We, the undersigned citizens of Australia, call upon Parliament to take immediate action to reform political pensions and stop taxpayer-funded double-dipping by former politicians. It is unacceptable that politicians can collect lifetime pensions while earning lucrative salaries in new government roles, while everyday Australians are forced to live under strict means-tested pension rules.

The Issue: A System Built on Inequality Australians are required to work hard, budget carefully, and rely on means-tested pensions to survive in retirement. If a regular citizen earns too much or returns to work, their pension is cut off. Yet politicians, who are meant to serve the public, are exempt from these restrictions, allowing them to double-dip taxpayer money for personal financial gain.

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is a prime example. He receives a $280,000 taxpayer-funded pension annually, indexed to increase over time. On top of this, he collects a $600,000 salary as Australia’s ambassador to the U.S. all while having a net worth estimated at $350 million. The result? Over $1 million per year in public money is spent on a politician who is no longer in office, when those funds should be used to support hospitals, schools, cost-of-living relief, and disability services.

The Demand: End the Political Pension Gravy Train
We demand immediate reform to abolish political pensions for those in new government roles and remove lifetime pensions for all former politicians who no longer serve the public. Specifically, we call for:

Eliminating Double-Dipping – No politician should be allowed to collect a taxpayer-funded pension while earning a government salary. If a former politician takes on a new public role, they must forfeit their pension payments, just as regular Australians would.
Abolishing Lifetime Pensions for Former Politicians – No Australian should fund the retirement of politicians who are no longer serving the country. Political pensions should be phased out entirely, forcing politicians to rely on superannuation like everyone else.
Making Pensions Means-Tested – If a former politician earns above a set threshold, their pension must be reduced or stopped, preventing unnecessary drains on public funds.
Banning Special Perks for Ex-Politicians – End government-paid offices, travel allowances, and staff salaries for politicians who no longer serve. Taxpayer funds should not bankroll luxury lifestyles for ex-government officials.
Full Transparency on Political Pensions – Australians should know exactly how much money is spent on ex-politicians. Every pension, allowance, and salary must be publicly disclosed, allowing voters to hold the government accountable.
Why This Matters
At a time when Australians are being told to tighten their belts, the government continues to pour millions into lifetime pensions for wealthy politicians. This is a national disgrace that betrays public trust and undermines the integrity of leadership. If Parliament refuses to act, it is proving that politicians value their wealth more than the welfare of the people.