The Greens will push for the retirement age to be lowered back to 65, as well as an increase in the Age Pension.
The minor party, which is aiming to secure the balance of power in any potential minority Labor Government, released a plan to reduce the age from 67 – where it was set under the Rudd Government in 2009 – back to 65, where it was previously; in addition, it is seeking a lift in the Age Pension to $88 per day.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt (above) said the plan would address a poverty crisis among older Australians, particularly women.
“Older people who have worked in minimum wage jobs and in manual labour are being forced to look for work instead of enjoying the retirement they deserve.
“In balance of power, the Greens will fight to restore respect and dignity in ageing, and ensure that it’s rest and revitalisation, not poverty, awaiting people at the end of their working years. By making billionaires pay their fair share of tax, older Australians can retire earlier with dignity,” he said.
Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for family, ageing and community services, (pictured) accused both Labor and the Coalition of “abandoning older voters”.
“Thousands of older working people are living paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford to retire. Many are working for starvation wages, in back-breaking jobs – in manufacturing, in hospitality, in supermarkets, as labourers and salespeople – people who have worked hard all their lives and are being forced to wait an extra two years to retire. The Greens won’t make them wait any longer.
“Anyone who has ever struggled to put food on their table, or had to make a choice between paying the rent on time or getting the medication they need, knows how long an extra two-year wait really is,” she said.
The Age Pension saw a 2.1% increase earlier this year, to around $70 per day for singles.
