News
25 April, 2025
Call to improve lives for oldies
NATIONAL Seniors Australia (NSA) is urging candidates ahead of the Federal Election to adopt policies to improve the lives of older Australians, with cost-of-living, health, aged care, banking, and superannuation being top concerns.
With a community of 260,000 supporters nationwide, the peak consumer body is well-placed to reflect the views of seniors as detailed in its policy priorities for older Australians.
“Against a background of market and retirement income volatility, rising living costs continue to stretch household budgets for older Australians,” NSA CEO Mr. Grice said.
“The 2025 election provides an opportunity to refine the direction of government policy to ensure our standard of living does not go backwards and to better aid those who need support.
“NSA’s six key policy recommendations, across three policy areas, reflect the diverse needs and views of older Australians to ensure they feel safe and secure in their later years.”
NSA is calling for:
COST OF LIVING
Retain the deeming rate freeze until a fairer method is devised.
Let Pensioners Work by exempting employment income from the pension income test.
HEALTH & AGED CARE
Review the private health system to reduce premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Provide more home care packages to reduce the wait list to three months.
BANKING & SUPERANNUATION
Create an Australia Post bank for regional and rural Australia.
Protect your hard-earned super by retaining choice and control.
“To help older Australians understand where their local candidates stand on these issues, NSA has created a Scorecard. It’s a simple yet effective way for people to query candidates’ support for seniors’ policies,” Mr. Grice said.
“1 in 3 voters are aged 60 years and older. It is imperative candidates support older people to have the confidence to live full lives and enhance their ongoing contribution to the social fabric and economic prosperity of Australia.
“On May 3, Australians will decide who will form government – older Australians will play a critical role in this decision.”
