Media Statement - 13th June 2007
Federal Labor today called for a Senate Inquiry into the cost of living pressures facing older Australians.
Older Australians are feeling the impact of the spiralling cost of living – especially petrol costs and food.
But after 11 years in power, Mr Howard has lost touch with working families and older Australians.
Mr Howard simply doesn’t understand how hard things are for many older Australians.
Most older Australians struggle to make ends meet on low fixed incomes such as the aged pension and while many self-funded retirees have some assets, they are cash poor.
Mr Howard recently said Australian families "have never been better off". But many are doing it tough – the price of petrol, heating their homes, groceries and the high cost of childcare – which means they have to assist with the care of their grandchildren to help their children get by.
Mr Howard always talks about the Australian economy, but he never mentions how older Australians are feeling the pinch at home.
Older Australians are the lifeblood of the nation. They protected us during World War II and through their hard work they have built our national prosperity.
Today, Federal Labor calls on Mr Howard to support this very important Senate Inquiry.
A Rudd Labor Government will ensure that older Australians enjoy the prosperity, which they helped create for all of us.
The fastest growing group of the population is older Australians - people aged over 65. There are more than 2.5 million Australians over 65.
NOTE: The Terms of Reference proposed by Labor is available as a PDF under 'downloads' on this page.