Raise aged pensions for Christmas - Greens

Brown calls on banks to cut rates

Single aged pensioners cannot afford to wait until next year for an increase to pensions, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said today.

"The government should increase the single aged pension by $30 a week for Christmas," Senator Brown said.

"I find the Opposition's sudden concern for pensioners remarkable considering the Coalition neglected pensioners for 11 years."

Senator Brown said that pensioners were not the only Australians struggling to make ends meet following increases in the cost of food, petrol, housing and interest rate rises.

"Macquarie Bank has said today that the banks could cut interest rates immediately 'if they wanted' and I urge the banks to cut mortgage rates as soon as possible. The federal government should watch this issue carefully following the Reserve Bank's meeting on September 2," Senator Brown said.

This evening Senator Brown will visit Port Macquarie and the federal seat of Lyne to campaign for Greens candidate Susie Russell.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603