COTA NT is the peak body for all seniors (aged over 50 years) in the Northern Territory and advocates on behalf of seniors, communicating with and lobbying government (local, state and federal) and other relevant agencies to address key policy issues.
The voice of senior Territorians
COTA NT is often asked by media outlets to speak on behalf of Territory seniors. You’ll find links to a selection of this broadcasting and publishing below:
6 April 2021 – COTA NT CEO, Sue Shearer interviewed by ABC to comment on Public Housing Asset Testing
Sue Shearer from the Council on the Ageing NT said pensioners forced onto the private market could struggle to cover basic living expenses, although she noted the existence of Commonwealth rent subsidies.
“It’s going to be very difficult for them on an old age pension to actually survive in private housing,” she said. “It still does not leave a lot for the bare necessities of food, running a car, maybe health insurance, other issues that you obviously need money for. It’s a very, very tight squeeze for seniors.”
Ms Shearer is calling for more appropriate housing options for the NT’s elderly, including new retirement villages. “If you were a cynic… one might say that they did this to cut the wait list,” she said.
10 March 2020 – COTA NT CEO, Sue Shearer speaks at a meeting of the Palmerston Regional Business Association about COTA NT’s work
This short video – where Sue doesn’t actually “go off” was filmed at one of PRBA’s recent meetings. In it, Sue talks about the Seniors Card Business Directory and programs such as the Aged Care Navigator Trial, our events and lobbying.
January 2020 – Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT recorded for Cultural Safety Podcast for College of Health & Human Sciences CDU University, Darwin
This podcast was recorded at CDU University for use by students studying cultural safety. In this podcast, Sue talks about the role of COTA NT as an advocate for seniors in the Northern Territory and the organisation’s increasing reach; the issues facing seniors both in the Territory and across Australia (ageism, aged care access, retirement income, oral health etc.); her personal interest in social justice; what it means to be culturally safe and how to generate rapport and create relationships with older Australians from any cultural background.
Click on the link below to hear the podcast (lasts approx 16 minutes):
19 October 2018 – Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT interviewed by Rachael Chisholm, Aboriginal Broadcasting Australia
This interview was broadcast in the NT on Australian Indigenous Radio Vast 913 and Radio Larrakia in late October 2018. During the interview, Sue urges all seniors throughout the Territory to check with Territory Families and/or COTA NT about their entitlements are and covers topics such as access to the aged care system, the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety, the NT Concession and Seniors Recognition Scheme, the NT Seniors Card program and the importance of having a Advanced Personal Plan. (Read Media Transcript of Sue Shearer Interview with Rachael Chisholm on Radio Larrakia)
Click on the play button to hear the full interview :
