Seniors report card on Rudd Govt

National Seniors Australia (NSA) has handed down its verdict of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s first year in office.

It says that “while the year has ended on a high for pensioners after the announcement of Christmas bonuses, self funded retirees and older workers, hit by the economic downturn, are preparing for a rough 2009″.

NSA chairman, Everald Compton, said it had been a mixed year for Mr Rudd.

“In terms of older Australians, Rudd’s first year could only be described as tumultuous,’’ he said.

Chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said the bonuses were seen as an interim measure before a longer term increase is announced in the 2009 budget.

“National Seniors is satisfied with the interim bonus payments and is working through the Harmer Pension Review to ensure a fair and sustainable pension over the longer term,’’ he said.

Now, at the  end of Rudd’s first year, as economic conditions tighten, focus has  shifted from pensioners to self-funded retirees and people nearing retirement.

“Significant superannuation losses mean older Australians are being forced to delay or rethink their retirement plans while others are attempting to return to the workforce,’’ Mr O’Neill said.