About 37,000* age pensioners across the Federal electorates of Blair and Wright have been left behind by the Morrison Government’s Budget.

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP said local were experiencing the effects of the most severe economic crisis in almost a century.

“The Budget was a critical test for Scott Morrison in how he dealt with the ongoing hardship of Australians as we transition out of the pandemic,” Mr Neumann said.

“The Budget was an opportunity to reverse the freeze to the aged pension.”

Pensions are normally indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year

“This was the first time in 23 years that the pension was not indexed.

“Costs are higher at the moment – things like higher energy bills from staying at home, extra transport costs from avoiding public transport, grocery home delivery charges, missing out on shopping at the markets for specials, and extra health costs.

“It’s like kicking someone when they are down. Leaving pensioners behind at a time like this is unforgiveable.”

Mr Neumann said the Budget also left out veterans.

“Despite loud calls from Labor and the ex-service community, there is no funding in the Budget to expand veteran wellbeing centres or to address the terrible plight of homeless veterans.

“The Government promised to establish a Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre in the Ipswich region.

“It’s clear they have no plan to fulfil that promise and many veterans will feel left out and left behind by this Budget.”

Despite 674 older Australians in residential aged care tragically passing away from COVID-19, the Budget confirms the Morrison Government still has no plan to fix our country’s broken aged care system.

Mr Neumann said the Morrison Government has failed every single older Australian in aged care by not acting.
 
“While most of those deaths occurred in Victorian aged care homes, local residents have been quarantined and unable to see family and loved ones for months.

“Given the shocking number of deaths, it is beyond comprehension why Scott Morrison has provided no significant new funding for aged care.

“The problems in aged care have not been addressed in this Budget.”

Mr Neumann said more than 103,000 older Australians have been languishing on a waiting list for their home care package, while more than 32,000 have had to enter residential aged prematurely while waiting for home care packages.

“The home care packages announced by the Morrison Government won’t come close to meeting demand or addressing the significant concerns of the Aged Care Royal Commission.

“The Government’s announcement of 23,000 ‘additional’ packages does not come close to meeting the needs. More older Australians died than this while waiting for care in the last three years alone.”

Mr Neumann said there has been no response to the workforce shortages or infection control failures in aged care.

“We know the aged care sector needs more aged care workers, more nurses and better pay.

“As a result of these failures we have heard horror stories of residents being neglected, left in soiled clothing without food or proper hydration, experiencing acts of violence and sexual assault.

“It is a national disgrace.”