Older Australians pack political clout

National Seniors Australia mounted its election campaign last week seeking fairer treatment for nearly half the voting population aged over 50.

National Seniors chief executive, Michael O’Neill, told seniors and political representatives at the launch in Brisbane’s west today that older people comprise 47% of voters.

This figure is likely to determine the result of the upcoming election and with that kind of political clout, parties which ignore seniors’ issues and concerns will pay the price at the ballot box, he said.

“Seniors are middle Australians who have contributed all their lives to their communities and now deserve not to have more than others but to be treated the same,” Mr O’Neill said

“All expect leadership from government. They demand sound economic management, certainty and consistency in policy direction.

“They expect recognition of the value and contribution of people of all ages.”

National Seniors has called on whichever political party wins power on 7 September to provide more certainty in four key areas: the economy, living costs, health care and an end to stereotyping  older Australians and their exclusion on the basis of age.

The over 50s are calling for:

• no further interference in the rules governing superannuation

• the establishment of an additional retirement income pillar, Education and Awareness, to enhance financial literacy

• expanded support for mature age employment

• the retainment of current arrangements for bi annual pension adjustments

• a $10,000 increase in the income thresholds for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

• Commonwealth funded senior and pensioner supplements to reach the recipient in full and not be subject to income assessments for state and territory charges;

• inclusion of oral health within Medicare

• a vision health strategy focused on medical and ancillary services

• increased support for initiatives to change community attitudes to ageism

• reform of taxation treatment of redundancies for over 65s to ensure equitable treatment with people of other ages

• removal of age as a basis for determining access to DisabilityCare

What are your thoughts on these proposed reforms?