Have You Been Ignored This Election?
National Seniors Australia’s key election policies
COST OF LIVING
Retain the deeming rate freeze until a fairer method is devised.
Let Pensioners Work by exempting employment income from the pension income test.
HEALTH & AGED CARE
Review the private health system to reduce premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Provide more Home Care packages to reduce wait the list to three months.
BANKING & SUPERANNUATION
Create an Australia Post bank for regional and rural Australia.
Protect your hard-earned super by retaining choice and control.
With one in three, or 5.9 million, voters aged 60 and older, why have candidates this election seemingly ignored the needs of older Australians? Their vote will play a critical role in deciding who forms the next government, but their unique concerns don’t seem to matter.
The older population, in its younger guise, contributed much to the opportunities and prosperity many of us enjoy today. They worked hard, made sacrifices, and should be able to enjoy their later years.
They continue to contribute to the economy, through spending and the transfer of savings to future generations. They also contribute in other ways, via the provision of caring for grandchildren and / or partners, or by volunteering in the community.
While many commentators like to point the finger at “boomers” as cashed up and selfish, this simply isn’t true. 1.1 million pensioners have less than $100,000 in assets. If super is yielding only about 6.4% per year (long-term average), this isn’t a lot to supplement the Age Pension for a significant portion of older people.
Current global uncertainty about share markets and the flow through impact to superannuation returns has again highlighted how dependent older people’s income relies on factors beyond their control. While some continue to work to supplement their income from savings and the Age Pension, many do not, or cannot, often due to ailing health.
This makes older people more “tuned in” to policies that impact savings and spending, in addition to many other ageing related concerns.
Yet, where are the policy promises specific to the needs and contributions of older Australians relating to the Age Pension, accessible and affordable housing, retirement income, health and aged care, social isolation and mature age employment?
Again, the misguided view that boomers are all swimming in rivers of gold means we forget that some are trying to keep their heads above water and need help.
Where is the leadership, guidance, support, and most importantly, the respect for their plight?
https://nationalseniors.com.au/news/featured-news/have-you-been-ignored-this-election