NT businesses urged to join NT Seniors Card scheme

13 Feb 2018

COTA is working on transitioning the Seniors Card scheme and a new Territory business discount directory.  Businesses that are currently registered for the scheme will have received information from Territory Families and will be contacted by COTA in the next few weeks to confirm their participation. There are an estimated 27,000 seniors eligible for the Seniors Card  throughout the Territory so I urge local businesses to take advantage of having a free listing in the Seniors Card Business Directory (in print and online editions) to promote your business and offer discounts to seniors.  There are also special advertising packages available which can increase your exposure to the seniors’ market. Contact us at to find out more.

As most readers are aware COTA NT is a member of the Minister’s Advisory Council for Senior Territorians and the next meeting is in March.  COTA will be bringing up issues and concerns relevant to seniors and we particularly encourage our members to let us know what’s affecting their well-being, so we ‘hear the voices of senior Territorians’. Your views shape our work, so tell us what you think about issues such as transport, housing, participating, employment, community and health services.

One issue that came to light recently is the application of concessions on motor vehicle registration. If you are eligible for a discount on your car registration, through the Pensioner and Carer Concession scheme or your Seniors Card, the discount is not shown on the renewal notice. Recently we had a senior who went into the post office to register her car, and because the discount was not showing on the renewal notice they charged her the full amount (which was more than $200 extra).  Now she  must wait over two weeks for a refund by cheque.  We will be suggesting that the MVR shows the correct amount payable, after deducting concessions, on renewal notices similar to Jacana.

Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice