Christian Democratic Party Senators will introduce a bill calling for the abolition of income tax for most elderly Australians.　 The CDP is mounting a strong campaign in all mainland States and could soon hold five seats in the Senate.

The CDP proposal is for the tax-free threshold to be raised to $100,000 for all Australians on reaching the age of seventy.　 Australians aged seventy and upwards would not even need to submit tax returns unless their incomes exceed $100,000.

CDP Senate team leader in NSW Paul Green said:　 "We should stop underestimating the productive and entrepreneurial capacity of older Australians, and we should move to a tax system which encourages their valuable contribution for as long as they wish."

Gerard Goiran in Western Australia said: "The Christian Democratic Party plan will transform the fact of an ageing Australia from a negative to a positive in terms of economic development and social stability. One of many benefits is that an increase in the number of elderly active investors will help sustain the mining boom."

Bruno Colangelo in South Australia had this to say: "The Christian Democratic Party stands for family life, and family life will be enhanced by giving grandparents and great grandparents enhanced opportunities for continuing with their productive working, commercial or professional lives."

Queensland Senate candidate Linda Brice added: "Every pension-eligible Australian who has an incentive not to apply for a pension is making more money available for overcoming the serious problems which face indigenous Australians and the many disadvantaged groups in society."

Ewan McDonald of Victoria made this contribution: "Australia should move beyond all thought of arbitrary retirement ages.　 Freedom of choice is what matters and people who have paid taxes all their lives deserve a break in their later years. The nett effect on the Budget will be positive."

Christian Democratic Party National President Fred Nile had the last word　 "After 25 years in the Parliament I am doing better work now than when I began. Our nation cannot afford to shut down the skills and experience of older Australians.　 The Christian Democratic Party's tax reform will give a new lease of life to the older generation, and may actually prolong the lives of many Australians. I am reminded of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30).　 We must end the current pressure on older Australians to bury their talents."