Essential Services
This campaign is focused on maintaining access to high-quality essential services at a reasonable price.
The issue
The cost of essential goods and services is putting pressure on household budgets and contributing to higher inflation.
What we're calling for
We are calling for government to ensure that essential goods and services are reasonably priced and that adequate concessions apply for those with limited means.
The benefits
Keeping the cost of essential services will ensure that households, both young and old, can maintain a decent standard of living.
Energy
Food
Water
Transport
Ban demand tariffs for retail customers
National Seniors Australia opposes the use of demand tariffs at the retail level. Demand tariffs charge customers for using high levels of energy during peak times but then applies this across an entire billing period when energy use is not high. This charge will not reduce peak demand and is simply a cost recovery tool. Demand tariffs should not be part of billing as they are confusing and do nothing to reduce peak demand.
Get rid of faux competition in the retail market
Older people are sick of being asked to shop around for a better deal on electricity. This faux competition does not benefit consumers and simply increases prices. Energy is an essential and government should regulate the sector effectively to control prices rather than pretend that retail competition has any impact on reducing the cost of energy.
Smart meter protections
The move to roll out of smart meters will expose households to electricity tariffs – time of use and demand tariffs – that charge higher prices in peak times. This could result in higher bills for households. Consumer protections must be strengthened.
Water prices
Access to clean water is critical to all communities. Price rises for water pose a threat to household budgets. In NSW, for example state governments are insisting that public companies pay it “dividends”, pushing up the cost of water unnecessarily. Rate charges should ensure basic access while rewarding people who use water wisely.
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Are you getting the concessions you're eligible for?
As cost-of-living pressures mount, concessions are critical in how you live your later life. Our new Fairer Concessions campaign, using the National Seniors Concessions Calculator, will educate you on the range of concessions available. Its quick, easy and will help you save!
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National Seniors is the leading not-for-profit organisation fighting for a fair go for older Australians.
We rely on people like you to donate so we can continue to tackle issues such as age discrimination, accessible housing, pension poverty, health costs, aged care, improve retirement income and provide more home care places so that older Australians can live safely and make ends meet.
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