We are urging the Government to use this Budget to address some major and urgent inequities in our society. Some initiatives we have asked for previously. These include an increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance and improvements to Newstart and other allowances.
COTA now welcomes the exposure draft of the Bill and the opportunity to put a submission to the Committee. In our Submission we focus on a few key issues that we believe the Committee should consider in its examination of the exposure draft.
The Discussion Paper presents a comprehensive set of proposals covering the key areas for change that are within the terms of reference for the Inquiry.
COTA welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Select Committee on Electricity Prices. There have been numerous articles in the media in many countries, including Australia, on the adverse impact of rising energy costs on older people, particularly those who are on fixed incomes.
COTA helped create and supports the Fair Go for Pensioners Coalition to push for reforms in the pension system, was a participant in the Harmer Review of pensions and supported the increase in pensions and associated reforms introduced in 2009. It is now time to do the same for people of working age