Until now, pensioners could only earn $7,800 a year before their payments are affected.
Under the new changes, age and veteran pensioners will now be able to earn an additional $4,000 or $11,800 over this financial year without losing any of their pension.
However Canterbury Bankstown Association of Independent Retirees’ Neil Birdsall believes it will only benefit those already working part-time, with his group lobbying to keep the change permanent.
“For many, it won’t be worth the effort of trying to find something and before they know it, the time has run out,” he said.
“We need a permanent solution to help us with the booming cost of living.”
Padstow Heights Probus President Tony Badder said he would like to see everyone try and take advantage of the temporary offer.
“It’s absolutely a step in the right direction and an opportunity for someone who wants to make an extra dollar,” he said.
“This is something we’ve been waiting for.”
Bankstown Chamber of Commerce CEO Wally Mehanna says much more should be done to tap into our ‘grey army’.
“It’s very welcome news, especially with the increased costs of living and hopefully will motivate more to find work,” he said.
“However, the incentives to work should be greater; seniors come with reliability, wisdom, experience and know how to put genuine effort into a job and that’s what we need.”
