Fed: PM faces backlash from angry pensioners

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2000
Fed: PM faces backlash from angry pensioners

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD is facing a growing backlash from pensioners who are angry
over the government's compensation cheque for just $1 to help offset the GST.

The opposition has bombarded Mr HOWARD with letters from pensioners who have returned
their cheques in disgust at the government's failure to pay them $1,000.

In parliament, Mr HOWARD has refused to accept a $1 coin returned by REG HOLMES of
Heathcote, New South Wales, which he taped to a letter addressed to Opposition Leader
KIM BEAZLEY.

Mr HOWARD denies misleading pensioners and says the government always made clear the
$1,000 would be means tested.

Labor has also seized on claims by the Australian Automobile Association that the GST
has added 1.5 cents a litre to petrol prices, breaking an election commitment the tax
would not raise fuel prices.

AAP RTV daw/wz/dmc

KEYWORD: TAX (CANBERRA)

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