Pensions bill set to pass parliament

Pension changes from the deal between the government and Greens will likely pass the House of Representatives on Thursday

The federal government's controversial pension changes will likely pass the House of Representatives on Thursday despite Labor objections.

Opposition families spokeswoman Jenny Macklin said this was another government attack on pensioners but Labor acknowledged that tough decisions needed to be made.

Ms Macklin said Labor would agree to the abolition of the seniors supplement and changes to social security treatment of defined benefits but not to changes to the assets test or to pension portability arrangements.

Through this deal negotiated between the government and Greens, about 170,000 pensioners will get an extra $15 a week, while about 91,000 home-owning retirees will lose their part pension.

Another 235,000 will have their pension reduced.

Seniors say this will hurt middle Australia not millionaires and they will vent their anger at the government at the next federal election.


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Source: AAP


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