PRIME MINISTER Press Statement No. 465
11 March 1975
PENS IONS
Cabinet agreed today to a further step in the
abolition of the means test for age pensions, and on
an increase in all pension rates.
As promised in the September 1974 Budget,
the means test will be abolished for people aged 70 to 74.
There will be a three months period of grace in which
claims may be lodged without loss of arrears. People
and over were granted exemption from a means test
by my Government in 1973.
In accordance with its policy of increasing
pensions twice a year, the Government proposes an increase
of $ 5 a week in the standard rate of pension, with
proportionate adjustments for other social security.
and repatriation payments.
Both measures will come into effect, if accepted
by the Parliament, on the first pension day in May.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.
PENSIONS
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