Pensioner feels the pinch
For disability pensioner Angelika Pfeiffer, making ends meet is a weekly challenge which the 2012 State Budget has done little to alleviate.
The 58-year-old has her budget fine-tuned to within the nearest cent, so any power and utility price increases are likely to affect her balancing act.
She has an annual income of $19,643, along with a $500 fuel card, and said she was privileged and fortunate to live in a public housing unit. Ahead of the Budget, Ms Pfeiffer hoped the Government would support low-income earners and pensioners in public housing by not fully implementing their policy of applying rents to become a full quarter of total income.
She also hoped to see the Royalties for Regions $500 fuel card program continued.
“Overall if the Government chooses to responsibly care for those out of work or unable to work, it keeps so many small businesses in business,” she said.
“Charities should not be looked upon by the Government to provide for pensioner needs.”
After the Budget was released on Thursday, Ms Pfeiffer was concerned by the 3.5 per cent power price hike, but said most things presented in the Budget would not have a direct impact on her.
Ms Pfeiffer said she thought the Future Fund was a good exercise in “prudent fiscal management” as a bank-like saving measure.
“Looking at the whole picture I thought it a carefully thought-out, well-presented budget,” she said.
katherine.mountain@albanyadvertiser.com
