Tag: Ian Yates

Today’s MYEFO statement will facilitate current aged care reforms while the Aged Care Royal Commission continues its work, but major structural reform is needed to fix the aged care system so it works properly.

The 2019 Rental Affordability Index (RAI) reveals an untenable situation for older Australian renters, prompting COTA Australia to call for an increase in Rent Assistance and an end to political stalling on greater investment in social housing.

The Federal Government’s response to the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, including a funding injection of $537 million, has been applauded by COTA Australia as an important step forward, but a plan to urgently reduce home care waiting times is still missing from the equation.

COTA Australia has welcomed the announcement of an independent Retirement Incomes Review, which promises a thorough examination of the current policy framework in terms of the outcomes it produces for all retirees and the long-term sustainability of the system.

COTA Australia welcomed the first ever reduction in numbers of people waiting for Home Care Packages (HCP) but said there are still far too many older Australians waiting more than 18 months for care, while around 43 per day die while waiting.

Figures released today showing the growing level of mortgage debt and housing stress among older Australians shows its time for a concerted national focus on housing reform and retirement incomes, the leading consumer advocate for older Australians said today.

COTA Australia has welcomed the Morrison Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Hayne Royal Commission on misconduct in the banking, superannuation and financial services industry. The Government will address all recommendations requiring legislation by the end of 2020.

COTA Australia is demanding both doctors and aged care staff stop the widespread abuse of nursing home residents, who are among our most vulnerable citizens, after yet another study, revealed one in three aged care residents is chemically restrained through antipsychotic and psychotropic drugs.

Australia’s peak body and leading advocate for older Australians, COTA Australia, said today’s announcement of a reduction in deeming rates used for the age pension income test will be welcome news for over 600,000 part-rate age pensioners.

Presentations and summary remarks from the 2019 National Policy Forum.