Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie says there is a surprising number of issues the Greens have been fighting for over the past decade that the Nationals, ALP and Liberals are now starting to talk about. Increasing the aged pension is one example that reeks of political opportunism.
"This is great to see all the major parties come out supporting increased pensions but you have to wonder why they haven't acted when they had the opportunity.
"The Greens have been campaigning for a minimum $30 a week increase in the single aged pension since June 2007. This would lift the single aged pension to $303 which is $18 above the poverty line. It is a sensible, affordable policy," Dr McKelvie said.
"Increasing the single aged pension by $30 a week would cost the government less than this year’s tax cuts given to those earning over $75,000.
"After all the work elder citizens have put into our communities we should be giving them a fair go. They have done without so we can reap the benefits, its time we gave something back to them.
For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615
Greens Candidate for Gippsland By Election 2008
