FINANCIAL BOOST FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND CARERS
November 4, 2007

Bob Debus, Labor Candidate for Macquarie, said today that thousands of Central West seniors, people with disabilities and carers would receive a major financial boost to help cope with the pressure of rising petrol, food, grocery and housing costs.

A Rudd Labor Government would give new and increased allowances to older Australians, people with disabilities and carers to help with the cost of utilities, transport, internet and telephone.

" This will be a signficant help to the thousands of Central West seniors, people with disabilities and carers who are under increasing financial pressure from rising petrol, grocery, food and housing costs," said Mr Debus.

Under a Rudd Labor Government, State Government seniors card holders will be able to travel at concession rates anywhere in Australia and access free internet at internet kiosks in their local community.

Federal Labor's plan - Making Ends Meet - will help eligible Australians, including pensioners and self-funded retirees.

· Concession fares on public transport anywhere in Australia — $50 million National Reciprocal Public Transport Entitlement for State Government Senior's Card holders

· Telephone allowance — increase by 50 per cent, up from $88 to $132 a year — to help with the cost of an internet connection at home

· Seniors' internet fund — a new plan to provide grants of up to $10,000 for 2000 eligible community organisations to set up free internet connections for members

· Utilities allowance — paid every three months and increased from $107.50 to $500 for singles and couples. This would make the allowance closer to when the gas, water and electricity bills come in, not twice a year

· Utilities allowance — make sure Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension recipients are eligible

· Seniors concession allowance — increase from $114 to $500 for each eligible person

" Central West seniors deserve help with phone bills and internet costs to stay in touch with family, friends and grandchildren," said Mr Debus.

" And seniors deserve that extra reward of concession fares to visit grandkids and family or get around this beautiful country of ours – whether it's on the Ghan, the Melbourne trams, Sydney ferries or the Spirit of Tasmania.

" A seniors card holder visiting the Central West from inter-state would be able to claim the same transport concession that applies to a seniors card holder in our local community."