I am pleased to hear the Federal Government saying they will respond to the needs of pensioners. In August I wrote to Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs, raising concerns over the increased demand on emergency services in the Mitchell electorate from growing poverty.  With the cost of living rapidly rising, I fully support the push for an increase to the pension. This is an issue that must be dealt with long term. Since 2001 the number of persons aged 55 or over has jumped to 410,000, representing more than a quarter of the State’s population.