1 July 2012 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

THE

VOICEOF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSWPrint Post Approved PP235387100064 ISSN 10353615 July 2012

THE PHOTOS shown here are stills from a video produced by NSW Fire and Rescue, known to most as the Fire Brigade. The Fire Brigade recreated the fire at Quakers Hill Nursing Home. CPSA has obtained a copy of this video under the Government Information (Public Access) Act, known to most as FOI, Freedom of Information. According to a report in the Blacktown Advocate, police have directly linked eleven deaths to the fire but the unofficial death toll is estimated at nineteen.

The Quakers Hill Nursing Home is reported to have had 88 residents at the time of the fire. The photo on the left shows the the fire damage of a room without sprinklers. The photo on the right shows what the damage would have been if a single sprinkler head had been operating in the room where the fire raged. Meanwhile, Roger Dean, a registered nurse working at the Quakers Hill Nursing Home on the morning of the fire, has been charged with ten counts of murder. Had there been a sprinkler system, it is likely he would

have caused fewer deaths. The implications of this for any prosecution of Mr Dean will become clear over time. What is now absolutely certain is that any nursing home without a sprinkler system is a firetrap. Two-thirds of nursing homes in New South Wales do not have sprinkler systems. Two-thirds of NSW nursing homes are firetraps and THE VOICE calls on readers to “out” these facilities. THE VOICE will publish the names of these nursing homes, the names of the companies or organisations that run them and their

answers to some very specific questions about fire safety in the places they run. THE VOICE will also publish the names of the nursing homes that do have sprinkler systems. The NSW Government has said that it wants sprinkler systems in all NSW nursing homes, but that the cost is a problem. Maybe so, but the company that ran the Quakers Hill Nursing Home (Domain Principal) has decided to retrofit all its non-sprinklered nursing homes with life-saving fire sprinkler systems.

New: CPSA’s Dob in a Nursing Home FireTrap Campaign

Continued page 8

2 July 2012 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

CPSA Executive(as at 2.11.2011)

Grace Selway OAM CPSA President

Bob JayCPSA Secretary

Betty ChamberlainCPSA Treasurer

Bill HollandSenior Vice PresidentAssistant Treasurer

George RayVice President

Sue LatimerAssistant Secretary

Shirley BainsMargaret Craven-ScottJim GraindaMarie Mihell Colin VernonBarbara Wright

THE VOICEOF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

Phone: 1800 451 488Fax: (02) 9281 9716Email: voice@cpsa.org.auProduction: Andrew Boulton, Amelia Christie, Antoine Mangion & Paul VersteegePrinter: MPD, Unit E1, 46-62 Maddox Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

All content prepared by the editorial and production team with reference to stories on AAP newswire, unless indicated.

THE VOICECPSA, Level 9, 28 Foveaux StSurry Hills NSW 2010

Disclaimer

No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information contained in advertisements or text supplied by other organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

CPSA does not support or promote the products or views in paid advertising.

Letters

VisionCare reinstatedThankfully, the NSW Government has kept its word and reinstated the NSW Spectacle Program run by VisionCare. They have broken so many since they came to power. My main complaint with them was the outdated means test. Like many other pensioners, I receive a small overseas pension to supplement my income and keep me just above the poverty line, but this makes me ineligible. The criteria for eligibility for new spectacles should be brought up to date as the means test has not been reviewed since 1992 and is grossly unfair to the disadvantaged, unemployed and pensioners. Sight is just as important as hearing, dentistry and other essential health services.

Llieda WildEastwood, NSW

Fishing for moneyI WOULD like to see campaigning for free fishing licences for self-funded retirees like myself. I would also like to see campaigning to lift the asset test on the property of self-funded retirees which is not moving up with inflation and market value.

Jose QuintalMarrickville, NSW

Self-funded retirees who are Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders receive the Seniors Supplement, currently $842.40 a year for singles and $1,286.80 for couples. CSHC income limits indexation ceased in 1999, when the limits were raised from $21,320 to $40,000 for singles, and from $35,620 to $67,000 for couples. In 2001 the income limits were again increased to the current limits of $50,000 for singles and $80,000 for couples.

Had indexation continued after 1999, CSHC income limits would today be significantly lower. The asset test for the Age Pension is regularly updated. The asset value limit is $690,500 for singles and $1,024,500 for couples. A fishing licence costs $30 a year, or $75 for three years. Ed.

Pension age debate missing the markI READ with interest CPSA’s media comments about the rise or future rises in the pension age. The pension age cannot keep rising as people who do manual work are tired and often suffer health problems by the time they reach retirement. A stand should be taken to protect the lives of lower paid people who have done manual work for most of their lives. CPSA Victoria has asked the Leader of the Opposition to put together

Donations, Bequests, Membership and THE VOICE subscriptions

Membership is open to all who support the aims and objectives of CPSA

I’d like to renew my Membership or join CPSA as a Member and enclose my individual Membership fee of $12 (Includes a free annual subscription to THE VOICE, valued at $25.00). I agree to be bound by the CPSA Constitution and uphold the Objectives and Policies of CPSA. I support the CPSA Objectives. I have not previously been expelled from CPSA or, if I have been expelled, I have attached a copy of my CPSA Executive exemption. Please send me information about my nearest Branch. I do not wish to join CPSA but would like to subscribe to THE VOICE (1 year—$25.00 incl. GST). I belong to an organisation and would like information about how we can become a Branch or an Affiliate of CPSA. (NB: Branches are covered by CPSA’s $10 million Public Liability Insurance). I wish to make a donation of $______ (All donations above $2 are tax deductible). Please send me information about THE VOICE gift subscriptions. I wish to make a bequest to CPSA in my Will. Please send me information.Name:_____________________________________________________________________________Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________State:_____________Postcode:__________Phone: ______________________________Email:_________________________________________Payment details (for credit card): Visa Mastercard Name on card:__________________________Card Number:___________________Expiry:_________Amount:______________________ Signature:_____________________________________________

Please send to: CPSA, Level 9, 28 Foveaux St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Letters are personal views only and do not necessarily reflect CPSA policy. Ed.

July 2012 www.cpsa.org.au 1800 451 488 3

a survey to put to State and Federal Governments to outline how difficult it is to live week by week on the pension and hopefully get some improvements in all concessions. Pensioners need their dignity.

Pat WarrinerState Secretary, CPSA Victoria

Temporary Absence PunishmentTHE FEDERAL Budget contained an item about reducing pensioners’ payments while they are overseas from 13 weeks to only 6 weeks. This is a devilishly unfair proposal as the reason we go to the place of our birth is to visit our relatives. Whoever thought of these 6 weeks must know the ones that will be hurt are the Australian migrants. We are not costing you extra money so where is the problem in our

staying outside Australia? Our pension is still the same, as a matter of fact we cost the Government less because we do not visit the family doctor while we are not here.

Irene DavidBarrack Heights, NSW

The recent changes only affect the Age Pension Supplement, not the entire Age Pension. After 6 weeks the Supplement is cut but not the base rate Pension. So singles will receive $30.10 a week less for weeks 7 to 13 spent abroad. Couples will lose $45.40 a week. It is those on the Disability Support Pension who will have their pensions cut entirely after 6 weeks abroad. Ed.

Letters

By post: THE VOICE, CPSA Level 9, 28 Foveaux StSurry Hills NSW 2010

By email:voice@cpsa.org.au

You must include your name and suburb/town for the letter to be published, though these may be omitted in publication if the letter contains personal information. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Send a letter to THE VOICE

CPSA - who we areCPSA was founded in 1931 in response to pension cuts. CPSA is a non-profit, non-party-political membership association which serves pensioners of all ages, superannuants and low-income retirees. The aim of CPSA is to improve the standard of living and well-being of its Members and constituents.

Head Office News

Head Office News is sent to all Branch Secretaries, Presidents and Treasurers with the instruction to read it aloud to the Branch meeting.

Every Branch Member is also entitled to receive a copy.

If you would like a copy, please call Head Office on 1800 451 488.

Friends of CPSA How we recognise you

CPSA Members are traditionally a selfless bunch of people. They get in and get it done without the fanfare. They help others without considering who’s noticing. They do what’s right without needing recognition.

That being said, of course, when it does come to our attention that a Member has been going above and beyond the call of duty, we like the world to know.

CPSA Branches award Branch Life Membership. Head Office awards Association Life Membership for 10 years or more of leadership service on a Branch, Area Council or Association Executive. Silver and Golden Bough Awards are presented to Members who have provided voluntary service for 25 years.

And then there are the Friends of CPSA. Friends of CPSA are those who have decided to assist CPSA through a bequest in their will. When possible, they are presented with an exclusive Friends of CPSA badge at CPSA Conference.

They receive a certificate of appreciation, and they are acknowledged at CPSA Head Office on our Friends of CPSA Honour Board. Making a bequest to CPSA is easy. Call 1800 451 488 in order to become our newest Friend of CPSA.

Molong Branch Fundraising for Local Aged Housing

CPSA Members of the Molong Branch have been hard at work raising funds for more aged housing units in their area.

The Branch has already raised $22,000 but hopes to raise $25,000 to go towards the building.

“The current facilities available here are too expensive. There is a need for somewhere that is cheap enough for pensioners to move into,” said Branch Trasurer, Aileen Roberson.

“We get lots of letters of interest when a vacancy comes up for one of the Council run units we already have . We provided the Council with the original deposit of $55,000 for these units,” Mrs Roberson said.

“We’re still waiting for Council approval for the new building, but we don’t think it’s too far off,” said Branch President, Bonnie Ward.

If you’d like to find out more or to help out with a donation please phone the Branch Treasurer, Aileen Roberson on (02) 6366 8824 or the Branch President, Bonnie Ward on (02) 6366 9361.

4 July 2012 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

Members’ page

Crossword by Hilda Thorburn

Donations

CPSA is grateful for all donations. Due to lack of space, the following only includes donations above $35 received since the last edition of THE VOICE:

P. Lenton $100Penrith Seniors & Pensioners’ Club Inc. $100Riverlands Area Council $50 St Marys CPSA $82.80Yagoona CPSA $38.40

Across 1. Opening in sloping roof (6,7)8. Discharge9. Next month10. Troubles11. Metal spike12. Show-off14. Supports17. Heavily scented flowers20. Sillier23. Second Greek letter24. Group of churches25. Large Swiss city26. Pulling lines (3-5)27. Sloth (8,5)

Answers on back page

Down

1. Placido..., tenor2. Renovate3. Wicked customers (4,5)4. Alcoholic drinks (4&11)5. Approaches6. Stiff transparent fabric7.Séance13. Title15. Product of a spinning creature (6,3)16. Pub18. Forever youthful19. French castle21. US state22. Ask earnestly24. Loud metallic sound

Garden of RemembranceIt is with sadness that Guildford CPSA heard of the passing of their dear Member Eric Cameron on 14th May 2012. Eric had been a Member for 26 years and in that time held many positions including President and the most recent was as Assistant Treasurer and also Trips Officer. Eric also held the positions of Assistant State Secretary in 1990-1991 and was Editor of THE VOICE in 1992 along with attending the Annual CPSA Conferences. Eric was also involved in numerous committees in the Guildford area including Neighbourhood Watch. Eric was a Guard at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Doris.

Orana Branch lost a friend when Rosemary Eastburn passed away. She was a diligent worker for our branch and we are all saddened by her passing. She has been a very active member of our community. Members will always remember her unswerving assistance when we were forming the new branch of The Orana CPSA. She is now at peace.

Budgewoi CPSA has lost two Members. Jean Johnson, a long-time Member passed away on 16 May 2012 and Nola Taylor, Social Secretary, passed away 26 April 2012. Nola had been a Member for ten years. Both will be sadly missed.

~ Rest in Peace ~

CPSA Constitution

THE CPSA Constitution with updates from the 2011 AGM is now available on our website. Visit www.cpsa.org.au and click ‘About Us’. If you would like a copy call Head Office on 1800 451 488.

Condition of CPSA Membership

According to the NSW Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (Schedule 1, clause 11(1)(a) and Appendix 1 based on Clause 3(1)), it is a condition of your ongoing CPSA membership that you agree to comply with CPSA’s Constitution including Aims & Objectives.

If you have any questions or would like a copy of the Constitution, please call Head Office on 1800 451 488. The Constitution is also available at www.cpsa.org.au.

CPSA MerchandiseBadgesMembership : pin $4.50Membership: magnet $4.50Title Bar* + pendant $9.00Title Bar* $5.00Pendant $4.00(*except Welfare Officer $10.15Asst Soc. Sec.) $16.15CardsMembership card $0.10Waratah card $1.00Card wallet $3.30Certificate (80/90 years/Appreciation) $1.10Emergency medical information book $2.00Leather key ring $5.50Letter opener: silver or gold $10.00Do Not Knock Sticker - single sticker FREE - bulk order $1.00 eachTea caddy spoon $4.40

Please add postage to all items.

July 2012 www.cpsa.org.au 1800 451 488 5

NSW BUDGET

The GoodNOT much to report here, unfortunately. The good news for pensioners is that the Low Income Energy Rebate is going up by $15 to $215, though this was announced before the Budget. While welcome, this extra $15 falls well short of the increases we are seeing on electricity bills. The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) voucher scheme that assists people in hardship to pay bills is receiving an increase in funding which is good news, but it’s disappointing that this hasn’t been extended to people living in residential parks. The Council Rate Rebate has received an extra $76 million, although this is to go towards new rebate recipients and not an increase to the amount paid out to home owners, which hasn’t budged since 1993.

The BadVisionCare’s Spectacle Program – the strictly means-tested, extremely efficient scheme that provides the state’s poorest with glasses and low-vision aids – is not receiving an increase in funding. This is despite the fact that the program was suspended for four months last February due to running over budget. CPSA is appalled by this move and is asking the NSW Government if it plans on suspending the program for four months every year, to the detriment of some of the state’s most vulnerable. CPSA has also caught wind of the NSW Government pitching this program against the out-of-home-care for children program. One woman, a widowed, full rate Age Pensioner,

who accesses the Spectacle Program, was told by her Local Member that the budget overruns over the last 14 years were taken from needy children. It seems like a lot of political manipulation for a program that costs the NSW Government only $65 per person on average, making it one of the cheapest and most cost-effective Government services.

The UglyThe Government tried to hide it from us on Budget day but our suspicions have now been confirmed: Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward has announced that the carbon tax compensation being paid to pensioners from March next year will be included in public rent calculations. For single Age Pensioners, the Clean Energy Supplement will result in them receiving an extra $13 a fortnight. Housing NSW and community housing providers will be taking $3.25 of this in rent. It’s a cruel case of the Australian Government giving people a hand with the rising cost of living, and the NSW Government immediately taking some of it. It’s also difficult to understand how the NSW Government can be so vehemently opposed to the carbon tax, yet can happily take part of the compensation aimed at assisting people deal with the rising cost of living. CPSA is particularly concerned by the move because this compensation is being paid out as a supplement which have always been exempt from housing rent calculations because they are

paid for a specific purpose. It is very worrying that the NSW Government has gone against this tradition, effectively robbing those in public housing of part of their entitlement. We are concerned that this move may result in the Pension Supplement (currently $60.20 for single Age Pensioners) also being regarded as income so that $15 of this may be taken as well. The Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement needs to be amended to exclude supplements when assessing social housing subsidised rents and this requires the political will of Governments. Community action is needed to convince the NSW Government not to proceed. You can call Penny Sharpe MLC’s office on (02) 9230 2589 to grab a copy of a

petition against the changes. The NSW Government has claimed that the rent rise is necessary to raise revenue or else maintenance will suffer and people will be living in “crappier houses” (their words, not ours). We think it’s safe to say that maintenance is already often neglected on Housing NSW properties. CPSA maintains that the issue shouldn’t be pitched as an either/or proposition: people in public housing should be entitled to live in well-maintained homes while not paying for rent increases that they cannot afford. The only minor consolation is that the Clean Energy Advance that was paid to pensioners and Commonwealth Senior Health Card holders last month has been declared safe from the NSW Government’s cash grab.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

What one hand giveth the other taketh away

6 July 2012 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

CPSA Member Benefit

July 2012 www.cpsa.org.au 1800 451 488 7

CPSA Conference 2012In accordance with CPSA Constitution Rule 8.3.2 this announcement serves as the required notice in THE VOICE calling for nominations of candidates for election to CPSA Executive. Nominations must be:• submitted on the official form• signed by proposer, seconder and nominee• accompanied by a Curriculum Vitae• received before the deadline (outlined on the form) by the CPSA Returning Officer at 9 Gillis St, Dubbo NSW 2830

Nomination forms will be circulated to all Branches and Area Councils. If you would like a copy of the nomination form, please contact Head Office on 1800 451 488.

Notice of Association Conference and Annual General Meeting

The 2012 Association Conference will be held from 30 October to 31 October 2012 at Salvation Army Congress Hall, 140 Elizabeth St, Sydney. The 2012 Annual General Meeting will be held on 30 October during the Association Conference.

The closing date for the receipt of agenda items from Branches and Area Councils for the Association Conference is Friday 24 August 2012.

Every Member is invited (and encouraged) to attend Conference as an Observer. (A Delegate is able to speak and vote on motions. An Observer is not able to speak or vote on motions.) There will be guest speakers, policy discussion and the CPSA AGM. Members will be able to meet with other Members from all over NSW.

Meals and refreshments are included and transport by CountryLink rail and bus services is free for all non-Sydney Conference attendees. (In addition, Delegates’ accommodation can be reimbursed up to $110 per person per night.)

Registration forms will be circulated to all Branches, Area Councils and Affiliates. If you would like to register as an Observer, please contact CPSA Head Office on 1800 451 488. The deadline for registration is Monday 3 September 2012.

Many Branches are starting to think about who their Conference Delegates will be this year. Conference Delegates must be chosen by the Branch to represent the Branch. Most Branches do this by a simple ballot at a Branch meeting.

Everyone who is interested in going to Conference should nominate. Don’t let your Branch Executive or Committee decide this for you!

The number of Delegates a Branch can send depends on the number of Branch Members:

1 - 75 Members = 2 Delegates76 - 125 Members = 3 Delegates126 - 175 Members = 4 Delegates176 - 225 Members = 5 Delegates etc.

Are you interested in coming to Conference but don’t belong to a Branch, or haven’t been elected as a Delegate for your Branch? Why not consider representing another Branch instead? Lots of our Branches find the distance too great or Members’ health not up to the travel. Many of them would be delighted to have someone represent them. If you’re interested in representing another Branch, call Head Office for more information. There is no cost to your home Branch and costs to your other Branch are kept to a minimum.

8 July 2012 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

Domain Principal’s decision means that the largest for-profit nursing home operator in Australia acknowledges and accepts that fire sprinkler systems in nursing homes are indispensable. It also means they are able to pay for it. If they are, what’s stopping the others? Domain Principal’s decision highlights that the nursing home industry is able to afford essential and life-saving fire sprinkler systems. Those operators still opposing fire sprinkler systems in nursing homes should change their tune or get out of the industry. Call CPSA on 1800 451 488 to dob in a firetrap!

Aged care providers recant

THE SYDNEY Morning Herald’s Mark Metherell, who seems to have a penchant for reporting aged care providers’ clamourings for more money (THE VOICE can’t recall Mr Metherell ever writing a story on quality in aged care) published a story about the sector’s unhappiness with the aged care reform package announced on 20 April 2012. Mr Metherell reported that “aged care reforms have hit investor resistance, triggering a freeze of $3.5 billion in nursing home developments” (16 June 2012). The June 2012 report from which Mr Metherell quotes actually goes a bit further than that. Here’s what that report says right at the end: “It is imperative that the Government revisit the Productivity Commission’s recommendations and work with the [aged care provider] industry to implement them. Major changes to the funding

system should be deferred...” Despite the aged providers welcoming the aged care reform announced on 20 April 2012, they now say they don’t want a bar of it.

Brace yourself for an extreme electricity hike

ELECTRICITY prices are set to soar by even more than expected, with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announcing that the average price rise after 1 July will be 18 per cent, two percentage points higher than predicted. Energy Australia customers will face the highest rise of 20.6 per cent and see about $7 added to their weekly bill. Integral Energy customers will see an average of $4 extra a week on their bills (an increase of 11.8 per cent) while Country Energy customers can expect to pay an extra $8.21 per week, meaning most rural households are facing a rise of up to 19.7 per cent. IPART says around half the increase is due to the increasing costs of the poles and wires, and the differences between the companies are primarily due to varying network charges. Importantly, IPART determines the average price

to be charged by retailers to customers. Energy companies then determine how these increases are applied across different customers so some may see higher or lower rises. Other electricity companies are also expected to have price rises but are no longer regulated by IPART and are based on market contracts. While customers on market contracts pay an unregulated price, these are often influenced by changes in the regulated prices. But before you rush off to switch electricity companies, it’s important to remember that sometimes that discount deal isn’t what it seems. You need to shop around carefully, not only making sure that there are no exit fees to your current contract but also to check the price per kilowatt hour. If you’re unsure about whether you’re getting the best deal, go to the My Energy Offers website at www.myenergyoffers.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 136 888. We will see the average household bill go up by between $208 and $427 a year but the Low Income Energy Rebate is being increased by just $15. There have long been criticisms that pensioner concessions have not kept

up with the pace of price increases, so essentials have become less affordable for many pensioners and low-income earners. That’s why CPSA is calling for IPART to be given the role of setting rebates. Because they’re an independent body, they’re in a better position to review the Low Income Energy Rebate and other rebates. It would be great to see rebates determined without a political agenda. It’s important to consider household income as well as the location of the household and that’s not something that is currently taken into account with most assistance measures. People on low incomes in country areas can pay up to $500 more on their bills, yet receive the same rebate amount as those in cities. It’s not only electricity prices that are set to go up dramatically. Gas prices are also due to rise, by between 9 and 15 per cent across NSW. In more promising news, Sydney Water price rises will be below inflation, so households will be better off in real terms. But apartment dwellers will suffer extra pain as water service charges for apartments are being brought into line with houses

CPSA CampaignsFrom page 1

July 2012 www.cpsa.org.au 1800 451 488 9

– a $134 increase over the next four years compared to $72 for houses. Yet IPART chairman Dr Peter Boxall has said that pensioners will largely escape the price rise with their water bills expected to go up by about $1 a year plus inflation.

More Government Decisions Affecting Social Housing Tenants

Obligations of applicants for social housingNEW obligations for those waiting to be housed (including transfers) on the Housing Pathways register commenced on 1 May 2012. The changes by Housing NSW (which manages the register) were prompted by 4000 people on the register not responding to Housing NSW correspondence. Prior to the change, such people were suspended from the register and were put back in the same place on the register when they made contact. Their application was backdated to when they originally applied. Under the new rules, every person on the register will be sent a postcard once a year from Housing NSW and they must respond within 14 days. Should a person fail to respond, another postcard is sent. If they do not respond to this, their application is permanently closed without them being informed. They will have to make a new application entirely, and be moved to the bottom of the waiting list. That is, unless the person can demonstrate (with evidence) that they did not receive the postcards and their reason fits into a specific category (such as they were

in hospital, homeless or in prison at the time). We suggest you contact Housing NSW or your community housing provider when your circumstances change, including when you change your address. For further information, you should also request the factsheet ‘Keeping your Application Active’ from Housing NSW and community housing providers.

Changes to RentstartRENTSTART Bond Loans commenced on 1 May 2012 and replaced Rentstart and Rentstart Plus non-repayable financial assistance given by Housing NSW. It was evident from tenants contacting CPSA that Housing NSW was not previously interested in challenging a landlord for bonds. It appeared the costs in time to Housing NSW outweighed the amount of the bond. However, the current NSW Government has a different view and if the landlord is seeking the bond at the end of the tenancy, the onus is on the tenant to dispute it. Rentstart Bond Loans are a loan repayable fortnightly to Housing NSW over 12 to 18 months. If the loan is repaid before the tenancy ends, Housing NSW transfers the bond into the tenant’s name. If the loan is not repaid before the tenancy ends, Housing NSW will claim the bond and return the amount paid by the tenant, less any amount deducted by the landlord. If a tenant disputes this, it is up to the tenant to pursue it. All the other details, for example eligibility, are the

CPSA Campaigns

Do you want to help your local community? Are you over 50 years old?

The Health Promotion Service for Older People would like to train you to be a volunteer peer educator to conduct informative health related discussions with groups of seniors in the Sydney Metropolitan area. Our 3 days training program will provide you with information about the role of a peer educator, group presentation skills and an

introduction to health related topic. The program is available to seniors (50yrs+) from different community groups so whether you speak English well and/or other languages, we want you!

If you’re interested please contact Habib or Barbara on (02) 9281 3588 or 1800 451 488 or by

email: health@cpsa.org.au by 7 September 2012

WHERE Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Associ-ation of NSW Inc. (CPSA)

ADDRESS Level 9, 28 Foveaux St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 COST Free! Morning tea and lunch provided DATE 11, 12 and 13 September 2012 TIME 10 am - 4 pm

Peer Educator Training Program

Hop online at a low cost!WorkVentures has been committed to providing low cost computers to Seniors since 2002.

Our $299 Seniors Pack includes:

• Quality corporate refurbished computer • Microsoft Windows XP and Office 2007 • 6 month warranty and free phone support • Home delivery • Special offer: receive a computer and internet training pack, free when you mention this ad (save $40!). This offer is available with orders placed before 31/7/12.

Call us on 1800 112 205 or visit workventures.com.au/seniors to order or to check laptop deals and availability.

Continued page 10

10 July 2012 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

same as before. You should request the factsheet Rentstart Bond Loan from Housing NSW and community housing providers for further information. Housing NSW can be contacted on 1300 HOUSING (1300 468 746).

Public Trustee and Guardianship: A Tricky Issue

PUBLIC guardianship refers to a government-employed individual being appointed by the Supreme Court or Guardianship Tribunal to make health and welfare decisions on behalf of someone deemed incapable of making those decisions on their own. Public Guardians are unable to make financial decisions on behalf of the person, so often someone under public guardianship will also be appointed a Public Trustee to handle their financial affairs. In theory the system works well because no single individual has complete control over the affairs of someone deemed unable to speak out for themselves, and each individual acts in the best interests of the person deemed incapable. Yet concerns have arisen about cases of conflicts of interest and finances being considered separate from health and welfare. CPSA received a call from a concerned neighbour about a woman with a disability who is being kept in a nursing home against her will. In a nutshell, the disturbing tale is that the woman in her 60s is being kept in an aged care facility while wanting to go home and be cared for by her willing neighbour.

At the facility she often feels unsafe at night when the nurse on duty has been known to fall asleep. She doesn’t have her laundry done and doesn’t have necessary health checks. Her distress at being in the nursing home is compounded by the fact that the Public Trustee is looking at selling her house against her will to pay for this “care”. She has also asserted that she has never met her Guardian who is responsible for her care. To make matters worse, there are limited ways to revoke the decisions made on people’s behalf unless you have the money to pay for it. The Aged-care Rights Service is unable to take cases to the Supreme Court but this is often where cases to overturn guardianship orders need to go. Additionally it is often the case that people are deemed unable to speak on their own behalf and the appointed Guardian is the only one legally able to do so. It becomes very difficult when someone has a problem with the person appointed to advocate in their best interests. We don’t want to discount all the good work done by Public Guardians and Trustees but CPSA is very concerned with the conflict of interest present within the system. For example, the Guardian and Trustee office provides free wills, but only if they are appointed executor. Similarly the lack of communication between Guardians and clients as well as between Guardians and Trustees is most concerning. The importance of planning for later life is definitely worth serious consideration.

Medicare is going cashless: what this means for patients

MEDICARE offices are to become cash-free with a staggered rollout plan currently underway. NSW already has 30 cashless sites with more conversions happening throughout July, August and September until all offices are cash free. Under the cashless system, customers must register their bank account details or swipe their EFTPOS card at a Medicare office. If they take the bank account option, the fund transfer will be delayed by a business day. The Government has said that there will be no extra bank fees and that the phase-out of cash payments will not result in the services being removed from the community. Customers without bank accounts have been told by the Government that they won’t be at a disadvantage because rebates can be paid by cheque (though these can take days to process) or the money can be diverted into the account of a nominated friend or family member. CPSA cannot help but

question whether this is the most efficient way of doing things. Relying on others to receive your Medicare payment raises questions around privacy and could also open up a can of worms in terms of financial abuse. CPSA thinks this move towards cash-free offices is really a foolishly missed opportunity to solve the problem encountered by those many people who struggle to pay doctors their full medical fee upfront, and instead have to wait to get their Medicare rebate back at a later date. It is a no-brainer that the process of paying the specialist and then getting the rebate back should be a single transaction in which the patient pays the part of the bill for which they are personally liable (if any), triggering payment of the Medicare rebate directly to the doctor. Instead, the Government seems to be plodding along with the inefficient system, merely increasing the time that people are out of pocket. To find out when your nearest Medicare office goes cashless, call 132 001.

CPSA CampaignsFrom page 9

July 2012 www.cpsa.org.au 1800 451 488 11

INCOME SECURITY

CentrelinkAge Pension 13 23 00

DSP/Carer benefits 13 27 17Family Assistance 13 61 50

Welfare Rights CentreInfo on Government pensions

and other benefits(02) 9211 53001800 226 028

National Information Centre on Retirement InvestmentsAnything for the small investor and people wondering about

super or how to invest1800 020 110

Financial Ombudsman Services

Complaints about banking, insurance, super, financial

planning 1300 780 808

Industry Fund FinancialPlanning

1300 138 848

Australian Taxation OfficeSuper/Lost super 13 10 20

Personal tax 13 28 61

British Pensions inAustralia

Assistance in claiming the British Pension(02) 9521 79641300 308 353

No Interest Loans Scheme1800 509 994

RIGHTS

Australian Human Rights Commission

Complaints about discrimination and

harassment 1300 369 711

Commonwealth Ombudsman

Complaints about Federal Government departments and

agencies 1300 362 072

NSW Ombudsman’s Office Complaints about NSW Government agencies

1800 451 524

NSW Trustee and Guardian1300 360 466

Guardianship TribunalFinancial management orders

for people with decision-making disabilities

1800 463 928

Seniors Information Service13 12 44

Consumer Trader & Tenancy Tribunal

Tenancy, trader and consumer disputes13 32 20

Energy & Water Ombudsman (EWON)

Complaints about all NSW electricity/gas retailers and Sydney and Hunter Water

1800 246 545

TelecommunicationsIndustry Ombudsman

Phone and internet complaints 1800 062 058

GOODS AND SERVICE

Telstra Pensioner DiscountFor basic plans only

1800 353 652

NSW Seniors CardDiscounts on goods and services 1300 364 758

NSW Companion CardFree event admission for

companions of eligible people with a disability 1800 893 044

IPART Energy ComparisonCalculator 1300 136 888

HEALTH AND CARE

Commonwealth CareLinkInfo about aged and

community care 1800 052 222

Office of Hearing ServicesSubsidised hearing aids

1800 500 726

Dementia Helpline1800 100 500

Single-gender Ward Hotline For patients who wish

to be placed in a single-gender ward after 24hrs

hospitalisation1800 700 830

VisionCare NSWSubsidised spectacles

(02) 9344 4122 1800 806 851

Home Care Service NSWDomestic assistance, respite

and personal care 1800 044 043

Rape Crisis Centre24hours/7days 1800 424 017

Health Care Complaints Commission

NSW only (02) 9219 74441800 043 159

Carers NSWInformation, support

1800 242 636Emergency respite

1800 059 059

Aged care information lineResidential and community

aged care information1800 200 422

Aged Care Complaints Scheme

Complaints about residential and community aged care

1800 550 552

LifelineMental health support,

suicide prevention 13 11 14

Beyond BlueDepression and anxiety

information 1300 224 636

Public Dental Health Services

Call NSW Health for details(02) 9391 90001800 639 398

Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Dental Scheme

Call Medicare for details132 011

People with DisabilitiesAdvice for people with a

disability(02) 9370 31001800 422 016

Exit AustraliaInformation about euthanasia

1300 103 948

Dying with Dignity NSW(02) 9212 4782

Australian Men’s Shed

Association 1300 550 009

HOUSING

CPSA’s Older Persons Tenants’ Service (OPTS)

Individual advocacy(02) 9566 11201800 13 13 10

CPSA’s Park and Village Service (PAVS)

Individual advocacy for caravan parks and

manufactured homes villages(02) 9566 10101800 177 688

NSW Department of Housing

Info and applications1300 468 746

Tenants Advice LineMondays 3-6pm1800 251 101

LEGAL

The Aged-care Rights Service including Older Persons’ Legal ServiceAged care and retirement

village advocacy and information and legal advice

for older people.(02) 9281 36001800 424 079

Law AccessReferrals for legal help

1300 888 529

The Law SocietySolicitor and legal firm

referrals1800 422 713

Community Justice Centres Dispute resolution services

for minor matters 1800 990 777

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service

1800 200 526

Family Relationship Centres Relationship and separation information 1800 050 321

Office of the Legal Services Commissioner

Complaints about lawyers and conveyancers 1800 242 958

CPSA Information Directory

12 July 2012 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

Giggle Page

Crossword SolutionsCrossword on page 4

Potato Politics

Two Irish potatoes were sitting on a chopping board.

“I’m about to change my nationality” one said to the other.

“How?” the other potato asked.

“By becoming French fries!”

Q. What is small, red and whispers?A. A hoarse radish.

Q. What did the fish say when it hit the wall?A. Dam.

Q. What did the fly say when it flew into a window?A. If I had more guts I’d do that again.

Q. Why was the mushroom invited to lots of social events?A. Because he was a fungi.

Washing Wonders

This was simply too much of a time saver not to share.1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet sham-

poo to the water in the bowl.2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards

the bathroom.3. In one smooth movement put the cat in the toilet and close

the lid. You may need to stand on the lid.4. At this point the cat will self-agitate and make ample suds.

Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three of four times. This provides a ‘power wash’ and ‘rinse’.

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand well back, behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bath-room, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the toilet and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Yours sincerely,The Dog