COALITION ELECTION POLICY FOR OLDER AUSTRALIAN’S WANTING TO WORK LONGER

Older Australians and veterans shouldn’t have to choose between working a little extra and keeping their pension.

“Whether it’s fruit picking in Bowen for a few weeks or driving a forklift to help a local business in my electorate of Dawson they should be able to choose to work a few more hours. But under the current Albanese government the system is broken.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.

“The pension system currently unfairly penalises people who want to work, throwing up complicated administrative roadblocks in the name of budget restraint.”

“A Dutton Coalition Government if elected will double the existing Work Bonus from $300 to $600 a fortnight, making it easier for retirees to stay in the workforce while supporting small businesses struggling with labour shortages.”

“This policy will benefit 80,000 people who choose to continue to work a little extra to help them survive as the bills pile up.”

“Those on a pension could also build up bonuses of a maximum $11,800 letting them exempt from future earnings from the income test.”

“No one wants to waste time and be stuck on hold reporting income to Centrelink each week, nor do they want to say to their boss, “Happy to work this week, but I can’t next week, because If a few more extra hours I could lose my pension.”

“It’s a plan that values effort, supports families, and strengthens communities.”