Cost of Living
National Seniors is campaigning to reduce the cost of living and inflationary pressures affecting older Australians - with a focus on food and groceries.
The issue
Inflation has soared, causing high costs for consumer goods and services, this has been exacerbated by a lack of competition and regulation of supermarket sector.
What we're calling for
Greater competition in the supermarket industry and clearer labelling of unit pricing for grocery items are just some of the reforms needed to ensure the cost of everyday grocery items are kept low.
The benefits
Keeping the cost of eveyday items low, will improve living standards and support older Australians on low fixed incomes.
Supermarket Unit Pricing
National Seniors is calling changes Supermarket Unit Pricing Code to make it easier for consumers to compare the price of grocery items. Unit pricing is a key tool fr consumers to enable them to easily compare products of different weight or size. Unit pricing information is often difficult to read and poorly displayed making comparison harder.
Create a targeted Pensioner Concession Card Plus (PCC+)
The prevalence of poverty among Australian aged 65 and older is estimated to be 20%. We urge the Federal Government to create a targeted Pensioner Concession Card to provide additional support. Existing customer data could help tailor the PCC+ eligibility to target those who need it most.
Energy Rebate
In Queensland, a further rebate of $1000 is available (on top of an existing $372 Energy Rebate and for seniors).
Freeze on deeming
A 12 month freeze on deeming rates has been provided in the 2024 Budget until 30 June 2025 ensuring pension payments do not reduce as inflation rises. This extends the initial two-year freeze that was ending on 30 June 2024.
Rent assistance
A 10% increase to the maximum rate of CRA was announced in the 2024 Federal Budget. This increase will begin from September 2024 and is on top of the 15% increase provided in the 2023 Budget to assist renters with rising housing costs.
Read our report on Older People’s Responses to the Rising Cost of Living
National Seniors Australia surveyed 5,806 people aged 50 or over about recent cost-of-living increases and the impact they have had on their lives. This report focuses on personal experiences: the multitude of ways older individuals have responded to the cost-of-living crisis.
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Current submissions
Through our access to policy-makers and the support of our members, we're able to make a difference. Check out our current submissions.
Our work is made possible through the support of generous Australians
National Seniors Australia is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1976.
We rely on people like you to become a member, or use our services to help us advocate for better outcomes for people aged over 50. We tackle issues such as age discrimination, accessible housing, pension poverty, health costs, aged care and improving retirement income.
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*The discount applies to the total National Seniors travel insurance premium and is for National Seniors Australia members only. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount
National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
