Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Fifield. I refer the minister to the Prime Minister's pre-election promise of 'no cut to pensions'. I also refer the minister to the Prime Minister's refusal to rule out cuts to the age pension in question time yesterday. Will the minister now rule out any cuts to the age pension and services?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government has made it clear at every point that the age pension is not in scope for the work of Mr McClure, which I think all colleagues are well aware is taking place. The work of Mr McClure is intended to feed into ensuring that as many Australians as possible who are in a position to work, want to work and can work are supported to do so.

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I refer the minister to the $1.1 billion workplace supplement which supports low-paid aged-care workers. Will the minister guarantee this funding will be quarantined from the Abbott government's commission of cuts?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will honour all of its election commitments.

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Why is the government targeting older Australians and the low-paid workers who support them?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We are not.