Council calls for rebate rise for aged pensioners

Moonee Valley City Council is calling on the Victorian Government to increase the annual pension rebate amount on local government rates.

Moonee Valley City Council Mayor, Cr Pierce Tyson, said “the motion calling for increased rate rebates for aged pensioners is an important matter for Council in addressing the cost-of-living pressures experienced by the community, particularly the elderly.”

Councillors unanimously supported the motion at its meeting last night (28 March 2023) after the issue was raised by Cr John Sipek. Under the motion, Council will write to Premier Daniel Andrews, and the Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne, to seek a lift to the rates concession for aged pensioners. This proposal would cover the equivalent of 50 per cent of the average annual rate payment for inner metropolitan councils.

Council noted that at the time the municipal rates concession (pension rebate) was introduced 40 years ago, the concession allowed for a 50 per cent reduction up to a maximum yearly amount of $135. The current 2022-23 pension rebate cap of $253.20 equates to just 13 per cent of Moonee Valley’s average annual rates.

“Moonee Valley City Council will be a leading advocate on this issue to ensure the pensioners of Moonee Valley and Victoria get the 50 per cent they were promised by the State Government back in 1983,” said Mayor Tyson.

“The annual rebate amount needs to be urgently addressed and brought back to 50 per cent, in line with CPI and other cost of living expenses.

“By highlighting this issue with the Victorian Government, we are seeking the support of 78 other councils across Victoria and encourage every other municipality to get behind this review. We intend to provide a copy of our letter to the Municipal Association of Victoria and all 78 other councils.

“Older and more vulnerable Victorians deserve to have their councils take up this matter on their behalf so we can create greater fairness across the board,” said Mayor Tyson.