Friday 18 July 2008
NEW INFORMATION FOR HOME BUYERS, PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT
Pertinent information regarding home ownership and planning for retirement is now available through the office of Eastern Victorian MP Peter Hall.
Two new booklets have been put out by the Australian Bankers’ Association as a service to members of the community.
“Purchase of a house and planning for retirement are two of the important stages of our life,” Mr Hall said. “The booklets provide good advice and help people avoid the pitfalls in these areas, so that they can make more informed decisions. It is useful to learn from the experience of others and that’s what the booklets provide.”
A number of the hard copy booklets are available at Mr Hall’s office.
The Planning for Home Ownership publication looks at the range of issues associated with buying a home, including how to decide on the property you want, how much you can afford, how to finance your purchase, and what is the right time to buy.
The process of both buying and selling will be covered, with advice on how to get the most out of your home once you have bought it.
Understanding retirement is another big issue facing Australians.
Life expectancy has increased dramatically; for example, a 55 year-old man today has a life expectancy of around 26.7 years, giving a total life expectancy of 81.7 years. A 55 year-old woman today has a life expectancy of around 30.4 years, giving a total life expectancy of 85.4 years.
That means there is a longer period in later life that needs to be funded, after a person finishes working.
The Planning for Retirement publication provides advice and information about what to expect and how to plan for it.
As the booklet says: “Like it or not, money is just as important in retirement as it is during your working life – perhaps even more so, as you no longer derive a regular income from employment. The good news is that by planning ahead, you can ensure that you are well placed financially to have the lifestyle you want and enjoy the final stage of your life.”
Mr Hall said the both booklets were useful resources.
They are available direct from his office at 181 Franklin Street Traralgon or by telephoning 5174 7066, or on line at www.bankers.asn.au/financialliteracy
Thursday, 17 July 2008
COALITION DENTAL SCHEME STILL AVAILABLE
The Member for Eastern Region, PETER HALL is advising local residents that a dental scheme created by the former Coalition Government will continue for another six months.
Peter Hall said the Medicare Dental program was introduced by the Coalition Government in September 2007, but this March the Rudd Government announced the program would be scrapped by June.
“The Federal Labor Government tried to cancel this program, and many health professionals and patients hold the mistaken view that it has already wound up,”
Mr Hall said.
“However, a Coalition motion of disallowance has prevented it being scrapped until December – so patients can still visit their GP for a dental referral and have the procedure covered by Medicare.”
The Medicare Dental program provides up to $4250 over two years for patients with chronic and complex health problems, where dental health is a contributing factor or complication, to access private dental treatment via a GP referral.
Mr Hall said it was unfortunate that the Rudd Government had been silent about the program’s extension.
“The Rudd Government has tried to downplay the importance of this program, with Health Minister Nicola Roxon claiming it helped just 15,000 people in four years,” he said.
“In reality, between September 2007 and April 2008, the program provided a massive 311,943 services.
“The Rudd Government has no plans to replace Medicare Dental, instead opting to impose added burden on already crippled state dental systems.
“Current state public dental wait lists in the Eastern Region electorate are at unacceptable levels.
“Dental problems can create greater health problems if they are not addressed – gum disease, for example, has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.
“So in many ways, Medicare Dental is a preventative medicine for people who couldn’t otherwise afford treatment.
“Dental care is a vital component of country healthcare, and I encourage eligible Eastern Region residents to make use of Medicare Dental while it is still available.
“On behalf of Eastern Region residents, I will continue to lobby the State and Federal governments to improve public dental services.”
Fact sheets and GP referral templates can be obtained from: www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Dental+Care+Services
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