Peak seniors advocate group, COTA Australia, fears the Federal government’s abolition of a key ageing advisory body will hinder efforts to have the priorities and opinions of older people considered in government policy making.
CE Ian Yates said the Advisory Panel for Positive Ageing accomplished important work on issues like seniors housing, employment policy and health policy for older Australians by looking and needs across different portfolios and government agencies.
“Older people need to be full and active participants in the future of Australia,” Mr Yates said.
“Scrapping of the Panel for Positive Ageing leaves it unclear just how the Federal Government will achieve the whole-of-government approach needed to deal with all the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population.
“We will be asking government to work with us to develop a whole of government framework to an ageing population that is just not possible from individual departments.”
“Before the election, COTA Australia surveyed more than 900 older Australians to find out what they wanted to see from political leaders. A commitment to policies on healthy ageing and an end to ageism and discrimination were right near the top of their list of priorities.
“Older Australians must have full and equal engagement in the development and roll out of services and policies that will affect them. This is true irrespective of where they live, their socio-economic or cultural background or level of education or ability.
“The growing ageing population should have the opportunity to continue contributing to the community and economy, as they have throughout their lives,” Mr Yates said.
Media contact: Ian Yates 0418 835 439, Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
