Economic package to support families, pensioners and first home owners while protecting Australia’s economy
22 October 2008 10,500 local residents who receive the aged pension and the 3,300 local residents who receive the disability support pension will benefit from the Rudd Government’s Economic Security Strategy. It will provide much needed support to local pensioners, families, and first home buyers while helping protect Australia’s economy from the global economic crisis. Pensioners, Veterans, Carers and those on Disability Support will receive $1,400 for singles and $2,100 for couples.
“This down payment will provide essential support for pensioners in the 9 months before long-term reforms are introduced from the next financial year.”
In addition to pensioners, families receiving Family Tax Benefit A will receive a one-off payment of $1,000 for each eligible child in their care. Families with dependent children who receive Youth Allowance, Abstudy or a benefit from the Veterans’ Children’s Scheme will also get the $1000 lump sum.
“For the many families who are sitting around the kitchen table trying to work out how to make ends meet, this payment will make an enormous difference, especially as we get closer to Christmas.”
In a boost for first home buyers, there are grants of up to $21,000 to help them purchase their first home, which will also bolster construction activity in the housing market.
“This increase in the first home buyers grant will make it easier for young families to realise the great Australian dream and step into their own home”.
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