Advocacy in action: letters to NTG and City of Darwin

22 Mar 2022

“With rental, fuel, food and other necessities increasing on a day to day basis, seniors are struggling to make ends meet.” Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

COTA NT has written to the Chief Minister of the Northern Government and to the City of Darwin in recent days regarding the rising cost of living and a request for increasing the amount provided to NT seniors on the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme; and to redevelop Bagot Park as an ‘age-friendly’ space suitable for all ages with equitable and appropriate access and facilities.

[Extract] “…consider our suggestions to develop Bagot Park as a safe, equitable, accessible, appropriate and multi-generation recreational space…we have advocated for ‘age-friendly’ outdoor spaces and communities since 2014. We are aware that parks are not always as welcoming for seniors as they are for the rest of the population. Hence our list of suggestions, which in our view, would ensure not only a senior-friendly, but an ‘age-friendly’ space too…” (read the full letter here)

[Extract] “…as you know, the cost of living has sky-rocketed and our seniors on low incomes are struggling, especially those in private rentals still waiting for public housing. With rental, fuel, food and other necessities increasing on a day to day basis, seniors are struggling to make ends meet….COTA NT would request that the NT Government consider increasing the amount provided to seniors on the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme.  Our figures suggest that 16,000 seniors would be eligible, so COTA NT believes that another $100.00 minimum should be made available…” (read the full letter here)

Both of these letters can be viewed in full on our Letters and Submissions summary page.