MEDIA RELEASE: Concessions decision good news for vulnerable pensioners – COTA Queensland

COTA Queensland has welcomed this morning’s announcement by the Queensland Premier to maintain funding for pensioner and seniors concessions. “It is a good Queensland Week present for the 435,000 aged pensioners who would have been significantly worse off if the cut in household and transport concessions had gone ahead,” said Mr Mark Tucker-Evans, Chief Executive of COTA Queensland.

“It is also good news for other holders of a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, such as veterans, people with disability, carers, and single parents who rely on state government concessions for access to electricity, water, and transport.”

Today’s announcement by the Premier to continue the current level of concessions without the Australian Government’s annual contribution is recognition of the anxiety and confusion which many pensioners were feeling after last month’s Federal Budget.

“The Queensland Government needs to work with the Australian Government, as well as other states and territories, to forge a lasting agreement about the Pensioner Concession Card and the role of government in maintaining a safety net for people on fixed, low incomes.

“COTA Queensland will continue to work with the Queensland Government on finding ways to simplify and improve access to concessions for those pensioners and low-income Queenslanders who do not receive adequate assistance.”

For more information, contact Mark Tucker-Evans at mte@cotaqld.org.au

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