Special senior’s election forums in Victoria
As the Victorian election looms, National Seniors Australia (NSA) is gearing up to make sure that the issues relevant to residents aged 50 plus are heard loud and clear.
Victorian state manager, Arnold Bates, said a series of meet-your-candidate forums would be run in targeted seats in Melbourne during the election campaign.
“The forums are designed to bring seniors and their issues to the forefront of the political campaign. With many electorates now being heavily weighted with over 50s, the candidates and their respective political parties would be wise to listen carefully,” he said.
The issues from NSA members across the state are many and varied but three main areas are resonating regardless of location:
- Minimising financial pressure – this is especially true for those on fixed incomes trying to cope with huge inflation in utilities costs.
- Ensuring appropriate and affordable accommodation is available.
- Ensuring seniors are active and productive participants in their community. Many senior Victorians face significant barriers to employment, whether through age discrimination or lack of skills and training support.
Specific areas of action on the main issues will be aired at the forums and across Victoria as the election campaign gets into full swing.
The forums are to be held in the electorates of Mt Waverley (3 November), Bayswater (19 November), Fern Tree Gully (16 November) and Kilsyth (17 November).
Residents aged over 50 who live in the above mentioned electorates are welcome to attend the forums. For information phone the Victorian office on (03) 9650 6144.
