COTA Australia welcomes the appointment of the Albanese Government’s new ministry, including those responsible for key areas such as health and ageing, aged care and seniors, employment, housing, social services, financial services and women.
Chief Executive Officer of COTA Australia – the leading advocacy organisation for older people – Patricia Sparrow said she looks forward to working with the Ministers, and the Federal Government as a whole, to ensure we deliver meaningful action on key issues impacting older people.
“We’re hopeful the re-elected Albanese Government will be one that governs for people of all ages and one willing to work collaboratively with people of all generations to achieve the change we need to see.
“Addressing the key challenges facing older people today is not just about supporting the current generation of older people but ensuring that future generations don’t face the same issues. It’s about building a fairer, stronger future for every generation.
“The new Federal Government’s ministry is filled with MPs who we know are passionate about improving the lives of older Australians, and indeed Australians of all ages,” Ms Sparrow said.
“We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with all of the returning Ministers, including Mark Butler in this Health and Ageing portfolio, and to further growing our relationships with those entering the ministry for the first time such as Sam Rae who we are certain will play a pivotal role in the important role of Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
“We’re committed to working constructively with the Government to strengthen aged care, with key reforms commencing on 1 July, so it truly respects people’s dignity and choices, starting with the right to age well at home.
“We also warmly welcome Tanya Plibersek as the new Minister for Social Services and Dr Daniel Mulino as the Minister for Financial Services and Assistant Treasurer, both incredibly key roles that are vital to shaping policies that promotes fairness, economic stability and the wellbeing of all Australians.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Ministers, and the Parliament as a whole, on other key issues that remain critical priorities for older people such as addressing affordable dental care, rent relief, income support, cost-of-living relief, action on ageism, and housing options for older women at risk of homelessness.
“Older Australians are hopeful this next term will deliver a government that governs for all ages – recognising both the shared and specific challenges facing older and younger Australians alike.
Ms Sparrow also pointed to the Treasurer’s renewed focus on productivity, saying it must include tackling ageism in the workforce.
“Older Australians want to contribute but too many are shut out of the labour market because of outdated attitudes. If we’re serious about boosting productivity, we need to dismantle the barriers that hold people back based on age and support multi-generational workforces. We look forward to continuing this work with the new Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth, to drive this change forward.
“Investing in older people whether through care, housing, or fairer access to work, isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s a smart economic choice that will help build a fairer, more resilient future for everyone.
“We look forward to working with the government to address the key issues facing older Australians, issues that affect all generations, and to create lasting, positive change for the future.”
