Federal Budget

Mr GEE (Napier) (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion. Can the minister update the house on how the budget is protecting pensioners and low-income earners from cuts made by the commonwealth in the federal budget?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:03): I thank the member for Napier for that question because I know that he, like many members of this house, has heard from people in his local community who are concerned about the impact of the federal budget in helping make ends meet. One of the cuts made by Tony Abbott and the federal government which will hit people who can afford it least is the cancelling of the National Partnership Agreement on Certain Concessions from 1 July this year.

This means that South Australia will lose around $30 million in funding each year for the next four years, totalling around $120 million. Scrapping the National Partnership Agreement on Certain Concessions is equal to cutting out to $200 for each eligible recipient who receives concession payments in South Australia.

Funding provided under the National Partnership Agreement on Certain Concessions provided assistance to pensioners and low-income earners by offering free public transport, and water, energy and sewerage concessions. We know that this would have had a devastating impact on some of our most vulnerable members in our community and people who can afford it least.

That is why I am pleased that the Treasurer announced, as part of the state budget, that Labor will guarantee the $30 million in funding ripped out of South Australia by Tony Abbott and the federal government for the next 12 months. This means that pensioners and low-income earners will continue to access the same level of concessions as beforehand, and will be protected from Tony Abbott's twisted priorities. I hope that all members of this house will join with us in working with advocacy groups to take the fight to the federal government to make it reverse this cruel cut.

In addition, I am pleased to inform the house that our government is delivering on our election commitment to increase the energy concession and the medical heating and cooling rebate by $50 from 1 July. This increases the amount to $215 each for eligible recipients. That is because our government understands that pensioners and low-income earners are struggling to make ends meet.

I understand that in the electorate of Napier there are around 4,735 people who will benefit from this increase in payment, and I am sure the member for Napier will welcome this additional funding for pensioners and low-income earners in his local community. Our commitment means that people will receive assistance to pay their energy bills and help balance the household budget. Our government will ensure that no South Australian is left behind and will continue to help those in our community who need it most.