The Cost Of Privilege

This report The cost of Privilege by percapita and Anglicare is a must read if you are interested in understanding who is really getting what from the federal government in terms of payments and concessions.

Read the report here - https://www.anglicare.asn.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/cost-of-privilege---households.pdf?sfvrsn=0

The Cost of Privilege

Newstart Has Made Her Homeless

The New Daily reports -

"Newstart recipient Karryn Smith, 58, considers herself “one of the lucky ones”, yet the former school teacher is living out of her car.

Ms Smith shared her tragic story with The New Daily, as pressure continued to mount on the Morrison government to lift the dole payment by $75 a week amid evidence Newstart recipients are struggling to survive.

Over-55s are the largest single group of Australians on Newstart, with 173,196 people relying on just $39 a day, recent data has shown."

Read the full story here - https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/30/newstart-teacher-homeless/

Retiree Life Savings Impacted By Housing Choices

Why the life savings of retirees move downwards after entering a loan/lease #retirement village. Retirees now more rather than less likely to require taxpayer assistance for Aged Care funding. @Kevinandersonmp @GladysB @mckay_jodi @NSW_FairTrading #nswpol #agedcare #agedcarerc pic.twitter.com/P0BUdKM81O

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 28, 2019

NSW Retirement Village Operators Cry Foul

NSW Gov't proposes to make Retirement Village operators repay money borrowed from residents at 0% 6 months after due date rather than 18. Industry is crying ruination despite holding billions of 0% retiree money. @Kevinandersonmp @GladysB @mckay_jodi @NSW_FairTrading #nswpol pic.twitter.com/k3qHbGuAj6

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 27, 2019

Retiree Housing Policy & Aged Care Funding

Is government policy on retiree housing simply self-defeating? Short term boost to spending but giant hit to existing problem, Aged Care Funding and the impact on the budget and taxpayers. #agedcare #agedcarerc @MichaelWestBiz @acccgovau @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP @annabelcrabb pic.twitter.com/OMEmSkk5NY

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 26, 2019

Financial Reality of Retirement Village Living

The financial reality for many retirees from living in a retirement village. In-going $800,000 capital turns to almost dust after just 10 years (industry average) of occupancy. #retirementvillage #auspol @neighbour_s @sdanck @adele_ferguson @MichaelWestBiz @acccgovau pic.twitter.com/x8Mw3u9l5s

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 26, 2019

Respected Industries Live Ideals Not Just Aspire To Them

No responsible industry should be afraid of the law nor be ready to hide behind any weaknesses in it. An industry should not have to write down to remind itself to operate lawfully, morally and ethically. To be a respected industry you don't aspire to ideals you live them. https://t.co/vRriUBiOM8

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 25, 2019

Government Retiree Housing Policy Self Defeating

This seems to be government policy on senior housing. Isn't the danger short term boost to spending but giant hit to an existing problem, Aged Care Funding and the impact on the budget and taxpayers. #auspol @ScottMorrisonMP @JoshFrydenberg #pensioners @MichaelPascoe01 @AlboMP pic.twitter.com/o6MHChiXz1

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 25, 2019

Political Cruelty Behind No Increase For Newstart

Thank you to these people/organisations that produce this clear to understand data on the reality behind #Newstart which then highlights the political cruelty behind a refusal to increase the payment. https://t.co/lIfFfP4rzx #auspol #RaisetheRate @ScottMorrisonMP @JoshFrydenberg pic.twitter.com/vK1lBrGddp

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 24, 2019

NSW Government Seeks Retirement Village Reform

NSW Gov't proposes Retirement Village changes. Operators to repay money borrowed from residents at 0%, 6 months after due date rather than 18. Industry is crying ruination despite holding billions of 0% retiree money. @Kevinandersonmp @GladysB @mckay_jodi @NSW_FairTrading #nswpol pic.twitter.com/hUdmFbnAMN

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 24, 2019

NSW Government Retirement Village Reform

NSW Government wants to make Retirement Village operators repay money they borrowed from residents at 0% interest earlier by shortening the maximum wait period from 18 months to 6 months. Industry cries ruination @Kevinandersonmp @GladysB @mckay_jodi @NSW_FairTrading #nswpol @smh pic.twitter.com/N6k2ZxrYaV

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 22, 2019

Morrison to Prioritise Pensions Over Newstart

WAtoday reports -

Morrison government to prioritise pensioners over Newstart recipients.

"Pensioners will be prioritised ahead of unemployed Australians for any boost to welfare payments as the Morrison government stands firm against growing demands to lift the Newstart allowance.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told colleagues returning the budget to surplus is his "number one priority" and any future increase in welfare payments will be directed towards the 2 million Australians on the aged pension."

Read the full story here - https://www.watoday.com.au/politics/federal/morrison-government-to-prioritise-pensioners-over-newstart-recipients-20190724-p52afs.html

Aged pensioner says sorry to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Retirement Villages Impact On Aged Care Funding Costs

Long term impacts on #retirementvillage residents and governments, past strong property capital gains masked the 'true' cost of retirement village living. Taxpayers will need to fund greater Home Care and Aged Care costs @stuartrobertmp @LindaBurneyMP @MichaelPascoe01 #pensioners pic.twitter.com/X62tdbo1L4

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 21, 2019

NSW Government Retirement Village Reforms

NSW Government wants to make Retirement Village operators repay money they borrowed from residents at 0% interest earlier by shortening their maximum wait period from 18 months to 6 months. Industry cries ruination. pic.twitter.com/XnjeBxWaHx

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 21, 2019

46.2% Of Newstart Recipients Over 40 Years Of Age

To @JulianLeeser MP This chart shows a lack of understanding and the political cruelty in your support of NO INCREASE in #newstart. 46.2% of newstart recipients are aged 40 years and over. The days of they are all just 'dole bludgers' is well and truly gone #auspol @annabelcrabb pic.twitter.com/ZTUMFnOqIU

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 20, 2019

Pensioner Says I Am Sorry to Scott Morrison

An aged pensioner has said I am Sorry to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) for seemingly being a burden on the State.

This follows Social Services Minister Anne Ruston reported as saying "It is a generous amount of money that the Australian taxpayers make available to our older Australians".

Raise The Newstart Rate Campaign

FCA supporting the Raise The Newstart Rate campaign.

Financial Counselling Australia is the peak body for financial counsellors in Australia.

FCA is the national voice for the financial counselling profession in Australia. It is a not-for-profit organisation that:

• Provides resources and support for financial counsellors;
• Advocates for a fairer marketplace;
• Works to raise the profile of financial counsellors;
• Advocates to increase access to financial counselling; and
• Works to improve hardship processes for people in financial difficulty.

FCA_Raise the Rate from Financial Counselling Australia on Vimeo.

Financial Counselling Australia can be contacted through this web site - https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/

Pensioner Offers Apology to Senator Anne Ruston

To @Anne_Ruston MP. I am sorry. Sorry that I wasn't as aspirational as I should have been. Sorry that I am finishing my life journey as an aged pensioner. Sorry that I am not worthy of your respect. I am sorry. #pensioners #auspol @annabelcrabb @ScottMorrisonMP @farrm51 #deeming pic.twitter.com/wwr5gopkuF

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 20, 2019

Push to Raise Newstart

To @JulianLeeser MP. These charts clearly show the political cruelty in your support of NO INCREASE in #newstart. #auspol @ScottMorrisonMP @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP @annabelcrabb https://t.co/Z5tpQpKVgD pic.twitter.com/OZuL32qlEf

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 20, 2019

Retirees Requiring Taxpayer Funding for Aged Care is Increased

The number of retirees requiring taxpayer funding for aged care is increased by #retirementvillages as retiree nest eggs diminish over time. When will the federal government finally realise this and take action. #auspol #agedcarerc #pensioners @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP @aus_senior pic.twitter.com/gukpDi4M4a

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 19, 2019

Lying is Lying

Sorry @AlboMP but lying is lying, surely people who tell untruths must be called out for it. Where will the truth go if all that is told is an untruth. We have had the "Alternative Facts" concept, is it now "Alternative Truths", surely not. #auspol @AUSLaborRBLX @annabelcrabb pic.twitter.com/Kb3YqSxlpr

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 19, 2019

Australia Creates House of Cards

ABC News Reports -

Excellent ABC easy to understand video summation of the current balancing act in the property market. https://t.co/3wE8N6C4us

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 18, 2019

Read the full story here - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-19/house-price-falls-are-ending-but-dont-expect-another-boom/11298992?section=business

Extraordinary Collapse in Home Ownership

The Sydney Morning Herald reports -

"Extraordinary collapse in home ownership in Sydney and Melbourne" https://t.co/zqzhDrxVuz #auspol @ScottMorrisonMP @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 17, 2019

Read the full story here :-  https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-two-charts-showing-an-extraordinary-collapse-in-home-ownership-in-sydney-and-melbourne-20190717-p5282j.html?js-chunk-not-found-refresh=true

Senator Anne Ruston Criticised Over Pensioner Statement

This tweet is directed to Anne Ruston MP. "Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago". Hello, PENSIONERS planted those trees. @Anne_Ruston #AnneRuston #pensioners @PatsKarvelas @farrm51 @annabelcrabb @dwabriz #auspol @ScottMorrisonMP pic.twitter.com/4miSGV2g6v

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 16, 2019

Pensioners Seek Social Services Minister Anne Ruston Apology

The Senior Magazine reports -

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston has come under fire for suggesting the pension is generous, as seniors groups and Labor call for more changes to help older Australians.

Senator Ruston embarked on a media blitz on Monday to sell the coalition government's decision to give a boost to some pensioners.

"It is a generous amount of money that the Australian taxpayers make available to our older Australians," she told 3AW on Monday.

When pressed on the comments, Senator Ruston said: "In terms of the amount of money that taxpayers fund our social welfare system, we put a lot of money into it."

Read the full story here - https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/6275720/minister-in-hot-water-over-pension-comment/

Pensioners Going Without Food

'Going Without Food' - Is the claim of Austrlain pensioners. #auspol @JoshFrydenberg @acccgovau #deemingrates #pensioners https://t.co/uev1iDT8kr

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 16, 2019

Drain of Retiree Capital Wealth

How much does this excessive drain of capital away from retirement village residents ultimately cost the taxpayer and the Aged Care budget. When will the government 'really' look at what is happening. @richardmcolbeck @JulieCollinsMP @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP #agedcareRC #auspol pic.twitter.com/PjDdEJ2ltU

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 15, 2019

Land Developers Banking Lots

Claims that property developers are 'banking' housing land to increase eventual prices obtained. https://t.co/Sfa8K5kysr #auspol @JoshFrydenberg #vicpol #nswpol @acccgovau @neighbour_s

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 15, 2019

Stay at Home and Live Longer

"Stay at home and live longer" claims pensioner group speaking on aged care. #deemingrates #pensioners #auspol #newstart @richardmcolbeck @JulieCollinsMP #agedcare #agedcarerc https://t.co/XcGCMHiLfI

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 14, 2019

Deeming Rates Shame

Deeming rates down 3.25% to 3%. No need to say any more, the chart shows the political reality and the political cruelty of this latest decision for those Australians least placed to openly display their 'aspirations'. #deemingrates #pensioners @JoshFrydenberg #auspol @AlboMP pic.twitter.com/f5uO2XZQ6v

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 13, 2019

Doom & Gloom for Australian Property Prices

More doom and gloom predicted for Australian property prices. https://t.co/riJBdBTA13 #auspol pic.twitter.com/jtqkRvUOUy

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 13, 2019

Transfer of Capital Wealth from Retirees.

Transfer of capital wealth from retirees to retirement village operator. All licensed and approved of by state government. One village, 150 units. Encouraged by federal government who complains about aged care funding costs. @JoshFrydenberg @agedcare @acccgovau @NSW_FairTrading pic.twitter.com/DOvBoMyROr

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 12, 2019

Capital Gain or Capital Loss

When a loan/lease #retirementvillage resident is granted through their contract access to capital gain, they also accept financial responsibility for any capital lossees. There are some pretty nervous residents out there. https://t.co/PNsHEm54iE #auspol #pensioners @acccgovau

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 12, 2019

True Cost Of Retirement Village Living

Chart shows cost of accommodation in a retirement village versus standard residential tenancy. Difficult to justify the cost differential for the 'lifestyle' component above the market drive 'accommodation' value. @Kevinandersonmp @NSW_FairTrading #nswpol #vicpol @consumervic pic.twitter.com/Sorl7HdzGE

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 10, 2019

Loan Not Purchase

At last called for what it really is. You don't 'buy' or 'purchase'. You loan your life savings to the Retirement Village Operator at 0% interest. FREE capital for the operator. You lose 40% of this plus pay to maintain, refurbish, sell 'THEIR' asset. @acccgovau @MichaelWestBiz pic.twitter.com/DmSjypygsa

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 9, 2019

Failure to Raise the Newstart Allowance

Another one - no words needed, the chart says it all about NEWSTART. https://t.co/uoFMb4g0LO #auspol #pensioners #newstart @ScottMorrisonMP @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP @neighbour_s pic.twitter.com/z2AcHEivdj

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 9, 2019

Failure to lift NEWSTART Allowance

Failure to lift NEWSTART allowance - No words needed, the chart says it all. https://t.co/uoFMb4g0LO #auspol #pensioners #newstart @ScottMorrisonMP @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP @neighbour_s pic.twitter.com/kH8Jr3ZRQh

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 9, 2019

All Else Is Lost

"If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists, to protect them and to promote their common welfare, all else is lost." - Barack Obama #auspol @PatsKarvelas @farrm51 @annabelcrabb @dwabriz #agedcare #pensioners #newstart #agedcarerc pic.twitter.com/kWBwuI7Tc8

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 8, 2019

Best Retirement Village Fix

Best Retirement Village Fix-Ban the Deferred Management Fee model-Legislate to simply buy or rent-Retiree retains capital making them better placed to fund their own Aged Care not rely on taxpayers. #auspol @richardmcolbeck @JulieCollinsMP @HelenHaines1 #agedcarerc @neighbour_s pic.twitter.com/VOhyzDZAli

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 8, 2019

Watershed In Political Cruelty

Being on an Aged Pension or Newstart doesn't mean you're not 'aspirational'. Life can sometimes deal a cruel hand but that doesn't make you a sub species, not fit to share in a nation's wealth. A watershed in political cruelty. @PatsKarvelas @farrm51 @annabelcrabb @dwabri #auspol pic.twitter.com/K51qwqYWUw

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 7, 2019

Political Cruelty in Newstart Payment

NEWSTART - The reality of the political cruelty in the decision to not increase newstart rates is that 46.2% of all newstart recipients are aged 40yrs and over. Sadly Government of the few, by the few, for the few. #auspol @PatsKarvelas @farrm51 @annabelcrabb @dwabriz #newstart pic.twitter.com/naonO9AAzu

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 7, 2019

Federal Laws For Retirement Villages

The direction of the Aged Care industry is leading to longer periods in retirement villages (in home care) and shorter periods in residential aged care. This leaves the States in charge of the elderly! Time for Federal laws for RV's. https://t.co/S7itoxjjoh #agedcare #agedcarerc pic.twitter.com/BzQsONE0BB

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 5, 2019

Aspirational or Second Class Citizen

Just because you are on an Aged Pension or Newstart doesn't mean you weren't 'aspirational'. Sometimes life can deal a cruel hand but that doesn't make you a sub species, not fit to share in a nation's wealth. #auspol @ScottMorrisonMP @JoshFrydenberg @AlboMP @abc730 @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/kcIZItyUOi

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 4, 2019

Retirement Village Emergency Evacuation

NSW updates #retirementvillage laws on emergency evacuation. Victoria has no law requiring a retirement village operator to have an emergency evacuation plan/assembly point https://t.co/UXHhZqNiZU @michaelobrienmp #vicpol #springst @MarleneKairouz @abc730 @NSW_FairTrading #nswpol pic.twitter.com/ERtX9FtqpO

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 4, 2019

Purchase or Rent

Retirement Village operators invite you to 'purchase' but don't transfer ownership only grant right to occupy, @Centrelink calls you a homeowner, even though you do not have ownership, then they don't have to pay you rent assistance. @HelenHaines1 @stuartrobertmp #auspol @abc730 pic.twitter.com/V0pR7GjDjZ

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 4, 2019

Property Owner Or Property Renter

For #retirementvillage residents Centrelink calls you a homeowner, even though you do not have ownership only conditional occupancy, then they don't have to pay you rent assistance. @Centrelink @HelenHaines1 @stuartrobertmp #auspol pic.twitter.com/HIq3aAek8h

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 4, 2019

Retiree Capacity To Fund Aged Care Costs

How retiree access to capital gains in #retirementvillage contracts and the direction of property values over the next decade will impact on retiree capacity to fund their own aged acre costs or their need to rely on the taxpayer. @gedkearney @JulieCollinsMP #auspol @neighbour_s pic.twitter.com/ArkyAcRc4x

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 3, 2019

Long Term Impact On Retirees

What the #retirementvillage industry looks like for many retirees. Few fully understand, @ScottMorrisonMP & @JoshFrydenberg not identifying the long term impact on retiree ability to fund their own aged care costs and the impact on taxpayers. @gedkearney @JulieCollinsMP #auspol pic.twitter.com/s3LmpcHfVf

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 3, 2019

To Say Nothing Is To Be Complicit

Who or what is responsible for the mess in the Victorian #retirementvillage industry. Some individual members carry a large degree but ultimately it is every member, for to say nothing is to be complicit. @DanielAndrewsMP @michaelobrienmp #vicpol #springst @MarleneKairouz @abc730 pic.twitter.com/gZlVpsPKm9

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 2, 2019

New Retirement Living Occupancy Laws?

New Retirement Living Occupancy Laws? Sadly they already exist in the #retirementvillage industry at the direct commercial benefit of operators and at the direct financial and emotional cost of retirees. @DanielAndrewsMP @michaelobrienmp #vicpol #springst @abc730 @MarleneKairouz pic.twitter.com/7gEF1mS8RN

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 2, 2019

Proposed New Tenancy Laws?

New NSW Tenancy Law? The outgoing tenant has to pay maintenance fees to the landlord until new tenant is found. Seem a little ridicuous? Well yes it is but it is a current law protecting Retirement Village Operators. @Kevinandersonmp @GladysB @mckay_jodi @NSW_FairTrading #nswpol pic.twitter.com/wO03RrQGuU

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 2, 2019

No News on Victorian Retirement Village Reforms

Breaking News - Sadly there is no breaking news, not even just ordinary news on Victorian #retirementvillage reforms. @MarleneKairouz @DanielAndrewsMP @michaelobrienmp #vicpol #springst @VictorianLabor pic.twitter.com/w1SW2ZwQRT

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 2, 2019

Delivering for only some Victorians

'Delivering for all Victorians' is a phrase that rings hollow with retirement village residents. Other states have delivered meaningful reforms, Victoria & Minister @MarleneKairouz have clearly failed. @DanielAndrewsMP @michaelobrienmp #vicpol @sdanck @abc730 @acccgovau #springst pic.twitter.com/50SdZjpIpJ

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 2, 2019

New Financial Lending Laws?

New Finance Laws? You don't have to repay a loan until you find a new lender Seem a little ridicuous? well yes it is but it is a law protecting Retirement Village Operators @DanielAndrewsMP @michaelobrienmp #vicpol #springst @abc730 @MarleneKairouz @consumervic Retirees suffer $$ pic.twitter.com/Bcvh9z9yKG

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 1, 2019

Financial Destiny of Retirement Village Resident

Interesting to compare the financial destiny of a Victorian retiree on entering a #retirementvillage as opposed to that of a profit driven operator. And all this comes with the assistance of State Government legislation. #vicpol @abc730 @acccgovau @MarleneKairouz @michaelobrienmp pic.twitter.com/vPpWoDLTXC

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) July 1, 2019

Financial Data From Retirement Village Examination

This is staggering, no need for a 1000 words of explanation. Just look at the numbers and remember this is just one (1) yes just one retirement village. @DanielAndrewsMP @michaelobrienmp #vicpol @sdanck @abc730 @acccgovau #auspol pic.twitter.com/eriNArQF5N

— Les Scobie (@retvilldotnet) June 29, 2019