Lobbying agenda set for 2019 – 2020 and good news for workers over 65

18 Jun 2019

There was good news recently for seniors over 65 who work, regarding their Workers Compensation. They are no longer excluded from this scheme, so this is a welcome change.

A big thank you to those organisations that confirmed their event details for this year’s Seniors Month with us, so that they can be listed in the printed Seniors Month Calendar. The calendar should be available from the second week of July and as last year, we will be distributing this throughout the Territory.

COTA NT were in Canberra this week at our National Policy Council meeting. All state COTAs were present and we have set our federal lobbying agenda for the 2019/20 year. High on the list is aged care reform with the Aged Care Royal Commission. Overall health reform, with an emphasis on dental health is another priority. As you are aware, the Federal Government has promised over $9.2 billion in tax cuts for the high end of town, but if $800million were put aside right now for dental health, this would see a marked improvement in seniors’ health right away. We will also be lobbying for a complete review of retirement income and we will be working hand in hand with the Older People’s Network in Digital Inclusion, as well as other organisations regarding issues of isolation and loneliness for seniors. These are just a few issues that we will be lobbying for on a national level, which are very relevant to Territory seniors too. 

There was good news recently for seniors over 65 who work, regarding their Workers Compensation. They are no longer excluded from this scheme, so this is a welcome change.  COTA NT is also working in conjunction with CDU regarding a population survey, and especially would like to contact residents who have left the Territory. We will be assisting CDU with this survey, which will be available online. On its release, please take the time to fill in it. This will  provide the data needed for the planning of future services and infrastructure for seniors staying in the Territory.

~ Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice