Reason for referral of the Bill and information relating to the reference

Inquiry into Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform and Other 2009 Budget Measures) Bill 2009

Reason for referral of the Bill and information relating to the reference

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On 17 June 2009 the Senate, on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee, referred the provisions of the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform and Other 2009 Budget Measures) Bill 2009 to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 23 June 2009. The short timeframe imposed by the Senate is to ensure that the Bill passes Parliament next week to enable the pension changes to commence by the indicated dates. The Bill may be accessed via the link: Legislation and documentation relating to the Bill

 The Committee is examining only a small number of the issues in the Bill – tapering, indexation, pension age, restrictions on who receives the increase and impact for single parents.

 Due to the short inquiry timeframe, the Committee is holding a public hearing on the Bill on Friday, 19 June 2009 in Parliament House, Canberra to consider these issues.  The Committee understands that it may not be possible to provide a submission or any written comments before the hearing; however if you could provide any written comments beforehand they would be greatly appreciated and should be forwarded electronically as an attached document – email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au – otherwise by fax (02 6277 5829).

Submissions become Committee documents and are made public only after a decision by the Committee. Publication of submissions includes loading them onto the internet and their being available to other interested parties including the media. Information relating to Senate Committee inquiries, can be accessed at https://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/wit_sub/index.htm

For further information, contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Phone: +61 2 6277 3515
Fax: +61 2 6277 5829
Email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au