With the federal election on the horizon, now is the time for policymakers to listen—because older Australians aren’t just watching from the sidelines; they’re voters with a voice.
Now is the time when the balance of power hangs in the balance, and the needs and concerns of the senior population are thrust into the spotlight. The question on everyone’s lips is: Are the political parties listening?
National Seniors Australia (NSA), a leading advocacy group for seniors, is seizing this moment to amplify the collective voice of the older population. They’re not just whispering their demands, but also broadcasting them loud and clear, ensuring that every candidate and party is aware of their mandate and ready to take action to enhance the lives of seniors.
The NSA’s election manifesto is a treasure trove of policy recommendations, reflecting the diverse interests of seniors across the nation. From pensioners to self-funded retirees, the NSA’s proposals are designed to address the real concerns of this demographic. Chris Grice, the CEO of NSA, succinctly outlines the organisation’s focus on three critical areas: ‘cost of living, health and aged care, and banking and superannuation.’
Firstly, the cost of living is a pressing issue. With prices soaring, many seniors with limited savings or ongoing housing costs are feeling the pinch. Some opt to work past retirement age to supplement their income, but the current pension rules can be a labyrinth of confusion.
The NSA is advocating for an exemption of income from the Age Pension income test, allowing seniors to work without losing a significant portion of their pension. The Opposition has already pledged to double the Work Bonus, but the NSA is pushing for a complete exemption of work income from the test.
Another hot topic is the freeze on deeming rates. With interest rates beginning to fall, the NSA is urging for the continuation of the freeze to prevent a decrease in real income for pensioners. They propose a return to the pre-2012 method of setting deeming rates, which tracked the cash rate, ensuring a fairer system for all.
Moreover, the NSA is calling for a halt to the relentless changes that undermine confidence in the superannuation system, which is the bedrock of many retirees’ financial security.
They desire the candidates’ commitment to ‘a moratorium on substantive changes to superannuation, to rule out egregious inheritance taxes and to provide incentives for retirees to gift (more) to charities and future generations.’
Banking is another critical concern, especially with the closure of branches in regional and rural areas.
The NSA supports the idea of Australia Post stepping in to provide essential banking services, funded by a proposed bank levy. This would enable post offices to become a real banking alternative in communities left behind by the digital shift.
The NSA’s manifesto also includes calls for more home care places and a review of private health costs, ensuring that seniors’ health and well-being are not sidelined.
Do you agree with the proposed policies laid out by NSA? Are they enough? What other needs would you personally add as a senior? Share your thoughts with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below.
Also read: National Seniors Australia presents policy recommendations, calls for change
what real struggling pensioners really need from the government is dental on medicare & possibly a dedicated cheap internet service to keep them informed & in contact with friends & services.
100٪ 👍
No pollies never listen to the older voters because there is no money put into the federal coffers from them. They have no idea what it is like to struggle to make ends meet even after they retire from parliament on their big pension. Also, I agree with patchydog.
NSA proposals doesn’t include those that don’t work. Many on the OAP don’t work at all. Many can’t work. The last time the pension was increased outside of the biannual increases was back in 2008 under a Labour government led by Kevin Rudd who increased the base pension rate. 17 years and 17 budgets later and nothing for the OAP. The next increase next week of 0.4% is an insult.
Totally agree. Nice to talk about the few who can and still do work, but many scrape by just on the OAP and if they are lucky, family handouts. Government doesn’t care about them.
I have engaged with federal Ministers,depts industry associations for 5 years in relation to the old Aged care act and the new one,including fees.
Sadly apart from the new rights charter I have no confidence of any progress in looking after those who cannot look after themselves.
Both govt and the opposition have let down self funded retirees by using social engineering to accept fees that disadvantage those who have gone without to protect themselves in retirement.
Politicians do not get down in the weeds to really understand the nightmare of those inflicted with especially dementure and rarely as with society visit loved ones or others .
The only way to give these people a decent life with some dignity is for the government of the day to increase the subsidy in Agedcare homes and treat dementia patients separately including Hovt subsidies to follow the patient,not just pool the money to be spent by Aged care provider Boards who are remote from their customers.
Basically those residents in Agedcare homes are well looked after, but the I’ll are under funded.its a a sad affair