TWO key seniors’ groups have welcomed parts of last month’s state budget, which has also met with calls for a whole-of-government strategy for ageing.
COTA Victoria chief executive Ronda Held said her organisation was pleased that $729 million was allocated to maintain concessions for low-income older people and age pensioners, and $25 million for continuing high-quality programs in public sector residential aged care.
COTA also welcomed the funds committed to implementing recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Family Violence, as well as announcements on social and public housing investment and regional rail upgrades.
However, Ms Held said the government had lost focus on the ageing population and must address
specific challenges associated with longevity.
“It’s our view that there needs to be a bipartisan approach that looks at ageing in the long term,” she said.
“There are many areas impacted by an ageing population, like Melbourne’s long-term infrastructure plans, housing initiatives, transport, connecting services, particularly in rural areas, people staying in work longer and discrimination in employment.”
Ms Held said South Australia, NSW and Queensland had made progress in developing broader strategies and Victoria needed to follow suit.
COTA’s 50+ survey, completed at the end of last year, drew 4000 respondents and provided a wealth of information about the needs of older people.
“We can help the government formulate a strategy – we need to be looking at the economic opportunities provided by an ageing population,” Ms Held said.
National Seniors Australia chief advocate said the move to maintain pensioner concessions ensured many Victorians would continue to have access to cheaper utilities.
He said it was one of several important initiatives, including reforming rental housing agreements to provide longer contracts and continuity for aged tenants.
“Many older people who rent are looking for long-term security,” he said.
“The fear of losing their home can cause great stress to them and this initiative should go towards eliminating that.”
Mr Henschke said other funding initiatives that would help older people included $67 million for improving passenger safety on trains and buses, almost $320 million to reduce waiting times for elective surgery, and a significant boost for police and corrections that would improve community safety.
