If this isn't possible, then the amount of compensation should be reconsidered. There's another aspect of the GST compensation that worries older people. But the Government has given us no assurance that this higher relativity will be maintained. This means that the compensation built into the pension can be quickly whittled away by the Government not passing on cost of living increases each year. So pensioners would also like to ask the Government if it will guarantee to maintain the pension at 26 per cent of male total average weekly earnings after the year 2000.
Older people are big consumers of pharmaceuticals.
The Government has said that medication obtained under prescription will be GST-free. We don't know. Older people do want a say, as most are on low incomes, will be affected by the GST and will not benefit from tax cuts. The decisions our politicians make in the next few months will have immense effects on the lives of older people. Lobby groups are already fighting for a slice of the Federal Budget pie.