Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

The government does offer strong support for senior Australians through our social services and our welfare system. Since this government was elected, pensions have increased by $99.20 per fortnight for singles and by $149.40 per fortnight for couples combined. As Minister Cormann mentioned, pension payments, including the age pension and the disability support pension, will be rising for singles and couples. We're also supporting elderly Australians by providing greater certainty around our age pension system. It was announced on 5 September by the Prime Minister that the proposed increase to the qualification age for the age pension to 70 will no longer proceed. For Australians who want to retire at 67, the pension is there for them. The government can do this because of our strong economic management and because of the comprehensive work we've done in improving the sustainability and resilience of our welfare system.

In the most recent budget, we announced a comprehensive package of measures to help Australians live longer, healthier and more active lives. These decisions build on other measures to support Australians, including retaining the energy supplement. Prudent budgetary management since 2013 allows us to offer certainty to seniors without compromising the viability of the age pension payment. The age pension is currently available to eligible Australians from the age of 65½, with the eligibility age raising to 67 by 2023 under legislation which was passed by the previous Labor government. I should also indicate that the energy supplement to eligible individuals will also be included.

Senator Watt interjecting—