Minister for Older Australians
A dedicated minister would better represent seniors and ensure their voice is heard in all levels of government.
The issue
Older Australians face issues across a range of portfolios and government departments, including discrimination, elder abuse, homelessness, and cost-of-living pressures.
What we are calling for
National Seniors Australia is calling for a dedicated minister positioned within the Australian Government who will champion and represent the voice of older Australians.
The benefits
Representation will promote government action on seniors’ issues and concerns and champion the benefits of seniors to the wider community.
Seniors need representation
National Seniors supports Federal Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, in calling for a seniors minister.
In her Private Member’s Motion, Ms Sharkie told Parliament that older people “report experiencing age discrimination, elder abuse, financial stress, and homelessness”, and that many people had reported experiencing age discrimination after turning 50.
NSA CEO, Chris Grice said, “NSA thanks Ms Sharkie for once again shining a light on this growing population and supports her call for a Minister for Older Australians.
“This is an ideal and timely opportunity for government to demonstrate its support – to give millions of older Australians the voice and respect they deserve."
The number of people aged 65+ is expected to grow by 2.35 million by 2041, and those aged 85+ expected to grow by almost 750,000. We need a Federal Government that takes the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population seriously.
Aged care is just one of the issues facing older Australians. Seniors experience ageism, barriers to mature age employment, elder abuse, poverty, and homelessness.
Others are being hit by cost-of-living pressures from the rising cost of private and public health care, increased rental and fuel prices, and changes in the price of everyday grocery items.
At the same time, older Australians are deeply concerned about the adequacy of the Age Pension and superannuation and the availability concessions which help them meet essential needs.
The appointment of a Minister for Older Australians would:
- Demonstrate the government’s commitment to older people during a time of demographic change and increased reliance on key services such as health and aged care.
- Act as a conduit between government and the community to better engage with older people on matters that concern them and represent them across the whole of government policy-making and government agencies.
- Ensure government services are accessible and inclusive for all including those who may not have ease of digital access or may be experiencing hearing or vision loss.
- Champion older people as the builders they have the potential to be, rather than the burden they are too often portrayed and the subject of intergenerational competition and conflict
NSA is a not-for-profit advocacy organisation representing the interests of all older Australians. Our ability to advocate on issues, such as pensioner concessions, relies on revenue from membership and donations. To continue our vital work, we need your help.
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