2019 Policy Platform - Now is the time

Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW has launched its 2019 Policy Platform - Now is the time, outlining key priorities for programs and services for people over the age of 50 in NSW in the lead up to the next state election. 

Now is the time outlines a number of recommendations in the five priority areas of the NSW Ageing Strategy: health, employment, housing, transport, and social inclusion.

COTA NSW CEO Meagan Lawson said that the policy platform provides clear expectations in the lead-up to the 2019 state election.

“Older people are almost 30% of the total population in NSW, so listening to their perspective is vital,” said Lawson. 

“From our consultations, we know that older people value their independence, and want opportunities to continue to be engaged in their communities. The actions we’re calling for from government would help older people to do that,” Lawson said.

Key policy points include:

• Allocate funds for diverse, scalable free or low-cost exercise programs for older people as they age.
• Exclude employees over 50 from reportable Payroll Tax paid by employers.
• Decrease the eligibility age from 80 to 67 for inclusion on the NSW Housing priority waiting list for public housing.
• Fund the establishment of a state-wide older people’s housing information and support service to reduce the risk of homelessness.
• Reduction in stamp duty for people 70+ purchasing owner-occupier properties that have been built to Gold Liveable Housing standard.
• Double annual funding to the Accessible Transport Program to expedite train station accessibility upgrades. 
• Provide recurrent funding for community-based social support programs that target isolated and vulnerable older people experiencing loneliness. 

The platform was informed by the recent COTA NSW 2018 Engagement Report.Over 300 consumers were included in 18 sessions, and represented 51% of NSW state electorates. They form part of COTA’s larger engagement with older people, including a survey of over 7,500 people on housing issues and a recent national survey.

COTA NSW Policy Platform 2019 - Now is the time 4433 KB