Self funded, and part Pensioners.

By: AlanK (Registered ) on 25-10-2007 05:41

I am in some ways a member of both camps. I was looking forward to July 1, this year. Over 70, no tax on Super? As a retired ex-government employee who had contributed to Super ALL of 48.3 years, I was paying $180 per fortnight tax. Foolish me thinks I will get $90 a week 'pay' increase. Alas, it was not to be. Somehow, buried out of sight in the leglislation, out of sight, amongst the soft and warm, was a requirement for me to pay $58. I could never get an explanation for that one. 
To compound this, I got a letter from the Super administering body telling me that the cost of living HAD NOT INCREASED in the previous period, and, therefore I would not be getting ANY increase until the next review period, maybe! 
Now, I get a part pension only a percentage of the full pension, for which I am thankful as I am in receipt of the pensioner benefits which does help. 
MY QUESTION IS WHY ARE AUSTRALIANS MEANS TESTED? 
In other countries ALL persons over retirement age are given the FULL PENSION in recognition of their service to the country during their working life. If the obtaining of the full pension puts them into a tax paying situation, some of it is returned to the government as tax. 
How many public servants would not be needed to administer the present act? Who knows, some of them may be able to find meaningful work in other departments. Maybe checking politicians allowance claims could be a good substitute.

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