Victoria’s pensioners took to the streets of central Melbourne last week to protest the rising cost of living, saying daily necessities like food, utilities and transport have increased disproportionately against the pension.
More than 100 pensioners rallied on the steps of the State Library of Victoria, before boarding two trams to Federation Square. Cash-strapped seniors are calling for increased concessions and rebates, improved public transport options and guaranteed access to health and aged care services.
Theo Nomicos, president of the Association of Greek Elderly Clubs of Melbourne attended the rally, representing thousands of pensioners of Greek descent. “It’s time both state and federal governments looked after pensioners. Enough is enough,” said Mr Nomicos. “We are yesterday’s young fellows, today’s old fellows. Every pensioner worked hard for this country, and in their last days they are suffering”.
Mr Nomicos said that more must be done to help seniors with the pension and concessions having failed to keep up with the cost of living. “Our message to government – both state and federal – is that pensioners should be treated with dignity and respect after having built this country”.
Joe Caputo, chair of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria told Neos Kosmos that the problems facing pensioners were sorely felt in Victoria’s ethnic communities. “The majority of full pensioners in Victoria are from non English-speaking backgrounds,” he said. “We support today’s protest because the cost of living, cost of food, costs of utilities have increased and we expect it to increase more, while on the other hand there has been only minor increases in the pension.
“Pensioners from a culturally diverse background worked hard all their lives to grow the Victorian economy and have made really significant contributions and now deserve to live a comfortable life into their golden years.”