13 July 2009

Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

Peter Garrett today acknowledged the contribution of members the Randwick Botany branch of National Seniors Australia at its July meeting.

Following a presentation about the Antarctic, including his trip on the first passenger flight in January 2008, Mr Garrett presented five members of the branch with certificates. The certificates commemorate 100 years of the Age Pension.

“I met with Ron, Mike and Margaret* a couple of times in 2008 and appreciated the frank and honest discussion we had on the challenges facing pensioners and seniors.

“And I am delighted to present these certificates to acknowledge their contribution to the community,” said Mr Garrett.

The Commonwealth Parliament passed the Invalid and Old-Age Pensions Act in 1908 and made the first payment was made in July 1909.

This month’s celebrations coincide with the Australian Government's recent landmark reforms of the pension system, delivering a simpler, fairer, and flexible safety net for millions of age and disability pensioners, carers and veterans.

These long overdue reforms will provide greater certainty for pensioners, and meet the new challenges of an ageing population in the 21st century.

Under the Australian Government's Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform, all 3.3 million age pensioners, disability pensioners, carers, wife pensioners and veteran income support recipients will benefit from increases in their pension payments.

From 20 September 2009, single pensioners on the full rate will receive an extra $32.49 per week, and $10.14 per week combined for couples on the full rate.

These significant reforms reaffirm the Australian Government's long-term commitment to securing a better financial future for pensioners.

The principle of giving older Australians security, support and dignity, which drove the Age Pension's introduction 100 years ago, continues to be the cornerstone of Australia's income support system.

The Rudd Government also recently announced a $50 million national agreement which will enable Seniors Card holders to benefit from reciprocal transport concessions in all states, not just their home state.

*Ron Wood, Mike Cornell, Margaret Woodhouse