The Pension Review
On Monday, 11 August 2008, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, and Dr Jeff Harmer, the Secretary of her department, released the Pension Review Background Paper
Introduction
On 15 May 2008, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, announced that Dr Jeff Harmer, the Secretary of her department, would lead a comprehensive review of the pension system as part of the Government's broader review of Australia's Future Tax System.The Pension Review will investigate measures to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers, and people with disability by considering the:
- appropriate levels of income support and allowances, including the base rate of the pension, with reference to the stated purpose of the payment;
- frequency of payments , including the efficacy of lump sum versus ongoing support; and
- structure and payment of concessions or other entitlements that would improve the financial circumstances and security of seniors, carers and people with disability.
Australia's Future Tax System
On 13 May 2008, the Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP, announced a comprehensive review of Australia's tax system to create a tax structure that positions Australia to deal with the demographic, social, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century and enhance Australia's economic and social outcomes.The inquiry into Australia's Future Tax System will consider improvements to the tax and transfer payment system for individuals and working families. This will include consideration of the relationships of the tax system with the transfer payments system and other social support payments, rules and concessions, with a view to improving incentives to work, reducing complexity and maintaining cohesion. Consultations will be undertaken as part of the broader review.
The terms of reference for the inquiry into Australia's Future Tax System include the establishment of a review panel chaired by the Secretary to Treasury, Dr Ken Henry AC. The panel comprises Dr Jeff Harmer (Secretary, FaHCSIA), Professor John Piggott (University of New South Wales), Ms Heather Ridout (Australian Industry Group) and Mr Greg Smith (Australian Catholic University). The panel will oversight programs of work and consult to allow community and business input.
For information on Australia's Future Tax System visit the Treasury website.
Reference Group
A Reference Group has been established to ensure the Pension Review reflects the views and aspirations of those most likely to be affected. The Reference Group consists of:| Name | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Mr Bruce Bonyhady | Philanthropy Australia |
| Mr Ross Clare | Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia |
| Ms Charmaine Crowe | Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW |
| Ms Val French AM | Older People Speak Out |
| Dr Rhonda Galbally AO | Our Community |
| Ms Marion Gaynor | Australian Council of Trade Unions |
| Professor Bob Gregory AO | Australian National University |
| Dr Lorna Hallahan | South Australian Disability Advisory Council |
| Ms Joan Hughes | Carers Australia |
| Mr Gregor Macfie | Australian Council of Social Service |
| Mr Michael O’Neill | National Seniors Australia |
| Ms Patricia Reeve | Council of the Ageing Victoria |
| Professor Peter Whiteford | University of New South Wales |
Community consultations
To inform the Pension Review, the Department of Families Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs recently invited interested people to share their views through a public consultation process involving both public meetings and written submissions. The meetings were held across Australia during August and September 2008.Submissions closed on 26 September 2008 and were received from individuals, service providers, state governments and people with disability.
The Department is now considering these views to develop a comprehensive approach to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers and people with disability.
For general enquiries about the Pension Review, or to obtain a copy of the Pension Review Background Paper and Executive Summary, please call the Department's hotline on 1800 663 011.
Timeline
Dr Harmer will report to the Treasurer and Minister Macklin, through the Chair of the Australia's Future Tax System Review Panel, Dr Ken Henry AC, by 28 February 2009.Media Centre
Media releases
$4.8 Billion down payment to help pensioners, seniors, and carersPeople with disability big winners from Economic Security Strategy
Reference Group press release of 29 July
Centenary of Age Pension
Speeches
Pension Review Background Paper 11 August 2008Minister's statement of 15 May 2008