said constituents have contacted her office with concerns about their finances. “Pensioners and families already have huge financial pressures over the holiday season and the last thing they need is a cut to their pension.” “Labor voted against this cut to pensioners in the Parliament and we will continue to fight for a fair go for pensioners.” “Cutting the pension shows how out of touch Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberals really are. They have taken money off pensioners while trying to give a $50 billion handout to big business and the banks,” Ms Owens said. Pensioners who are concerned about how the Government’s changes to the pension assets test will affect them can contact Centrelink Financial Information Services on 132 300. Ms Owens has urged constituents who believe they have been treated unfairly by Centrelink to contact her office on 9689 1455 for assistance. |