House debates

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Bills

Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2020-2021; Consideration in Detail

12:28 pm

Photo of Stuart RobertStuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy Speaker, I'm cognisant that there is only a minute left in the debate, and I'm sure you'll pull me up when the time arrives. I thank all members for their contributions. There were a number of questions. In terms of deeming rates, as the House would know, from 1 May the deeming rates were adjusted. This benefited around 565,000 age pensioners, who are expected to receive an additional $313, on average, over the course of the year. The deeming rate reduction—down to 0.25 per cent and, of course, the upper rate down to 2.25 per cent—has ensured that the rates remains responsive to the returns available from investments. Under the new deeming rate single pensioners can have around $253,000 in financial investments and still receive the maximum rate for age pensions provided they have no other income or assessable assets.

In terms of carers, the government recently introduced the single biggest reform in more than a decade to provide unprecedented support to Australia's carers. The Carer Gateway is an information service providing practical information and advice to help carers navigate the system of support services. It provides tailored services within the carer's local areas, including support planning, targeted financial support packages, peer support, information, advice and access to emergency and short-term respite.

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