Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, I am sorry, Chair. We are dealing with income tax reductions. They are focused on low- to middle-income earners. That was the election promise we have given; that is the election promise we are committed to delivering and are debating here today. I acknowledge the important role of carers and age pensioners. Frankly, I am not surprised, Senator Brown, that we are having the debate generally around age pensions. Having looked back at the history over the last 20 years around the age pension, I am not surprised at the community debate that is occurring.

I acknowledge the very significant cost pressures that age pensioners are under, as well as that of low- to middle-income earners more generally in society. I acknowledge that cost pressure, Senator Brown. It is real struggle street for a person. I think it is very tough if you are on a single age pension of $14,000 a year. We have established a process that will comprehensively consider all those factors. It is a separate process, Senator Brown. I hope that solutions will come out of that that we will deal with some time in the near future, Senator Brown.