That’s why the Federal Member for Hume has held a series of seniors forums in his electorate, the latest held in Young and Cootamundra on Tuesday.

Up to 80 seniors attended the Young forum at the Uniting Church Hall in Lynch Street.

Mr Taylor decided to host the forums following community concerns of how the changes to the federal budget will affect retirees and pensioners.

These include changes to aged care, health care and welfare payments such as the aged pension – which Mr Taylor described as the “single biggest independent item in the budget”.

As with forums held in Cowra, Grenfell, Boorowa and Harden, Mr Taylor made his position clear at the outset of the local discussion this week.

“That we have no choice about paying back our national debt; we will not leave this debt to our children and grandchildren,” he said.

He said it will take five years before the country is in a position to begin paying the debt back.

Mr Taylor said there would be no changes to the Aged Pension before the next federal election.

He also said the changes to the retirement age – 70 years old by 2035 – is a “very, very long term change”.

“There is some concern amongst elderly residents, particularly in rural areas, that if their job involves manual labour, they may not be able to physically work beyond 65,” Mr Taylor said. 

“I was able to reassure people that a proposed retirement age of 70 would not come into effect until 2035 and if and when it did, those unable to work to 70 would be able to access the disability support pension.

“In relation to a GP copayment… our health expenditure is growing at an alarming rate… If you’re a concession card holder you won’t pay more than $70 for your total GP visits in a year,” Mr Taylor said.

“GPs will retain the ability to choose to bulk bill and there will continue to be the Medicare Safety Net.”

Mr Taylor also spoke about plans of making aged care more “transparent and competitive” by introducing a daily rate.

The politician then opened the floor to local seniors, mentioning he had the company of a member from Centrelink to also help answer questions.

A number of residents raised their hands to speak, touching upon subjects such as the health system, gas emissions and using the money spent on defence for healthcare.

There were also questions regarding jobs for the youth if people are working until they’re 70 and about reaching out to 30-60-year-olds, who seem “too complacent” about changes that will affect their future.

Mr Taylor said he was prepared to take feedback and suggestions back to the party room when parliament resumes.