A Voice for Seniors

The Nationals candidate for Riverina, Michael McCormack, has said that as he has travelled across the electorate he has been overwhelmed by the amount of seniors who feel they have been forgotten or neglected by their Government.

"It really is appaulling to hear this from those who have contributed so much to our country.

"I have welcomed the Coalition's Policy to Support Seniors and in particular the commitment to create a Minister for Ageing and Seniors. This will ensure that Australians over the age of 50 have a Minister dedicated to making sure their voices are heard in Canberra.

"The Nationals Recognise that when Australians aged over 50 become unemployed, they will likely remain so twice as long as younger Australians. Similarly we recognise that the impact of long term unemployment is more severe for older workers, so I have welcomed the Coalition's commitment to a Seniors' Employment Incentive Payment which will assist seniors who are out of the workforce to find a job.

"Further measures which will benefit seniors include the comittment to abolish the Superannuation Guarantee Age Limit, which will encourage and allow those who want to continue working past retirement age to do so.

"Sadly, personal safety has become an issue for many seniors so I welcome the opportunity for local Councils to apply for $100,000 per annum to improve the safety of seniors in their homes and communities," Mr McCormack said.

Cristy Houghton