Retiring at 67: the Big Issue for the 2010 Federal Election

The Rudd Labor Government with the support of the Liberal Party has announced it will increase the retirement age from 65 to 67 even though changing the century old 65 year retirement age limit was never mentioned as a policy during the 2007 Federal Election

Former long serving NRMA director Richard Talbot has today announced he is standing at the 2010 Federal Election as a Senate candidate in opposition to the 2 year increase in the retirement age

Richard Talbot said: “I hope to turn the next Federal Election into a referendum on increasing the retirement age. Workers & retirees deserve to have their say on this vital issue affecting their future”

“Why didn't Kevin Rudd tell people he was going to do this at the last election when he was campaigning against Work Choices?

“Increasing the retirement age is an unwarranted & backward step for our society. People, especially older workers, should be given the opportunity to vote on such an issue. No serious arguments justifying the retirement age increase have been advanced by the Rudd Government.

“Increasing the retirement age will force many older workers who don't have the funds available to retire without a pension to stay on in jobs. In many industries this will be unsafe & unproductive, not to mention the fewer jobs available for young people

To rub salt into workers wounds, the Rudd Government has also announced it is considering making 67 the age limit for super access so as to make 67 a universal minimum retirement age

Richard Talbot says: “This is the double whammy for workers. Both sides of politics support this change, yet neither has any mandate from the people. If they were fair dinkum, they'd also vote to delay until 67 their own superannuation payouts. Someone has to stand up to these politicians and send a clear message for the real battlers. I believe I will get support from Australians across the political spectrum”

For further information contact Richard Talbot on 0438 013 211