Seniors and candidates
Media release
27 October 2010
Seniors in the Bayswater electorate are set to scrutinize their State candidates at the upcoming meet- your-candidate forum to be run by National Seniors Australia (NSA).
Victorian state manager for NSA, Arnold Bates, said forums gave the grassroots voter a chance to meet candidates in the flesh and to raise issues relevant to people aged 50 plus.
“With 46% of voters aged over 50 in the Bayswater electorate seniors are warming up to flex their collective voting muscle. The over 50s is a growing lobby group whose vote can pack a punch in a marginal seat, so candidates would be wise to sit up and take notice,” Mr Bates said.
“Bayswater, which is held by Liberal’s Heidi Victoria by a party preferred margin of 2.83%, is up for grabs and the over 50s have never had a better time to push their issues,” he said.
Mr Bates said health and aged care were issues high on NSA’s agenda particularly in light of recent events regarding the 91-year old grandmother left for 21 hours on a Melbourne hospital trolley.
“As the population ages the pressure on health resources increases it is crucial that our frail and elderly are not the losers in this scenario. If our health system is unable to care for our most vulnerable residents with dignity and compassion then the community as a whole needs to act and demand effective, long term change,” Mr Bates said.
“NSA forums give residents aged 50 plus a powerful voice to instigate change,” he said.
NSA is a not for profit organization with 250,000 members across Australia. It is dedicated to lobbying governments of all persuasions on issues relevant to residents aged 50 plus.
“In Bayswater seniors have a range of issues to put to the candidates including health, aged care, public transport and the cost of living. These issues are common to all age groups but particularly to seniors as they plan ahead to live off their super and maintain mobility through accessible and affordable public transport,” he said.
27 October 2010
Seniors to get up close and personal with candidates
Seniors in the Bayswater electorate are set to scrutinize their State candidates at the upcoming meet- your-candidate forum to be run by National Seniors Australia (NSA).
Victorian state manager for NSA, Arnold Bates, said forums gave the grassroots voter a chance to meet candidates in the flesh and to raise issues relevant to people aged 50 plus.
“With 46% of voters aged over 50 in the Bayswater electorate seniors are warming up to flex their collective voting muscle. The over 50s is a growing lobby group whose vote can pack a punch in a marginal seat, so candidates would be wise to sit up and take notice,” Mr Bates said.
“Bayswater, which is held by Liberal’s Heidi Victoria by a party preferred margin of 2.83%, is up for grabs and the over 50s have never had a better time to push their issues,” he said.
Mr Bates said health and aged care were issues high on NSA’s agenda particularly in light of recent events regarding the 91-year old grandmother left for 21 hours on a Melbourne hospital trolley.
“As the population ages the pressure on health resources increases it is crucial that our frail and elderly are not the losers in this scenario. If our health system is unable to care for our most vulnerable residents with dignity and compassion then the community as a whole needs to act and demand effective, long term change,” Mr Bates said.
“NSA forums give residents aged 50 plus a powerful voice to instigate change,” he said.
NSA is a not for profit organization with 250,000 members across Australia. It is dedicated to lobbying governments of all persuasions on issues relevant to residents aged 50 plus.
“In Bayswater seniors have a range of issues to put to the candidates including health, aged care, public transport and the cost of living. These issues are common to all age groups but particularly to seniors as they plan ahead to live off their super and maintain mobility through accessible and affordable public transport,” he said.
The meet-your-candidate forum Bayswater: 7.30pm Wednesday November 10, Knox Club, Cnr. Stud and Boronia Roads, Wantirna. Admission is free and open to everyone aged 50 plus. Candidates attending the forum are: Liberal – Heidi Victoria; ALP Peter Lockwood; Greens - James Tennant.
A forum will also be held in the Ferntree Gully electorate: 7.30pm Tuesday November 16. Ferntree Bowling Club, Glenfern Road. Admission free.Candidates attending: Liberal – Nick Wakeling; ALP - Josh Cillinan; Greens – Steve Bullock.Further information on forums: Arnold Bates – 03 9650 6144.
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