Union creates powerful seniors lobby in Victoria

National Seniors Australia and the Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association (ARPA) Over 50s have combined membership to become Victoria’s largest and most powerful seniors’ lobby.

The union, which received unanimous support from the ARPA membership, will boost National Seniors’ Victorian numbers from the current 40,000 to over 50,000.

“Combining memberships to form one powerful voice means older Australians are in a much better position to lobby government on their issues and negotiate stronger commercial deals,” National Seniors chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said.

Former ARPA Over 50s chief executive, Arnold Bates, will now head up National Seniors’ Victorian operations.

“We’ll challenge and work with the state government as never before, on issues ranging from interstate travel concessions to age friendly communities and rising living costs,” he said.