Mr Jones mingled with members before the meeting then gave a short talk where he referred to the very active roll the club played in the community before he dealt with some of the Federal issues concerning older people. He briefly touched on pension indexation and supplementary payments before going on to the subject of climate change. Mr Jones explained that the government was making small changes now so that our children and grandchildren didn't have to make massive changes later.
He then raised the subject of working after retirement and explained some of the recent changes enacted to allow people who wished to work after retirement age keep more of what they earned and even still retain some state assistance. Finally he talked about measures the government was putting in place to deal with the ageing population but ended by saying that the ageing population should not be viewed as a problem but actually a testament to the great country we live in because people are living longer and living more fulfilled lives. He then invited questions from members.
Club members threw up topics as diverse as arrangements for carers, immigration policy, employment and the NBN which Mr Jones answered thoroughly and in some cases took member's details for a more detailed answer later.
The Federal Member for Throsby, Mr Stephen Jones is visiting the club. He will arrive a short while before the meeting to mingle and meet members and will address the meeting on issues relevant to seniors. Afterwards he will take questions.
The meeting will undoubtedly go on slightly longer than usual but we will endeavour to speed though the rest of the agenda items.
As usual the meeting will start promptly at 10.30 and the first item will be Mr Jones's address so don't forget to come early:
See you there...