Pensioners will soon receive a boost in their allowance, but a senior minister says it's unrelated to the September election.
Families Minister Jenny Macklin outlined the previously announced increase, which includes the Clean Energy Supplement to help offset the impact of the carbon tax, on Saturday - a day before Prime Minister Julia Gillard starts her western Sydney blitz.
Single pensioners on the maximum rate will receive an extra $35.80 per fortnight with couples getting an increase of $54 per fortnight.
The rise, starting on March 20, covers those receiving the Age Pension, Disability Pension, Carer Payment and veteran income support.
"We know how important it is to make sure that the pension does keep up with the cost of living," she told reporters in Melbourne, when asked if the announcement was designed to help the government win the September election.
"That's why this government improved the way that we amend the pension twice a year, to make sure that it keeps up with pensioners' cost of living."
She also downplayed Ms Gillard's decision to base herself in western Sydney - where Labor faces an electoral wipeout - saying the government was in touch with all Australians.
"I think it's important for us, all of us, all the time to be talking with people in our communities," Ms Macklin said.
"That's what I do, it's what the prime minister does.
"I've been to western Sydney every week for the last few weeks. Nothing new to me to be in western Sydney."
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