13 December 2011

Latest ageing blueprint mustn't gather dust, say seniors

The seniors lobby has welcomed the latest blueprint for unleashing the potential of older Australians but warned that unlike earlier reports it mustn’t be allowed to gather dust.

Released by federal Treasurer Wayne Swan yesterday, Realising the economic potential of senior Australians: turning grey into gold is the result of year-long community consultations led by a Government-appointed advisory panel.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill welcomed the report’s holistic approach to population ageing but said he couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

“Prime Minister John Howard was the last politician to liken seniors to “gold” when he urged businesses to take on ‘Gold Collar’ workers in 2001 at the National Press Club”.

“It’s disappointing that ten years on we’re still talking about the same thing,” said O’Neill.

“Also around 2001, the government was devising a national strategy which encompassed world class care, lifelong learning, retirement income and mature age employment”.

“This latest blueprint outlines a raft of practical initiatives such as a national audit of discriminatory laws and best practice in the treatment of older public servants”.

“The report is only a first step. The real challenge for government will be to follow it through so that, ten years on, it isn’t sitting on a shelf gathering dust with all the others,” said O’Neill.

“National Seniors is optimistic that the combination of a dedicated cabinet minister and a commitment from business can provide a strong start in realising the full potential of older Australians,” said O’Neill.

Examples of recommendations include:

• A Cabinet Minister to lead a whole-of-government approach to maximising the potential of an ageing population
• A national Active Ageing framework promoting wellness, age-friendly environments, accessible health care and active participation
• Removal of state and territory stamp duties
• Age diversity within government workforces
• Flexible work arrangements for people aged 55 plus
• Training packages tailored for older workers
• Uniform workers’ compensation regimes
• Community-based education for older people
• An audit of laws and policies to review and remove age-based limits
• A mechanism for addressing systemic age discrimination

The panel is led by National Seniors founder and former chairman Everald Compton.

Chief executive Michael O’Neill is available for interview.

Media: Sarah Saunders 0409 055 156.

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With a quarter of a million members across the country, National Seniors is the consumer lobby for older Australians. It is the fourth largest organisation of its type in the world.

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