Cota Welcomes Opposition Focus On Seniors

COTA Welcomes Opposition

Focus on Seniors

The Federal Opposition's new focus on seniors has been welcomed by Australia's peak organisation for older Australians, COTA (Council on the Ageing).

COTA's National Chief Executive, Mr Ian Yates, said the establishment of the new policy portfolio of Shadow Minister for Seniors was an appropriate way of addressing the wide range of issues facing seniors, across multiple portfolios

"In announcing the Shadow Ministry, the Opposition Leader, Mr Abbott, said the new position would take on policy challenges such as pension adequacy, the interests of self-funded retirees, mature-aged employment, community security and active living," he said.

"These are all areas of significant concern and we welcome having a Shadow Minister who will be able to devote her energies to these challenges in conjunction with specific portfolio Ministers.

"This new position is additional to that of Shadow Minister for Ageing, held by Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells within the broad Shadow Ministry of Health and Ageing, held by Hon Peter Dutton."

"We would like to see the Seniors portfolio be at Cabinet level and its focus also include seniors and healthcare, and ageism and age discrimination, which are major concerns."

Mr Yates said he looked forward to working with the new Shadow Ministers.

Further Information:
Ian Yates
Chief Executive
COTA National
Ph: 0418 835 439 or 08-8224 5510 (office)

SOURCE: COTA Seniors Voice