Australia — The
Democrats will hold the ALP to its promise today not to
backflip on the disability support pension (DSP) as it
has with the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS).
Australian Democrats Family and
Community Services spokesperson, Senator Brian Greig,
says Shadow Finance spokesperson, Bob McMullan is now on
notice to ensure the ALP, particularly if it becomes
Government at the next election, honours its
word.
"The ALP's concession to the
Government on the PBS will already hit hard against
people with disabilities, carers, and our ageing
population in general," Senator Greig said.
"On top of this, further cuts to
the income of the thousands of people with disabilities
through the DSP would spell disaster for those already
struggling to meet day to day living costs plus the
additional costs of having a disability."
Senator Greig says the Government
has for several years, been seeking support for changes
to the DSP, that would result in thousands of people with
disabilities being forced onto Newstart
allowance.
"These changes mean sixty
dollars less per fortnight, plus loss of other
concessions only available to pensioners," Senator
Greig said.
The Government's motive for
pursuing Labor's support is to free up $258million in
employment support for people with
disabilities.
"If the Government is
serious about supporting people with disabilities in
the workforce, then it should release the funds, and
address problems like the legislative cap on
disability employment services and the appalling track
record on the number of people with disabilities in
the public service," Senator Greig said.
"Mark Latham's backflip on the PBS
does not fill us with confidence that the Opposition will
hold its line on the disability pension."
