That great sector of the Australian community, retirees, is being set upon again by government. The issue has passed barely noticed in the media but the political consequences for the Turnbull Government are sure to be profound.
On January 1, 2017, changes to the aged care assets test will see more than 100,000 Australians lose their part pension payments in entirety. More than 300,000 will have their pension payments cut.
There is a perception many retirees are rolling in money. They have assets many could only dream of. Perhaps that’s why the media has shunned the issue.
Let me ask the question, who among us could lose 20 per cent of our household incomes and come away unscathed?
It gets worse. With the loss of the pension, the government will also cancel retirees’ pensioner concession cards which allow them to enjoy discounts on council rates, car rego, energy bills and public transport tickets. Back of the envelope, that’s three grand per annum retirees will have to find.
Full column here.
Dismayed
People on welfare.
Your figures refer to those purely on welfare. I was referring to the fact that more than 50%of taxpayers pay no net tax – that is welfare to me.
As to the methane, there are microbes that will consume it and produce Oxygen. They may come to the rescue. There is another major potential source of Methane other than the Tundra area. There are millions of tons of the stuff trapped under the Arctic Ocean. It currently does not get to the atmosphere. http://www.phys.org/news/2016-05-arctic-ocean-methane-atmosphere.html
I have a book “hothouse Earth” on my bookshelf by John Gribbin published in 1990. Much of what we are talking is about is in it. His predictions are a bit on the wild side though.
My problem with all of this is that, without Nuclear Power, living standards will start to fall dramatically. We must be the only group on the planet who say that it is too dangerous and then, at the same time, some propose a nuclear waste dump to take the world’s waste because we sold the Uranium to them.
Mac (19/12 7.57pm)
says: “Carl, the only thing I’ve ever heard or read on Immanuel Kant was that he was a “real pissant who was very rarely stable.” ”
Mac, he cant be all that bad. I recall Bella sending me a quote from EK.
“He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment to animals.”
Yvonne (7.44pm 20/12)
says: ” …. things are happening much faster than originally predicted.”
You may note I’ve called for a straw poll (see my 3.40pm comment for the fine print) in response to similar concerns me old mate JB has to those of your “academic friends”.
Now is your chance to put your hand up (or not), Yvonne.
I’ll put my hand up Carl. I think the threat is real and we are in a no win situation really – because the world is too materialistic and cannot afford, or are simply not willing, to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure survival.
I would like to make a comment but I am too shy.
All you need is a hide like a rhinoceros Tess, and you’ll be fine
Jack Spratt 2:36PM
“How much of the warming is due to emissions cannot be measured.” ?
And you go on to say that if China and India carry on unfettered we are pretty well stuffed. So apportioning percentages as to cause is academic anyway?
This guy reckons most of the rising temperature is due to man made emissions. C02 levels haven’t been this high for millions of years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL3fRG4fWdM
The methane factor has indeed been known for decades but lately the amount reaching the atmosphere is beyond even the wildest predictions.
Cheers.
Bella (9.27pm 19/12)
I have to say my heart always skips a beat when I get a post from you Bella, no matter whether we have dissimilar views (or not) on various issues. Although, they may not be quite as divergent as you appear to believe. I keep a look out for all of your offerings on JtI’s blog articles; maybe because there’s a common thread of “caring” in your life’s work and also in mine.
I’m not a person who places much importance on monetary matters; there are much more important things in life that take precedence. However, having said that, I am grateful that the taxpayer, through Centrelink, currently contributes $8.82 per day carer allowance to my household for me to look after my loved-one in our own home.
I genuinely share your concern for the environment but I may not have presented it as graphically as you have. Then again , your passion for such issues has its attractions (see my opening note).
Regarding your criticism of the economy and the impact the present government is having on it, I don’t think its as dire as many attempt to make out. Maybe its because my own needs and expectations are less than those who seem to be endlessly struggling through the shopping centres of our towns and cities with their over-laden trolleys, including of plastic, cardboard and dog’s fur items of all shapes and sizes that invariably have a short ‘home life’ and end up in council landfill sites.
Blokes like Dismayed and Bassy may choose to get themselves all hot and bothered occasionally about GDP’s CAPEX’s and the cost of a leg of lamb, but if pressed I reckon even they’d agree we are very fortunate to be still living in the best paddock bar none.
My best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you Bella.
Kind regards
Carl
Jean Baptiste (8.21pm 19/12)
says: “While I hope McPherson is wrong it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he is correct. When you contemplate the exponential nature of rises we are seeing right now and factor in the delay factor in consequences of fossil fuel use decades previously then he is very possibly right on the money.”
I also pay due respect to your AGW concerns, but let’s be clear JB, your “very possibly right on the money” means (i.e if you accept McPherson’s prediction) we’ll ALL be kaput in 10 years.
Whilst I note there appears to be an ever so slight prevarication, or perhaps hesitation, or you may be foxing and having two bob each way, or you may be just blowing smoke; but whatever JB, why don’t we have a straw poll on here for those who are interested.
Simple – hands up all those who seriously believe we’ll all be dead as a result of AGW by 21 December 2026 .
**Note: Life insurance agents need not apply.
if he is blowing smoke I’m underwhelmed
As I have been saying for years. Shorten HAS TO GO. He is ineffective and does not cut through. Is he on hormonal treatment?
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/bill-shorten-receives-brutal-performance-review–less-attractive-than-pm-on-all-fronts-but-one-20161220-gteu19.html
&
There is NO WAY Shorten can take Labor to victory. If he could not defeat a Liberal government that campaigned on debt and deficit every day for six years, and then went on to triple the deficit and add $190billion MORE to gross debt, how can he win in 2019? Also, he fails ‘the look’ factor! (I know, I know!) He has plenty of ammo to stick it up the Looters but just won’t use it. Now Albo is not much better but he deserves a go…and soon.
the late Zsa Zsa Gabor
“How many husbands have I had? You mean apart from my own?”
love it!
Turnbull having another go at pensioners today. The guy’s definitely got a death wish!