Senator ARBIB (New South Wales—Minister for Sport, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) (14:12): The government recognises the cost-of-living pressures faced by many pensioners. We also recognise the enormous contribution that they have made and continue to make to our nation. That is why this government delivered the most significant reforms to the pension system in its 100-year history. Since September 2009, these reforms have delivered increases for maximum rate pensioners of $128 a fortnight for singles and $116 a fortnight for couples combined. Senator Cormann: We shamed you into it and the Prime Minister was opposed to it! Senator Chris Evans: You had 11 years and you did nothing! Senator ARBIB: We are making significant investments to encourage and support senior Australians who want to work. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! When there is silence, we will proceed. Senator ARBIB: From 1 July, the new work bonus will help pensioners keep more of their pension when they take on some part-time work. Eligible pensioners can now earn up to $250 a fortnight without it being taken into account as income. Over a year this can be worth up to $6½ thousand. We have also invested $30 million towards skills— (Time expired)