Media Releases
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May 2012
Don’t forget grandparents in the family make-upToday on International Day of Families Australia’s largest seniors organisation is reminding the community not to forget about the role grandparents play in the modern day family make-up. Read the release.
Interest rate cut another blow for retirees
Today’s interest rate cut couldn’t come at a worse time for retirees living off their investments, says the consumer lobby for older Australians. Read the release.
Vic Budget Disappointing, say Seniors
The Victorian Budget was a disappointing mixed bag with few pleasant surprises for seniors. Read the release.
April 2012
Patient involvement the key to managing chronic diseases
Better patient education and more self-support programs embedded in local communities could be the key to managing chronic illnesses as the burden of chronic disease rises in Australia, according to a new report released today. Read the release.
Seniors stress importance of family home win in aged care package
The family home win in the federal government’s aged care reform package announced on Friday cannot be overstated, say seniors. Read the release.
Butler Backs Consumers on Aged Care
Older Australians have welcomed the government's aged care reform plan announced today. Read the release.
Seniors welcome $1000 payment for older workers
Older Australians have welcomed the announcement today of a $1000 payment for businesseshiring mature age workers. Read the release.
Don’t rubber stamp industry-endorsed aged care blueprint, consumers warn Government
The consumer lobby for older Australians is urging Government not to blindly follow industry in rubber stamping the Productivity Commission’s aged care reform blueprint. Read the release.
March 2012
Forced beachfront buy-backs bureaucracy gone mad, say seniors
Older Australians have slammed a council proposal to force beachfront residents to give up their homes on the long term threat of rising sea levels. Read the release.
Over 55s most discouraged from finding work
New figures released yesterday paint a picture of Australia’s most discouraged jobseekers, and not surprisingly it’s the over 55s who face the most trouble when it comes to finding work. Read the release.
Seniors call for improved financial reforms
National Seniors Australia is urging the Federal Government to ensure the rights of consumers are fully recognised as it seeks to progress its Future of Financial Advice reforms in Parliament this week. Read the release.
Money worries top list of concerns for ageing Australians
Money worries are the top concern when it comes to growing older, finds a new survey released today. Read the release.
HR managers admit employers discriminate against older workers
National Seniors Australia has backed a new report released today which shows that more than a third of Human Resource (HR) practitioners (35%) believe their organisation is biased to some extent against the employment of older workers. Read the release.
Qld seniors want a better deal
Rising living costs are heavily impacting older Queenslanders and the winner of the state election will have to guarantee some relief measures – or face a backlash at the ballot box. Read the release.
Baby Boomers tough it out in retirement
The GFC has hit Baby Boomers hard – particularly if they are older single women in poor health and on lower incomes. Read the release.
February 2012
Seniors slam today's health insurance hikeOlder Australians have slammed the latest government-sanctioned 5.06% hike in private health insurance premiums, announced today. Read the release.
Tamworth seniors urged to support nursing home campaign
Seniors are being urged to support a campaign to increase wages for aged care nurses by attending a community meeting in Tamworth on 7 March. Read the release.
January 2012
December 2011
Latest ageing blueprint mustn’t gather dust, say seniorsThe 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. Read the release.
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. Read the release.
Demeaning stereotypes a threat to older workers, study finds
Long-held stereotypes such as frailty, inflexibility and a fear of technology are pushing older workers towards premature retirement, reveals research released today. Read the release.
Seniors lobby appoints new chairman
Over 50s consumer lobby, National Seniors Australia, has appointed long-serving board member, David Carvosso, as its new chairman. Read the release.
November 2011
Inaugural seniors’ literary prize short-listed
Four talented but unpublished older Australian writers are a step closer to seeing their work in print after being shortlisted for the inaugural National Seniors Phillpotts Literary Prize. Read the release.
Cost of living hits oldest, poorest hard, new report finds
We’re all feeling the pinch but rising energy, food and health costs are disproportionally hitting our oldest and poorest Australians, a new report has found. Read the release.
October 2011
Shorten scraps super age limit in a welcome win for seniors
Older Australians have welcomed Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten’s move to completely scrap the superannuation guarantee age limit. Read the release.
Joy for some, pain for others after today’s interest rate cut
Retirees living off interest-bearing investments will be the biggest losers from the decision to cut official interest rates today. Read the release.
Health insurance still too expensive, says new report
Older Australians want private health insurance but for many it’s still out of reach, a new study has found. Read the release.
WA’s older workers granted equal footing
Older Australians have welcomed the scrapping of discriminatory legislation that, until now, had restricted the level of compensation available to injured workers aged over 64 years. Read the release.
September 2011
Seniors call to scrap super age limits and stamp duty at Tax Forum
Older Australians will call on government to scrap stamp duty and age limits on the superannuation guarantee at this week’s Tax Forum in Canberra. Read the release.
Keep an eye out for our older people on International Day
National Seniors is calling on Australians to recognise the contributions seniors make to the community on Saturday, October 1, International Day of the Older Person. Read the release.
Prime Minister Gillard turns 50 - “Happy Birthday & welcome to the club!” say seniors
Prime Minister Julia Gillard joins the likes of Barack Obama, George Clooney and Meg Ryan (all 50 in 2011) when she hits the Big Five-O tomorrow and officially becomes a “senior”. Read the release.
Seniors isolated by digital divide, says report
The internet would enrich the lives of older Australians but many of them think that using it is all too hard, the latest report released by the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre has found. Read the release.
Watchdog needs teeth on term deposits, say seniors
Australia’s corporate watchdog ASIC needs to get its teeth into regulations governing term deposits, which are disadvantaging those who can least afford a drop in income, Australia’s consumer lobby group for the over 50s says. Read the release.
Seniors meet WA government ministers to confront the issues
Representatives from Australia’s largest seniors’ group met in Perth today to face government ministers about the pressing issues affecting Western Australian seniors. Read the release.
Keep a weather eye out for seniors
Some of the most vulnerable members of the community could be left without basic services if Australia suffers another summer of wild weather, says the consumer lobby group for older Australians. Read the release.
NSW seniors optimistic Ageing Roundtable will promote positive ageing
The NSW Government’s moves to boost the community participation of seniors will help promote positive ageing, says the consumer lobby for older Australians. Read the release.
The message from Victoria’s seniors: “We’ve got more to offer”
A parliamentary inquiry today heard from Victorian seniors who say they have more to offer the workforce and the wider community and shouldn’t be viewed as ‘invisible’ just because of their age. Read the release.
August 2011
PC takes humanity out of aged care
Predictably, the Productivity Commission’s final report is strong on concepts such as “user pays” and “deregulation” but light on patient care, says the consumer lobby for older Australians. Read the release.
Prime Minister Gillard sets scene for aged care reform - But what do seniors want from the Productivity Commission’s final report?
Today, Prime Minister Gillard sets the scene for Monday’s release of the Productivity Commission’s long-awaited final recommendations into age care reform. Read the release.
July 2011
Seniors: New Age Discrimination Commissioner has work cut out for her
National Seniors chief executive, Michael O'Neill, says Australia's very first dedicated Age Discrimination Commissioner, former Labor Minister Susan Ryan, has her work cut out for her. Read the release.
$50,000-a-year self funded retirees forgotten in carbon tax compensation package
Approximately 285,000 Australians aged over 65 who don’t receive the age pension or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will miss out on the carbon tax compensation announced today. Read the release.
June 2011
Australian migrants need more support
Older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are struggling more than Australian-born adults in many areas of social and economic wellbeing, a new report to be launched in Melbourne this morning has found. Read the release.
Australian migrants to discuss their ageing experiences
As the divisive topic of immigration in Australia heats up, Australia’s largest seniors group is attempting to find out how the immigrant population has coped with ageing in Australia. Read the release.
Government fails seniors in budget
Increased rebates for pensioners announced in today’s Queensland’s budget are inadequate and fail to recognise the financial pain pensioners are experiencing, says Australia’s largest seniors’ group. Read the release.
Rural seniors need better access to health services
Queensland seniors living in rural and remote areas are struggling to cover the costs of travel and accommodation to get to vital medical appointments, says National Seniors Australia. Read the release.
May 2011
Seniors back Coalition moves to abolish super age limitOlder Australians are backing a bill to abolish the superannuation guarantee age limit, introduced by the Coalition and debated for the second time in federal parliament yesterday. Read the release.
Pensioners struggle for basic necessities as costs rise
New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today confirm what struggling pensioners already know- even the basic necessities are getting more expensive. Read the release.
Volunteers set off on life-changing journeys
A group of volunteers are setting off on journeys around Australia as part of a programme that places grey nomads in remote Indigenous communities where they share their skills and knowledge with locals. Read the release.
Seniors unscathed by vanilla budget
Older Australians have emerged unscathed from a budget widely speculated in its lead-up to be defined by tough love measures. Read the release.
Seniors look forward to Vic government’s budget promises
Victorian seniors have welcomed today’s Victorian budget announcement, in particular stamp duty cuts and the efforts to retain concessions for pensioners. Read the release.
April 2011
Workplace age discrimination alive & well, new report reveals
Being constantly referred to as the “f*cking geriatric” by workmates, is one of the stories to emerge from new research that reveals age discrimination is alive and well in the workplace. Read the release.
Seniors welcome changes to financial advice reforms
Older Australians have today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of financial advice reforms which includes better protection for consumers receiving information from financial advisers. Read the release.
Seniors chief flags the big issues for older Australians
National Seniors Australia chief executive, Michael O’Neill, has flagged rising living costs and access to world class health and aged care as the big issues facing older Australians. Read the release.
Time for dedicated Aged Care ombudsman
National Seniors Australia is calling for a dedicated and independent Aged Care Ombudsman to oversee the aged care system and ensure more openness and transparency for consumers. Read the release.
March 2011
Seniors welcome Swan advisory panel but stress importance of paid employment
Older Australians have welcomed the establishment of an advisory panel to promote the national contribution of seniors but have warned policy makers not to lose sight of the big issue: mature age unemployment - 30/3/11. Read the release.
Global events impetus for retiree drawdown concession
News today that super funds are taking a hit on the back of current global events has renewed calls from seniors to extend the minimum drawdown concession on allocated pension accounts into the new financial year – 22/3/11. Read the release.
Seniors slam health insurance hike
Older Australians have slammed the 5.7% percent health insurance premium increase approved today by Health Minister Nicola Roxon – 2/03/11. Read the release.
Seniors welcome proposed disability insurance scheme
National Seniors Australia supports the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) released as part of the Productivity Commission’s draft report into disability care and support yesterday – 1/03/11. Read the release.
February 2011
Older Australians fear carbon price cost-of-living increasesDespite wanting to hand on a greener world to their grandchildren, older Australians have some reservations over the introduction of a carbon price in 2012 – 25/02/11. Read the release.
Seniors demand clear retirement income policy from government
Older Australians have demanded a clear retirement income policy from government to provide them with certainty in their later years – 24/02/11. Read the release.
Seniors Back Pay Parity for Aged Care Workers
Older Australians have backed union calls for pay parity in the aged care sector, saying that, without it, system reform would be impossible – 15/02/11. Read the release.
Pensioners don't snap up Labor's latest dental promises
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally's promises about increased public dental care come after 16 years of NSW Government neglect, says National Seniors Australia – 09/02/11. Read the release.
Myki system a debacle for seniors
For the third time in less than two weeks, Victorian seniors have been left victims of yet another blunder by the Transport Ticketing Authority – 04/02/11. Read the release.
Grants target flood-affected groups that missed out
Not-for-profit groups excluded from accessing government flood relief grants will be the target of funds available through the National Seniors Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) 2011 grants program. – 01/02/11. Read the release.
January 2011
Seniors almost caught up in myki messNational Seniors Australia has resolved a mix-up with the Transport Ticketing Authority after NSA found out Victorian seniors travelling on weekends could be accused of fare evasion and be fined for unknowingly travelling with an old card – 28/01/11. Read the release.
Seniors: aged care report first salvo in national debate
Seniors have described the Productivity Commission’s draft report into aged care, Caring for Older Australians, as the first salvo in the debate Australia had to have – 21/01/11. Read the release.
December 2010
Country life top notch for rural older Australians
A National Seniors report shows older people living in rural areas feel safer, have a high level of social connectedness, enjoy more social interaction and have a high sense of trust toward others – 20/12/10. Read the release.Seniors welcome no-frills super option
Older Australians have welcomed the Labor government's commitment to cheaper, simpler and more transparent superannuation in its response to the Cooper Review – 16/12/10. Read the release.
Judith Sloan to head up seniors lobby
2011 promises to be a year of the unknown for both politicians and the over-50s when, for the first time in three decades, the seniors lobby gets a new chairman – 10/12/10. Read the release.Seniors give back by volunteering
The number of older people giving back to the community through volunteering shows the valuable role older people play in society, says Australia’s largest seniors’ group – 06/12/10. Read the release.November 2010
Seniors watch aged care pay claim with interest
Older Australians say they will watch with interest the low paid bargaining claim for aged care workers launched by unions this week – 24/11/10. Read the release.
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 – 23/11/10. Read the release.
National Seniors Australia Welcomes Labor’s support for seniors – but why leave it to the 11th hour?
National Seniors Australia (NSA) is pleased that the Victorian Labor government is acknowledging seniors in its run-up to election day and is delighted that Premier Brumby has listened and responded to NSA arguments in three key areas: Pensioner Stamp Duty Concession, improved support for HACC and summer energy concessions to match the current winter concession – 11/11/10. Read the release.
Funding for Alzheimer’s disease welcomed
National Seniors welcomes the Victorian Labor government’s investment of $15 million to fund research and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease - 5/11/10. Read the release.
Grandparents’ Day – needs to be more than just a “thank you”
National Seniors Australia (NSA) is urging all levels of government to not merely acknowledge the significant role of grandparents but to address the legal and financial shortfalls a growing number of grandparents are facing - 4/11/10. Read the release.October 2010
Telstra retrenchments a double whammy for seniors
Older workers caught up in Telstra’s latest wave of redundancies are facing a double whammy, says the seniors lobby - 28/10/10. Read the release.
Older adults still have a thirst to learn
Australia is missing out on increased productivity and improved wellbeing amongst older adults because of a lack of investment in learning and educational opportunities, according to a new report - 28/10/10. Read the release.
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) - 27/10/10. Read the release.
Don’t pick on older drivers just because they’re old
The right to drive on Tasmania’s roads should not depend on how old you are but on your ability to drive safely, National Seniors Australia (NSA) said today - 19/10/10. Read the release.
NSW pensioner rent freeze welcomed - but there’s more work to do
National Seniors Australia (NSA) today welcomed the NSW Government’s move to quarantine single rate pensioners’ in public housing until 2011 NSW budget is handed down – 11/10/10. Read the release.
National Seniors Australia - South Australian Convention
Celebrate Experience, Celebrate Life!
Older Australians are celebrating life in Adelaide tomorrow at the National Seniors Australia (NSA) inaugural convention - 08/10/10. Read the release.Kennett rant wide of the mark, say seniors
The consumer lobby for older Australians has described Jeff Kennett’s rant on 3AW yesterday as extraordinary – 01/10/10. Read the release.
Urgent need for age discrimination commissioner
A report on age discrimination to be released today reaffirms the urgency for a standalone age discrimination commissioner as promised by Labor during the election, according to Australia’s largest seniors’ group - 01/10/10. Read the release.
September 2010
Public transport discussion paper under fire
Moves to deter concession card holders from using public transport should not be open to discussion, spokesperson for National Seniors Australia (NSA), Paul Versteege, said yesterday – 23/09/10. Read the release.
The challenges facing an ageing population
National Seniors Australia (NSA) chief executive Michael O’Neill addressed the National Press Club in Canberra today on the complex and interrelated challenges facing an ageing population – 22/09/10. Read the release.
Pension grab - mean
National Seniors Australia (NSA) slammed the NSW and WA governments’ grab for the pensioners’ pay rise calling it mean and insensitive – 20/09/10. Read the release.
SA budget
National Seniors Australia is underwhelmed by the SA budget which may translate in to serious long term ramifications for people aged 50 plus – 17/09/10. Read the release.
Aged care set to crumble under burgeoning costs, says new report
The aged care system must undergo urgent reform in order to meet current and future demand, reveals a new Access Economics report released by National Seniors Australia today – 15/09/10. Read the release.
Everything you wanted to know about prostate cancer
Hearing the words ‘prostate cancer’ is shocking but a small book, put out by National Seniors Australia, may give peace of mind through its easy-to-read information – 01/09/10. Read the release.
August 2010
Election verdict: seniors dismayed by campaign crumbs
Older Australians have united outside Parliament House in Canberra today to condemn both parties for avoiding the big issues in the lead-up to the federal election – 17/08/10. Read the release.
Seniors welcome Labor pledge to fix current pension anomaly
Older Australians have welcomed Labor’s pledge to allow pensioners to annualise their employment income rather than declare it fortnightly - 07/08/10. Read the release.
Seniors Minister must be Cabinet position
Older Australians are calling on Tony Abbott to confirm that his new Minister for Seniors and Ageing position would hold Cabinet status – 06/08/10. Read the release.
Seniors: Abbott’s health card indexation a vote winner
Older Australians have welcomed the Coalition’s pledge to index the income limits on the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and introduce an employer incentive payment for older workers if they are voted into government – 05/08/10. Read the release.Seniors: Convalescent care and beds welcome start for system in crisis
Older Australians have welcomed the Coalition’s plans to introduce 20,000 convalescence places and bring 3,000 currently idle aged care beds into operation, but say staffing and home care options also need urgent attention – 02/08/10. Read the release.
July 2010
Election demands launched
Older Australians are demanding commitments to world class care, financial security, support for mature age workers and an end to ageism from both sides of politics in the lead up to the federal election – 28/07/10. Read the release.
A win for the mature worker – but it’s just the beginning
National Seniors Australia (NSA) welcomed the Coalition’s announcement to abolish the Superannuation Guarantee age limit but stressed it’s just the first step in tackling ageism – 23/07/10. Read the release.
Coalition’s plan a slap in the face for older Australians
Australia’s largest seniors’ organisation has called on the Coalition to axe its plan to cut the compulsory superannuation guarantee age limit from 75 years to 70 years, calling it “a slap in the face for older Australians” - 20/07/10. Read the release.Seniors welcome transparency and choice in Cooper super review
June 2010
PM’s minimum drawdown concession welcome relief for retirees
Tips for healthy ageing explored in new report
A new report by the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre (NSPAC) has explored the topic of healthy ageing and what it means to actually ‘age well’ – 25/06/10. Read the release.
Aged care and dental funding shortfalls dismay seniors
Older Australians are dismayed by reports suggesting there’s no money for aged care or dental services in the federal health reform kitty - 15/06/10. Read the release.
Elder abuse a growing problem
Older Australians are shining the light on elder abuse as part of World Elder Abuse Prevention Day today - 15/06/10. Read the release.
Electricity rebate only good news in budget
Queensland seniors have welcomed an increase in the electricity rebate in a budget that delivered little for seniors - 08/06/10. Read the release.
Seniors welcome stamp duty relief in NSW Budget
“Seniors in New South Wales welcome stamp duty relief measures for downsizers in the 2010 NSW budget, but is concerned that it only applies to newly constructed houses and apartments,” said National Seniors’ spokesperson Paul Versteege – 08/06/10. Read the release.
NSW seniors call for stamp duty relief in budget
Seniors in New South Wales are calling on the New South Wales government to deliver some good news on stamp duty when the budget is handed down tomorrow – 07/06/10. Read the release.
May 2010
Awards recognise seniors’ reconciliation efforts
National Seniors Australia has been rewarded for its efforts in reconciliation by being a finalist in the Premier’s 2010 Business Reconciliation Awards in Queensland announced 28 May 2010 – 31/05/10. Read the release.
Retirement age for magistrates to rise but ageism still exists
Australia’s largest seniors’ group has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to raise the retirement age for magistrates from 65 to 70 years but says the government does not go far enough – 25/05/10. Read the release.
Nothing new for seniors in WA budget
National Seniors, the peak body for older Australians, claims the new Western Australian budget contained nothing new for seniors – 20/05/10. Read the release.
Grey nomads step up to help Indigenous communities
To mark the end of National Volunteering Week, National Seniors is highlighting its INSTEP program which places seniors in Aboriginal communities – 14/05/10. Read the release.
A healthy budget for seniors
Older Australians have welcomed the extra $2.2 billion for healthcare announced in today’s budget – 11/05/10. Read the release.
Budget housing measures good for older Territorians
Older Territorians have welcomed the Henderson government’s budget, especially its housing measures – 04/05/10. Read the release.
ACT budget neglects seniors
The ACT government’s budget has neglected the capital’s seniors – 04/05/10. Read the release.
Victorian seniors pleased with transport and safety announcements in budget
Victorian seniors have welcomed the state government’s commitment in the 2010 budget to improve transport services and public safety - 04/05/10. Read the release.
Older Australians welcome changes to super but regret that government ageism continues
National Seniors, the peak body representing older Australians, welcomes the thrust of the government response to the Henry review, especially measures tackling the challenges presented by an ageing population and increasing financial security - 02/05/10. Read the release.