Policy Outcomes

National Policy Office has carried forward the views of senior Australians and given you a voice that is heard by key decision makers. We have helped to shape policy and ensured the needs of senior Australians are considered when policy decisions are made.

National Policy Office has made a positive difference in many policy outcomes. Recent advocacy outcomes include:

• In response to concerns raised by National Seniors on behalf of its members, the Government expanded the hardship provisions for those with frozen funds. This enables members with frozen funds to access up to $100,000 each calendar year as opposed to only $20,000
• National Seniors successfully pressed for Telstra to retract its administration charges for non-electronic bill payments. Customers who were charged a fee have now been reimbursed
• National Seniors representations to all state and territory governments was essential in securing the permanent exclusion of the $30 (per week) Age Pension increase from the calculation of public housing rents in QLD, SA and Tasmania
• National Seniors secured a $43 million Productive Ageing Package, which provides practical support to older Australians who want to stay in the workforce beyond traditional retirement age
• Through meetings with the offices’ of the Prime Minister and Minister for Health, as well as with ophthalmologist industry representatives, National Seniors has been successful in lowering out-of-pocket expenses for those undergoing cataract surgery in the future
• National Seniors 2010 SA Election campaign has resulted in a commitment from both the major parties to increase the land tax free area, effectively exempting small real estate investors from land tax. Both parties have also committed to increasing the water, wastewater and energy rebates for seniors
• National Seniors representations were essential in securing an increase in the NSW energy rebate from $130 to $145, as well as the extension of eligibility for the rebate to low income self funded retirees

2009-2010 Federal Budget Outcomes

The Federal Budget released on 12 May 2009 delivered some good news for the over 50s.

National Seniors has been leading the call for a better deal – and we are pleased that the Federal Government has finally listened to our concerns.

Click here to see a summary of advocacy wins in the Budget.

There is, however, always more to be done and National Seniors will continue to lead the debate for further improvements to our retirement income system and a fairer deal for older workers to ensure that politicians and the wider community do not ignore the priorities of the over 50’s in the years to come.

Other major advocacy outcomes:

1. National Seniors was instrumental in securing a 50% reduction in minimum withdrawal requirements applying to allocated pensions for the 2008/09 financial year.
2. National Seniors representations to Government and business groups following the freezing of billions of dollars of assets contributed to a guarantee that retirees who have had their assets frozen by a fund are able to access those assets in the event of an emergency or financial hardship.
3. National Seniors concerted media campaign which highlighted the need for immediate financial assistance for those on low-fixed incomes was a major contributing factor in the targeting of the December stimulus payments to age pensioners, low-income self-funded retirees and carers, who received $1,400 if single and $2,100 if a couple.
4. In the lead-up to the 2008 WA State Election National Seniors secured the following commitments from the newly-elected Government: the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Council for Seniors; a $150 cost of living rebate for all WA Seniors-card holders; and the introduction of an annual $500 Country Age Pension Fuel Card (CAP).
5. A series of direct negotiations between National Seniors and all the major political parties in the lead up to the 2007 Election has resulted in a commitment by the Australian Government to establish a national reciprocal public transport entitlement at a cost of $50 million. As a result of this response, State Government Seniors Card holders will be able to travel at concessional rates anywhere in Australia.
6. National Seniors was a key player in securing the Simpler Superannuation reforms, and continues to work hard to ensure the importance of sustainable retirement savings are recognised by government.
7. National Seniors, through its research, policy and advocacy, actively negotiates with government and the private sector to secure better outcomes for mature age employees on issues such as age discrimination, superannuation and workers compensation.
8. A key outcome resulting from National Seniors' lobbying activities in the lead up to the 2007 Election is the $3.9 billion commitment by Government to increase the utilities allowance and seniors’ concession allowance, paid to age pensioners and low-income self funded retirees. The $3.9 billion package also extends the utilities allowance to people with a disability and to carers.

If you have any questions or require further detail on any of our outcomes please click below to contact us.