Terms of Reference

On 14 June 2007 the Senate referred the following matters to the Community Affairs Committee for inquiry and report by 13 September 2007 [extended to the last sitting day in March 2008]:

(a) the cost of living pressures on older Australians, both pensioners and self-funded retirees, including: 

  (i) the impact of recent movements in the price of essentials, such as petrol and food, 

  (ii) the costs of running household utilities, such as gas and electricity, and 

  (iii) the cost of receiving adequate dental care;

(b) the impact of these cost pressures on the living standards of older Australians and their ability to participate in the community;

(c) the impact of these cost pressures on older Australians and their families, including caring for their grandchildren and social isolation;

(d) the adequacy of current tax, superannuation, pension and concession arrangements for older Australians to meet these costs; and

(e) review the impact of government policies and assistance introduced across all portfolio areas over the past 10 years which have had an impact on the cost of living for older Australians.

Related link: Inquiry into the cost of living pressures on older Australians