More than 40 pensioners and self-funded retirees attended a Labor-run seniors forum at Blaxland community hall on October 7, where they were reminded of upcoming changes to the pension by the Australian government, including cuts that could affect up to 330,000 Australians from January 2017.
"Before the last election, the Abbott government said there would be no change to pensions," Ms Macklin said. "There are around 7500 part pensioners in Macquarie, some of whom will lose all or part of their pension because of the Abbott-Turnbull government's cuts. Singles will lose as much as $8,000 and couples will lose as much as $14,000.
"Despite changing leaders, pensioners still feel let down by this government.
"Macquarie pensioners know that Malcolm Turnbull and local MP Louise Markus voted for these cuts in the parliament."
Ms Macklin also criticised the Turnbull government for overlooking the position of Minister for Ageing for more than a week after its cabinet reshuffle, before appointing Minister for Health Sussan Ley to take it on as an additional role.
"The government keeps changing it (the portfolio of ageing) and they've now shifted it back again (from Social Services), which shows complete ineptitude - and it also costs a lot of money."
Federal Labor spokeswoman for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said Ms Macklin's visit to Blaxland "shows how seriously Labor is taking our policy development by getting out there".
When asked when Labor would release its policies related to the pension that it will take to the next federal election, Ms Macklin could only say "we will do it as soon as we can."
Member for Macquarie Louise Markus hit back, claiming the government's changes to the pension assets test "will make the pension system fairer, better targeted and sustainable into the future.
"These changes, which will not take effect until January 2017, do not reduce the maximum rate of pension," Mrs Markus said.
"Only people with significant levels of assets other than their home will have their pension reduced."
Mrs Markus said additional assistance will be provided to about 171,500 pensioners with modest assets, particularly non-home owners, who are currently affected by the assets test.
"This includes about 50,000 part pensioners who will qualify for a full pension.
"More than 90 per cent of pensioners will either be better off or have no change to their pension under the measure," she said.
