NSA priorities for Tasmania’s election
With an early election called, National Seniors has put forward a list of five key election priorities we want candidates to adopt.
Although an election was not expected until 2025, Tasmanians will vote on 23 March 2024 after the current government fell into minority status and the Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, called a snap poll.
The election appears quite open, with many independents vying to win seats from the three main parties. Ironically, this could result in another minority government.
Every vote will count, and, with an ageing population, older Tasmanians will have an important impact on the outcome.
National Seniors Australia has produced a list of five key policies we would like to see adopted by candidates and parties. These come from our regular budget submission, which has been formulated with input from the Tasmanian Policy Advisory Group.
Free public transport for seniors would reduce cost-of-living pressures and improve the mobility of older people.
This is especially important for people who might otherwise find it difficult to access essential services. An added benefit of the policy is that it will help ease congestion and reduce transport emissions.
We want investment in the hospital system to reduce waiting times in emergency departments. While wait times have improved, Tasmania is still one of the worst performing jurisdictions.
Increasing the workforce in emergency and supporting alternative urgent care treatment options will help Tasmania meet national targets.
A new shared equity scheme would allow older Tasmanians with limited savings the chance to obtain secure tenure in age-friendly housing. A targeted scheme would allow people aged 60+ with savings of up to $300,000 to co-invest in the construction of new age-friendly housing, with the government providing the balance of the cost.
Like some retirement villages, scheme participants would own part of the dwelling and pay rent to cover the balance. This would leverage private investment to build new senior-friendly housing at a lower cost to the government.
The appointment of a Minister for Seniors and Ageing would better reflect the significant contribution older Tasmanians make to this state. The current situation requires seniors to raise their concerns with multiple departments, which is both confusing and impractical.
A Minister for Seniors would bring Tasmania in line with other states and territories such as Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory, providing the necessary support and services for the state’s older population.
You can read more about our Tasmanian election priorities here.
