COTA Vic speaks out ahead of state budget

The seniors group says John Brumby must deliver on his promises to senior voters.

COTA Victoria is urging the state government to deliver on its promises to older Victorians in next week’s budget.

In 2007 the Brumby Government announced plans to develop a framework that would ensure a safe, secure, equitable and sustainable future for the state’s seniors.

Now it’s time for the state government to provide assurances about social inclusion, sustainable community development and improved health and safety for older Australians, said the group’s CEO, Sue Hendy.

“In recent federal government negotiations, Mr Brumby has demonstrated a focus on health and ageing,” she said.

“With retained responsibility for areas of health, as well as transport, housing and energy regulation, the premier has an opportunity to lead Australia into a new era of age-friendly development.”

Next year the proportion of Victorians aged over 60 will exceed 20 per cent and by 2025, it will reach 25 per cent.

Ms Hendy said older Victorians will be affected by a number of issues including ageism and age discrimination, poor urban design and climate change.

“The 2009 heatwaves claimed the lives of 374 Victorians, mostly older people – more than double the loss of life from the tragic Black Saturday bushfires,” she said.

“We need to see commitment from the state government to ensure climate change does not continue to adversely affect older people who are least able to meet this challenge.

“The energy efficiency of older people’s housing, especially those in rental accommodation, needs to be addressed as a priority.”

COTA Victoria will give a public response to the state budget at next week’s International Federation on Ageing (IFA) conference in Melbourne.

Tags: ageing-population, budget, climate-change, cota-victoria, victoria,

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