About the Association of Independent Retirees
First formed in 1990, A.I.R. is a non-party political organisation, representing retired and partly retired people who are not in full time employment.
It's a not-for-profit volunteer organisation whose major purpose is to represent this rapidly growing section of the Australian population at all levels of Government.
Office bearers at all levels are volunteers. Their efforts are supplemented by planning and policy committees comprising members of the company.
What are the goals of A.I.R.?
To work for the benefit and welfare of all self-funded retirees.
To seek a fair and just economic, taxation and social environment that recognises and compensates for the special problems of fully or partly self-funded retirees.
To provide information on all matters pertaining to retirees.
To conduct research to further the objects of the Company.
To seek recognition as a body speaking for retirees at Local, State and Federal Government levels, and by the community at large and by the media.
To foster membership of the Company throughout Australia.
To cooperate with other organisations with objectives consistent with those of the Company.
Examples of A.I.R.'s achievements
- Refund of unused imputation credits
- Introduction of Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Quarterly telephone allowance for C.S.H.C. holders
- Discount on Great Southern Rail
- 30%/40% rebate for those with Private Health Insurance
- Lifetime health cover
- New Medicare safety net benefit
- Medicare Low Income Threshold raised
- CGT indexation replaced by 50%CGT (If shares are held more than one year)
- Upon retirement, family farm not counted in asset test if retained by family
- Increased Tax-free threshold for pensioners and Independent Retirees
- Tax reform with lower thresholds. Lower personal tax rates introduced
- Senior Australian Tax Offset (SATO) introduced
- Provisional Tax abolished and replaced by PAYG
- Abolition of tax on unrealised Capital Gains
- Seniors Concession Allowance for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
How do I join A.I.R.?
See our Membership section.