On 15 May 2008, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, announced that Dr Jeff Harmer, the Secretary of her department, would lead a comprehensive review of the pension system as part of the Government’s broader review of Australia’s Future Tax System.
The Pension Review will investigate measures to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers, and people with disability by considering the:
- Appropriate levels of income support and allowances, including the base rate of the pension, with reference to the stated purpose of the payment;
- Frequency of payments , including the efficacy of lump sum versus ongoing support; and
- Structure and payment of concessions or other entitlements that would improve the financial circumstances and security of seniors, carers and people with disability
