EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 8 MIN
Why many pensioners are doing it so tough right now
from Afternoons
We're starting today's show talking about money matters - and just how tough some of you are doing it right now - because we're hearing that pensioners are increasingly turning to food banks to get by, as the cost of essential goods continue to rise. You might remember that last year Jesse spoke with Marie Stanley, a 72-year-old pensioner struggling to make ends meet, we reached out to her to see how she was getting on, and she said she was happy for us to update you all and share her text: "I would like to tell you that next months power is expected to be about $170 from an average payment of $90 per month. Insurance went up a week after the pension increase. Internet went up $10. My social housing rent is doubling because my unemployed son has moved in. Food has become a constant battle. I need a new washing machine and I can only put $20 a fortnight away towards it. When they talk about the pay increases they talk about gross figures. and they add the three raises over the 3 years so it looks like we're rolling in it. I get my pension and spend time budgeting, I am now in tears. Right now I have $1.85 left from my last pension." To discuss what support groups are seeing, Jesse is joined by Good Shepherd policy and advocacy lead Brittany Goodwin.
What this episode covers
We're starting today's show talking about money matters - and just how tough some of you are doing it right now - because we're hearing that pensioners are increasingly turning to food banks to get by, as the cost of essential goods continue to rise. You might remember that last year Jesse spoke with Marie Stanley, a 72-year-old pensioner struggling to make ends meet, we reached out to her to see how she was getting on, and she said she was happy for us to update you all and share her text: "I would like to tell you that next months power is expected to be about $170 from an average payment of $90 per month. Insurance went up a week after the pension increase. Internet went up $10. My social housing rent is doubling because my unemployed son has moved in. Food has become a constant battle. I need a new washing machine and I can only put $20 a fortnight away towards it. When they talk about the pay increases they talk about gross figures. and they add the three raises over the 3 years so it looks like we're rolling in it. I get my pension and spend time budgeting, I am now in tears. Right now I have $1.85 left from my last pension." To discuss what support groups are seeing, Jesse is joined by Good Shepherd policy and advocacy lead Brittany Goodwin.
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Why many pensioners are doing it so tough right now
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