David Hetherington
The Adequacy of the Age Pension in Australia: An assessment of pensioner living standards
This Australian report examines the adequacy of the Age Pension both qualitatively, through focus groups and town meetings, and quantitatively, through analysis of social survey data. Methodology included quantitative analysis provided by the HILDA (Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia) survey which included 9,000 households and 25,000 individuals.
2018
Themes:
The adequacy of the Age Pension in Australia: An assessment of pensioner living standards
The Age Pension in Australia is inadequate.
It fails to provide a decent standard of living for approximately 1.5 million older Australians who rely on it as their main source of income. Some pensioners are taking drastic measures in order to make ends meet – they are turning off hot water in summer, blending food because they can’t afford a dentist and choosing between food and medication.
2016
Themes:
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."