Here’s some numbers about growing older. Around 4000 people in Australia today are aged over 100 years. By 2040, it’s estimated more than 40,000 will be aged over 100.

This is a great thing. This is nothing to be concerned about.

I am speaking to a number of seniors groups across the electorate about our ageing population. As more of us live longer we need to make our universal healthcare system, our aged pension and aged care programmes more sustainable.

Some have expressed concern about working through until age 70, but this is a long way off. It will not come into effect until 2035 – which means it only impacts those my age or younger. We recognise there will be some, particularly manual workers, who cannot physically do this and we will have support systems in place, particularly the disability support pension. I, for one, am hoping to be working well past 70 - but I understand others may not be able to manage this.

In relation to a GP co-payment, there will be very important safety nets. If you’re a concession card holder you won’t pay more than $70 for your total GP visits in a year. GPs will retain the ability to choose to bulk bill and there will continue to be the Medicare Safety Net. Care programmes will also be exempt.

The elderly residents I am speaking to are receptive and positive about the need to make welfare, aged care and healthcare more sustainable, while supporting the most vulnerable in our community.

The changes the Government is proposing are fair and they are gradual. They are also necessary if we are to protect our support for older Australians, and avoid big tax increases in the near future.

I am happy to receive any and all inquiries to my offices in Goulburn and Cowra about these and other matters. This is only the start of the discussion on how we make ends meet and repay our debt, it is not the end.

Angus Taylor

Member for Hume