The Rudd government should support the bill to increase the single pension, which was passed by the Senate last night, or introduce its own bill to increase pensions across the board, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"The Rudd government was able to bring in $31 billion in tax cuts without a review, or a public inquiry but will not act to increase pensions by $30 a week," Senator Brown said.

"There is no excuse for the government's inaction. It needs to stop arguing over process and take action for pensioners."

Senator Brown said the Coalition's senate performance showed it was more concerned about luxury cars than pensioners.

"The Coalition could bring 37 people onto the speaking list to oppose a tax on luxury cars but it could only find one speaker for a $30 a week increase for pensions. It speaks for itself," Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown also supported calls from Catholic Social Services for an independent tribunal, such the Remuneration Tribunal, to determine pension rates.

"Two hundred and twenty six politicians have an independent tribunal to determine a fair salary, why should Australia's 1.2 million aged pensioners not have one?"

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