Release: Family Home Must Pension Assets Test - Taxpayers
The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance (ATA), a 75,000+ member national grassroots advocacy group that represents the nation’s taxpayers, today commended Craig Kelly MP for supporting the inclusion of the primary residence in the assets test for pension eligibility in order to deliver fairness and savings for Australian taxpayers.
"Allowing wealthy individuals who live in multi-million dollar palatial mansions to claim handouts funded by hardworking middle and working class taxpayers is an unconscionable rort that must end now if our pension system is to be sustainable in the decades to come." said Satya Marar, ATA Director of Policy.
"The pension isn't some entitlement you get simply because you pay into the system over your working life. It's meant to provide a safety net for those who genuinely need it. There's nothing cruel or unfair about requiring wealthy Australians to support themselves with their own wealth by downsizing before depending on the government.
"Means-tested welfare is a shrewd, fair principle and pension eligibility is no exception.
"Both major parties have baulked at this commonsense change out of fear of political consequences. But the consequences of doing nothing and ratcheting up billions more in tax bills or unsustainable public debt to fund those who don't need it are far worse. We commend Craig Kelly MP for recognising the need for this timely and taxpayer-friendly reform."