Luke is joined by Ian Henschke, Chief Advocate for National Seniors Australia, who welcomes cost of living relief provided in the 2023 budget.

This includes a $40 increase to the base rate for the JobSeeker payment, a $92.10 increase for JobSeekers aged 55-59, and a 15% increase to the maximum rate of rent assistance.

Nr Henschke says, National Seniors called for an increase to rent assistance in its 2023 Budget Submission and that “Renters are more vulnerable to higher costs, lower living standards and homelessness.  This increase will go some way to help ease these pressures, particularly for older women who are most at risk.”

He adds, “The one-off electricity subsidy of up to $500, more affordable medications and incentives for GPs to bulk bill will also help.  “In good news for aged care, the government has funded the 15% pay increase for workers and there are 9,500 extra home care packages.

However, Ian wonders where the workers will come from. Government could do more by capitalising on the skills of older people, an argument he’s made for some time.

Download this podcast here