Pensioners demand ‘fare’ go

Greek pensioners around Victoria rallied this week, demanding that the Baillieu
government stay true to their key election promise of reducing the cost of
living.

Shadow Minister for Seniors and Ageing, Jenny Mikakos said the Baillieu government have "failed older Victorians" by not meeting their promises.

However, the Baillieu government told Neos Kosmos that "Labor's claims are false and misleading".
In March last year, the Coalition delivered on its election commitment to introduce year-round concession on electricity bills for Victorians who hold pensioner concession cards, health care cards or Veterans' gold cards.

Addressing the 'Fare go for Pensioners' rally, alongside Shadow Minister for the Cost of Living Lily D'Ambrosio, Ms Mikakos said it was clear the welfare of older Victorians was not a Baillieu Government priority.

"In opposition, Mr Baillieu promised to cut the cost of living, particularly for older Victorians and pensioners, but since taking office 18 months ago, he has done almost nothing," Ms Mikakos said.

"Labor has recently held a series of meetings with pensioner groups, and we're acutely aware of the issues facing older Victorians and the impact Baillieu Government policies are having.

"Mr Baillieu must stop ignoring older Victorians. I call on the Premier and Minister for Ageing, David Davis to immediately meet with pensioners and hear their issues first hand."

Theodosis Nomicos, President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs
of Melbourne and Victoria, told Neos Kosmos "they are demanding that pensioners have a better life - an easy life, so if they want to buy something they can do so without a struggle.

"The majority of pensioners are suffering as the money they are receiving just isn't enough," Mr Nomicos said.
But the Baillieu government said pensioners are benefiting from the year-round reduction on their electricity bills, saving up to 17.5 per cent a year. They also said the concessions that the Victorian Government has made available now double what was previously available under the Brumby Labor Government.

However, Mr Baillieu has yet to meet with the advocate group 'Fare go for pensioners'.
Ms D'Ambrosio told the rally that because the Labor Government has met with the advocate group, they have become informed "on the issues that are facing older Victorians and the impact the Baillieu Government's policies are having on their lives".
"Mr Baillieu can start by meeting with 'Fare go for Pensioners' and getting their views on the cost of living pressures he was promised his government would tackle," said Ms D'Ambrosio.