House debates Questions without Notice
Pensions and Benefits
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for the Arts
2:16 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister. Why did the Morrison government advise Anne from Punchbowl, who is in lockdown, that she would lose her pension if she didn't provide specific proof-of-age documents, which she does not have—especially given Anne is 102, is bed-bound, has been a pensioner for 40 years, and, were it not for the intervention of my office, would have had to travel in an ambulance to Service NSW to keep her pension?
Stuart Robert Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business
2:17 pm
Thanks for the opportunity to respond to the question. Clearly I'm not across the constituent's details, and nor would she understand why she would be required—
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Hon. Members:
Honourable members interjecting—
Tony Smith Speaker
The minister will just pause for a second. The question has been asked. I'm trying to listen to the answer. Members giving a commentary will be ejected.
Stuart Robert Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business
I'm not across the constituent's details, but absolutely send it to my office or Minister Reynolds's office and we'll have a look at it for you. I'm not too sure why she would have been sent to Service NSW. If there should be updating of pension documentation, it would be done online or with Services Australia. But send the details through and we're more than happy to have a look at it. Everyone's circumstances are completely different and unique, and without looking at the facts of the case it's difficult to give a concise answer. Send the details through, and I'm more than happy to come back to you or the House.