Older women and carers
are recognised and valued
Older Australians, the majority of them women, make many invaluable contributions to our great country. Women also undertake significant caring responsibilities, and in this Budget, the government will recognise this selfless and special service to their families and others in the community.
Older Women Assisted in Paying Bills
Women live, on average, about five years longer than men. They make up the majority of older Australians and will benefit from the 2006 One-off payment to older Australians. This one-off bonus will be available to income support recipients of age (or service) pension age, and holders of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) who were receiving, or were qualified for, an income support payment or CSHC on Budget night, 9 May 2006. The one-off bonus will be paid before 30 June 2006.
Pension Help for Rural Residents
Currently some people in rural areas cannot access the pension due to the value of the land around their family home. Where a person has had a 20 year connection to the land and it would be unreasonable for them to realise the value of this land by selling or leasing it, the Government will exempt the entire value of the land on the same title as their home from the pension assets test.
Payment of One-Off Carer Bonuses
More than 70 per cent of primary carers looking after the aged or people with a disability are women. The Budget includes a one-off bonus payment of $1,000 in 2005-06 to those receiving a Carer Payment and, for those receiving Carer Allowance, there will be a one-off payment of $600.
$759 million to assist older people and carers
