AUSTRALIAN pensioners and retirees received a minor “sop” in this week’s Federal Budget with a marginally-increased upper threshold of the assets test for the aged pension. But on the downside, proposed aged care spending will be diverted elsewhere; where there are more votes! And proposed changes to the pension “taper...

TONIGHT’s pre-election Budget to be delivered in Canberra, presents the Government (and the Opposition) with a tremendous opportunity to respond, positively to the mood for change which is sweeping the country. WILL we see “more of the same?” …… High national debt, extravagant and irresponsible spending on programs NOT endorsed...