National Seniors criticises election promises by major parties

Senior Australians are disappointed that neither of the major political parties in the 2007 election campaign have offered any significant initiatives in the area of aged care.

Speaking after the announcement by the Coalition of its $250 million aged care package, National Seniors chief executive officer, Michael O’Neill, said the offering was very similar to the ALP’s and that neither was sufficient in quantum of amount or depth of consideration.

He said National Seniors was disappointed there had been an absence of new policy initiatives in the area of aged care policy.

“It seems both parties appear to treat it as a subset of health rather than seeking to deal innovatively with the core challenges around an ageing Australia.”

Mr O’Neill said with 90% of the population expected to age in their own homes, it was disappointing that there had been little or no recognition of this and its implications for the community during the campaign.

This week National Seniors will offer an analysis on how both parties performed in the election campaign.

For more information visit www.nationalseniors.com.au