Monday, 26 August 2013
The Coalition will help retirees
by indexing the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, provide $200 million to
dementia research and help young apprentices with a HECS-like apprentice loan
scheme.
“We have a clear plan to build a
stronger economy to provide more jobs and more support to those who need it”,
said Alex Hawke, Liberal candidate for Mitchell.
Alex Hawke said the indexing of
the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) will provide retirees with peace of
mind.
“When I talk to seniors they tell me their
number one concern is rising cost of living pressures, particularly the rising
costs for healthcare as well as rising utility bills.
“That is why the Coalition will
scrap the carbon tax, keep fortnightly pension and benefit increases, end
Labor’s war on private health insurance and index the CSHC.
“The Coalition will also provide
an additional $200 million for dementia research.
“Most families have been impacted
by this insidious disease. Without a medical breakthrough, nearly one
million Australians will be suffering from dementia by 2050, Alex Hawke said.
“This is an investment in the
future health of every family in Mitchell”.
Alex Hawke said new $20,000 Trade
Support Loans for apprentices will help young apprentices finish their
apprenticeship.
“We all know that apprentices
struggle and that apprenticeship completion rates are far too low.
“Our Trade Support Loans will be
repayable at the same thresholds as FEE-HELP loans for university students, so
apprentices do not have to repay any money until they are earning a sustainable
income.
“This policy will help lift
apprenticeship completion rates, build Australia’s skilled workforce and
strengthen the economy.
“The election is a choice between
the Coalition and its Real Solutions Plan to build a stronger Australia or
another three years of Labor chaos and confusion,” concluded Alex Hawke.