The Syriza MP, Theodora Tzakri, wants answers from the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakis, about a problem she says has arisen with Australian pensioners who live in Greece.
In her question on “Greeks receiving a pension from Australia” to Hatzidakis on March 31 Tzakri states:
“Recently, a problem has arisen with Australian pensioners who live in our country.
In particular, it is noted that every one to two years, the Australian pension institution, depending on the pensioner’s age, sends Greek retired immigrants in Australia a document, in which they must fill in their personal information and a second document, which must to be completed by the competent service of the registry office of the Municipality where they live in order to confirm that the pensioner in question is still alive.
“However, this year Australia informed Greek pensioners that they will not accept the relevant certificate from the Municipality and the pensioners were asked to send the relevant certificate (i.e., that they are alive) certified by a private doctor or a private lawyer.
“The changes by Australian side will put a financial burden on pensioners since they will have to contact a private doctor or lawyer.
The responsible Minister is asked:
1. Does he intend to investigate through our Greek diplomatic authorities in Australia the reasons why the Australian insurance company proceeded to change the procedure until now?
2. Does he intend to proceed with the necessary actions through our Greek diplomatic authorities in Australia for the Australian insurance company to maintain the current procedure, considering that the private doctor or lawyer will put a financial burden on the pensioner?”
Neos Kosmos is already investigating this issue and we call on Australian pensioners, who live in Greece and may be facing a problem with the relevant certificates, to inform us either by phone (+61 3) 9482 2962, or by email editor@neoskosmos.com.au
