12 December 2011

Older Australians welcome elevation of “ageing” to Cabinet

The elevation of “ageing” to cabinet level has been welcomed by the consumer lobby for older Australians.

In a national first, Prime Minister Gillard has appointed the Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, to Cabinet in today’s ministerial reshuffle.

While maintaining his existing Mental Health responsibilities, Mr Butler will also pick up Social Inclusion.

National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill welcomed the appointment.

“The government has recognised the extent to which ageing will affect the nation as whole,” said O’Neill.

“The aged care system is embarking on reform. What Australians need to ensure that this reform leads to something better and fairer, is strength and consistency from the top down.”

“Despite a little more than a year in the job, Minister Butler knows the portfolio well”.

“Eventually, National Seniors would like to see the establishment of a broader Minister for Seniors position in Cabinet that properly reflects the cross-portfolio implications of population ageing – from employment to lifelong learning and health,” he said.

In 1970, eight per cent of all Australians were aged 65 plus; by 2050 25 per cent of the population will be over 65.

Michael O’Neill is available for interview.

Media: SARAH SAUNDERS 0409 055 156

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With a quarter of a million members Australia-wide, National Seniors is the consumer lobby for the over 50s. It is the fourth largest organisation of its type in the world.

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