The appointment of Labor MP Kate Thwaites as the Assistant Minister for Ageing was largely overshadowed by higher-profile changes in the recent Albanese Government reshuffle. But we think it was a pretty big deal that probably warranted greater focus.
We’ve not seen the appointment of a minister for ageing in the Albanese Government before, or indeed for many years in federal government. We welcome the government’s move to have a specific focus on ageing.
We think it’s a big deal because it paves the way for a greater focus on addressing systemic ageism and sets the government up to deal with the challenges of an ageing population.
I would argue that Ms Thwaites’ appointment is a positive sign of the government’s intent to address the significant opportunities and challenges of ageism and an ageing population. While other ministries, such as health and housing, have a remit to deliver appropriate policy that caters for older Australians, too often we see the interests of older people overlooked or relegated to a lower rung.
Granted, the Assistant Minister for Ageing is not a cabinet position. But it still shows that the federal government understands the complexity and importance of focusing on the issues impacting older Australians, one of which is, of course, aged care, along with health, housing, employment and retirement incomes.
Governments have to take responsibility with policies that empower older people and harness their skills
At the time of the appointment, we said publicly that we believe the move also showed that the prime minister was setting his government up well to take the important step of introducing a much-needed, new strategy for ageing in Australia. Part of this strategy would, in our view, need to include steps to address systemic ageism.
Despite all the awareness-raising and much national discussion, ageism is sadly still rife in Australia. It is hurting older people and stopping them from giving back, which hurts us all.
As our population ages, it is crucial that governments of all types adopt a keen focus on addressing the systemic ageism that impacts all walks of life in Australia – from government policy to workplace relations, employment and health.
Speaking of which, we hope that new ministerial appointments, Murray Watts as Minister for Employment and Clare O’Neil as Minister for Housing and Homelessness, will have a keen focus on the impact of ageism on older people.
COTA Australia looks forward to working closely with the new ministerial team, and Minister Thwaites in particular, to address issues facing older Australians and to ensure the voice of older Australians is heard throughout all areas of government.
Governments have to take responsibility with policies that empower older people and harness their skills and experience for the benefit of everyone. This requires leadership and political will, which we believe these ministerial changes show this government has.
Patricia Sparrow is chief executive of COTA Australia
More stakeholder views from this edition
- Tom Symondson: Support critical aged care reforms
- Daniel Gannon: The budget’s care deficit should concern everyone
- Dr Claudia Meyer A bespoke aged care pathway for First Nations people
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