WITH one in three voters in Western Australia aged over 60, the grey voice will be a powerful one at next month's state election. And according to peak lobby group Council on the Ageing (COTA) WA, a major concern is that seniors' issues are not being addressed adequately by governments.
"We know older voters feel they have been forgotten," said chief executive Mark Teale.
Mr Teale said the top five issues identified during extensive consultation with members and seniors accessing COTA programs were:
- Having a voice that is heard.
- The need for safe, age-friendly communities.
- Affordable and right-sized housing.
- Cost of living.
- Access to quality health services.
Mr Teale said almost 80 per cent of people were concerned about the increasing cost of living, including the cost of utilities. Personal safety, policing and crime were also big concerns.
Another key issue was the barrier to appropriate housing, with many citing state government stamp duty as a major factor that reduces their ability to secure the right kind of home.
More than half of those surveyed were worried about health services, including mental health, and want significant improvements to hospitals and an expansion to community nursing.
- To give older voters the opportunity to speak to political parties, COTA WA will host an election Q&A forum at 45 Plaistowe Mews, West Perth, from 10am-noon on February 7.
- You can register at www.cotawa.org.au
WA voters go to the polls on March 11.
