Liberals and Nationals

 

Media release
23 November 2010

Liberals and Nationals - we’re here - where are you?

With the Victorian State election just days away National Seniors Australia (NSA) has released its report card on the major parties’ policies relating to seniors – and it’s not looking good for one party.

Spokesperson for NSA Victoria Arnold Bates said that while The Greens and Labor had responded the Coalition had failed to address many of the issues.

“The Labor Party produced a good policy document two weeks ago called, ‘Supporting Seniors’, which contains a range of new supportive initiatives plus a guarantee to continue existing programs - all ticked off by Treasury,” Mr Bates said .

“The Greens accepted nearly all of the proposals in the Election Priorities that NSA put forward, but actual supporting policies were not always available.

“However they did make a defining statement in that their key principle is ‘for older Victorians to have the right to equally participate in the social, economic and political aspects of life and to maintain their independence to whatever degree they feel able,’ ” he said

“Unfortunately the Coalition failed to present policy initiatives or open to discussion on points presented by NSA. We are very disappointed that the Coalition has failed to respond.

“It’s a political mystery as to why a major party would seemingly ignore the needs of such a significant proportion of the electorate in the run-up to an election.

“Older Victorians need to see that their incoming government, not only recognises the demographic challenge ahead, but has some ideas on how to support and cope with it. Rural Victoria already has over 40% in the over 50 age category,” Mr Bates said.

Arnold Bates is available for interview on 03 9650 6144.

Media contacts: 07 3233 9105 or 07 3233 9135

National Seniors Australia is a not for profit lobby group representing issues relating to people aged 50 plus. With 250,000 members, NSA is the largest lobby group of its kind in Australia.