Australia is now only weeks from a Federal Election, and COTA Australia has been working across all parties to push for the best possible policies for older people. The challenges are vast, and many of the differences are substantial, but we should be encouraged by the focus that many of our concerns are receiving. At the same time, we need to maintain caution about commentators misrepresenting the positions of different parties. While it is terrific to have older people getting the attention we deserve, the risk of being used as a political football is real.
As COTA Australia has been developing our policy agenda for the next term of government, some areas are clear. We need a commitment from all parties to implement the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission in a timely fashion. The timetable for implantation matters, and the details are going to be important. There is a real risk of the current process of careful implementation being abandoned, and a slap-dash solution being applied. That would end in tears. Likewise, some of the big issues the government has not responded to need commitments. Aged Care workers need better training, better careers, and better pay, and we need more of them. The Government make clear that it will support and fund substantial across the board pay rises to be determined by the Fair Work Commission in the current work value case.
Retirement incomes are another policy area often contested at election. Much like in aged care, the theatrics can sometimes be far more damaging than useful. Instead of taking the wise words and insightful findings of the Retirement Income Review, many seem keener on fighting off fantasies. Neither the age pension, nor the family home, is at risk from either of the major parties… but there are ways the system should be improved. For example, paying superannuation during periods of carers' leave and parental leave would make the system fairer, and future retirements more secure.
Social inclusion, and ensuring people are not excluded because of lack of access to digital technology is a growing issue. Part of the problem is nobody taking responsibility for it. Australia does not have a whole-of-government ageing strategy. We should. This would include digital inclusion policies that ensure offline options are available, and supports are available to older people (and others) who want assistance to participate.
Finally, an issue that has stayed in the "not quite" basket for far too long… dental care. Bad teeth and gums are expensive, but not fixing them is even more expensive. The health of too many older Australians is being damaged by the lack of access to timely, affordable, high quality dental care throughout their lives. Dental health really should be part of Medicare. We will continue to push for major dental health policies from both parties this election year.
Ian Yates AM
Chief Executive
COTA Australia
