WA election issues for seniors

Affordable housing, the cost of living, and preventative health are the main issues that need to be addressed in the 6 September Western Australian election, according to WA seniors.

WA National Seniors  policy group chair, David Carvosso, said the critical need for affordable housing was only expected to get worse, with statistics showing the number of seniors needing private rental accommodation would skyrocket in coming years.

“We are seeking a commitment to provide pensioners and low income self funded retirees with a stamp duty exemption when downsizing their homes, to make it easier for seniors who are already struggling with soaring housing costs,” he said.

Additionally, National Seniors is calling for the immediate development of a ‘strategic housing policy’ that will help ensure the state is best placed to meet future demand for affordable housing and rental accommodation in the context of an ageing population.

Mr Carvosso said a greater emphasis on preventative health was also needed; particularly in the areas of oral health and mental health.

Furthermore, National Seniors is calling for an increase in the state energy rebate for pensioners and low income self funded retirees, and wants all parties to commit to lobbying the Federal Government for an immediate increase to the single age pension.

National Seniors is calling on candidates of the major parties to say what they will offer seniors in their electorate.