Return to Council on the Ageing (COTA) Home Page COTA Media releases July - December 2001

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COTA welcomes new ageing Ministry, 23 November
We will speak out and contribute: new COTA President's message, 14 November
Genteel poverty not the answer for older Australians, 13 November
21st Century ageing - what it will be like for Australians, 11 November
Democrats aged care policy holds promise of tacking the hard issues in aged care, 7 November
Coalition super policy tinkers at the edges with some good ideas but lacks thorough vision for an ageing future, 5 November
Coalition plans for age discrimination legislation: a winner for older Australian who want to work and good for the economy, 2 November
COTA commends aged care policy in reflecting consumer issues, 28 October
Labor adopts many of COTA's election policies for older Australians, 26 October
Coalition policy on health is worthy but misses some of the fundamentals, 25 October
Labor show leadership in hospital care, 23 October
COTA welcomes Coalition's residential care initiative in rural and remote areas, 22 October
Reality check on ageing policies for new Government, 21 October
Labor's GST roll back plan on sensitive cost items will attract older people, 19 October
ALP shows policy leadership on aged care, 13 October
Older people welcome Coalition plans for community care, 11 October
Nothing to report from National Strategy on Ageing 'release', 10 October
ALP dental policy provides welcome relief, 8 October
National dental care for older persons desperately needed now, 25 September
COTA pushes election candidates on promises for an ageing future, 19 September
COTA (A) endorses the Code of Ethics, 15 August
COTA "ups the ante" on ageing policy in new reports, 25 July

January - June 2001

COTA welcomes new ageing ministry

23 November 2001

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) today welcomed the Government's new ageing ministry.

"COTA is delighted that the Prime Minister has established a new ageing ministry which will more thoroughly address challenges arising from the ageing of Australia's population, said Mr Denys Correll, national executive director.

"We believe there is a high level of capability and creativity in the team of Senator Kay Patterson and Mr Kevin Andrews. We look forward to working with both Ministers on issues of concern to older Australians.

"There is much work to do though. COTA will ask the new Minister for Ageing to review the progress of the National Strategy for an Ageing Australia, especially in light of community priorities as we expressed in our submissions.

"COTA is also pleased to see Senator Amanda Vanstone back at the wheel of the all-important Family and Community Services portfolio.

"Senator Vanstone has demonstrated a great capacity for community consultation over the last 12 months and we look forward to continuing our work with her.

"We are also looking forward to working with the Attorney General, Mr Daryl Williams, in seeing through the enactment of Federal Age Discrimination Legislation as promised during the election.

Mr Correll concluded, "There is little doubt that the next three years will be an important time for good policy development on issues for older Australians and the ageing population. There are some good election promises we will be looking to the Government to implement."

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We will speak out and contribute:
New COTA President's message
COTA President Jim Giles photo

14 November 2001

Jim Giles from South Australia has been elected the new National President of Council on The Ageing (Australia), the peak national organisation run for and by older people. He succeeds Sheila Rimmer who has retired after a three year term. He was elected today at the COTA A AGM which followed the successful COTA national congress in Canberra.

Jim, who is 70, is a Member of the Order of Australia for services to education, multiculturalism and the arts. Following his retirement he was determined to use the skills he had developed over a lifetime of work - mainly as a teacher, and in arts, multicultural and community areas - to help serve others.

"I joined COTA as I saw it as the ideal organisation to provide activities and recreation for older people. It is also effective in developing skills and encouraging people to speak up and speak out for their rights and to influence governments of the day, " he said.

" During my presidency I want COTA to show clearly that older people are contributing to the well being of our society in many ways."

Jim Giles says that it is not useful to talk about 'older people' as such as there are many kinds of older people, including those from rural areas, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, differing socio-economic backgrounds, differing age ranges and so on, with different needs and abilities to contribute to their society.

"Older people also need to contribute to society by associating themselves with significant causes, as well as through volunteer work."

"We need to have a concern for the future of the planet, for refugees, for the kinds of employment opportunities available for young people, and so on," he said.

"Our idealism should burn bright."

Finally, he believes that the language used about older people is important as it assists in determining social attitudes towards them.

"The language used about older people should convey positive, affirming and respectful attitudes."

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Genteel Poverty not the answer for older Australians

13 November 2001

Older Australians must be helped out of the trap of genteel poverty caused by their paper wealth of a valuable home but not enough money to support it or themselves. But the 25% of those without assets and resources, particularly many older women, require even more assistance to ensure their financial security, according to Denys Correll, National Executive Director of Council on the Ageing Australia.

He was commenting on the paper of Professor Ann Harding from the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling given on the final day of COTA's National Congress in Canberra, and on the information and conclusions presented to Conference by other speakers on retirement incomes and security for older Australians.

" Some older people may be accumulating wealth, as the NATSEM study shows but it is largely tied up in houses. COTA is anxious to see ways they can access this wealth if necessary and not live in genteel poverty. Even more worrying are those who are missing out altogether, especially women, " he said.

"One of our speakers made the frightening statement that there is nothing that can be done for women over the age of 45 to help them accumulate enough superannuation for a secure retirement!"

Denys Correll also drew attention to the statement made by Julian Disney when opening the Congress, that Australia was a low tax country which needed to build up infrastructure in hospital and aged care services and other public utilities and not let them run down.

"COTA is anxious that Australia does not build up inequity between generations by different benefits, pensions and tax treatments by governments. It is unfair for younger people in need to receive lower benefits when they have the same financial needs as older people."

"COTA will continue to represent the interests of older Australians to the new Government, and industry and policy making arenas, to ensure that their needs are met in the context of a growing national economy and in a sustained and responsible way. Our just concluded congress has contributed to the public debate," he concluded.

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21st CENTURY AGEING - WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE FOR AUSTRALIANS

11 November 2001

21st Century Ageing , the Council on the Ageing's National Congress, from Sunday 11 November until 13 November at Canberra's Old Parliament House, will interest the new Government, its bureaucrats, and all Australians interested in their future lives. It will examine aspirations, income, health and IT issues affecting older Australians. Conference speakers will explain what is really needed in these important policy areas compared to what has been promised, and just how likely the new Government's commitments are liable to work, or be afforded.

Superannuation, which only surfaced as an election issue late in the campaign, highlights the need for community discussion, and planning for the financial security of all Australians both now and in the future. COTA and conference speakers, including Philippa Smith from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia and David Knox, a Director Price Waterhouse Coopers Actuarial, will point out that superannuation is only one arm of retirement incomes, the others being public pensions and private savings.

Professor Peter Saunders, Director Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW, will argue that our focus on ageing and its consequences for government spending has neglected the critical role of fertility in the ageing process. He also explains why the labour market will play a crucial role in the policy response to ageing.

Speakers will include:
Monday

Tuesday

On each day there will be keynote and concurrent sessions, led by policy experts, on Retirement Incomes, Banking and Technology, Health Care, which the media will be welcome to attend.

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Democrats aged care policy holds promise of tackling
the hard issues in aged care

7 November 2001

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) today welcomed the Democrats aged care policy saying that it was willing to tackle some of the more difficult issues.

"While recognising the Democrats promise to revisit the issue of nursing home bonds for the purpose of capital upgrading of nursing homes, COTA advises this is a very sensitive issue. Major parties are avoiding discussion on this matter because of the potential negative impact in the election," said Mr Denys Correll, COTA national executive director.

"Residential aged care is undergoing major changes at the present time and we expect that over time will cater almost exclusively for high care people while low care people are provided with care in their own home. However, high care nursing homes do not attract bonds as low care hostels do for capital purposes. This means there is a constant issue as to how nursing home buildings can be kept up to scratch.

"The aged care sector has come to recognise the problem of a shortage of capital for upgrading of nursing homes and COTA is currently negotiating with service providers on this issue. We expect the Democrats to consult with consumers before pushing ahead on this issue.

"As neither Labor nor the Coalition will commit sufficient funds for the upgrading of nursing homes, we have no choice but to revisit the issue of nursing home bonds.

"We are pleased to see the Democrats supporting the need for research on projections of need for residential care beds. We agree that four weeks should be an average waiting time for a nursing home bed.

"We also support the Democrats in their call to increase funding for the Home and Community Care program by 20 per cent. This is the price we must pay to maintain as many people as possible in their own homes for as long as possible.

Mr Correll concluded, "COTA looks forward to working with the Democrats in the next term of Government to obtain the best possible aged care system for older Australians."

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COALITION SUPERANNUATION POLICY TINKERS AT THE EDGES WITH SOME GOOD IDEAS BUT LACKS THOROUGH VISION
FOR AN AGEING FUTURE

5 November 2001

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) today welcomed some of the measures in the Coalition's superannuation policy but said that it was disappointed that the Coalition had not committed to a thorough retirement incomes review for the next term of office.

"COTA welcomes the $1000 rebate to match personal superannuation contributions made by low income earners – this will include many older workers in part time and casual jobs," said Mr Denys Correll, national executive director.

"We also welcome the Coalition promise to raise the maximum age of personal superannuation contributions from 70 to 75. This is very much in keeping with the need and desire of many older people to keep working past customary retirement ages.

"We are concerned that the policies are piecemeal rather than reflecting a vision for superannuation and retirement incomes policy for the future.

"COTA knows from its contact with its members, that many older people are frustrated and disappointed with the level of retirement income they are forced to live on. This frustration and disappointment will only increase if Government does not take up the adequacy issue in a review of retirement incomes. This means examining the adequacy of the age pension and whether or not the current level of superannuation savings are likely to deliver the income people need for their retirement.

"There are already looming problems for the baby boomer generation. We have around 46 per cent of 50-64 year olds without paid employment and 33 per cent of 50-64 year olds relying on social security. This group has a long retirement ahead of them and their long term income support needs must be addressed.

Mr Correll concluded "A retirement incomes review needs to investigate ways that people's retirement income can be maximised. This will mean looking at the taxation of superannuation and the exorbitant administrative cost involved which diminish the value of contributions."

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COALITION PLANS FOR AGE DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION: A WINNER FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS WHO WANT TO WORK AND GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY

2 November 2001

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) today applauded the Coalition's plan to introduce comprehensive federal age discrimination legislation to match that covering sex, race and disability.

"This is an important win for the older workers who have felt the brunt of age discrimination in the Australian labour market for many years. It is an important win for COTA as we have campaigned hard for federal age discrimination legislation as part of our leading edge work on mature age employment," said Ms Veronica Sheen, COTA deputy director.

"COTA believes the legislation would be an important springboard for improving the prospects of the 46 per cent of Australians aged 50-64 who do not have paid employment. This group includes many who are long term unemployed and more who have stopped looking for work because they are discouraged by employer attitudes to older workers.

"Comprehensive, national age discrimination legislation is important because it is a wake up call to employers and the community that discrimination on the basis of age is no longer acceptable.

"It is not acceptable from a human rights point of view and it is not acceptable from an economic point of view. Employers need a blend of skills and experience to keep their businesses operating at the optimum. The economy needs more older people to stay in employment to maximise tax revenues, savings and consumption and to minimise social expenditure.

"COTA is also pleased by the Coalition plans to abolish the upper age limit of 72 for the directors of public companies. This part of the Corporations Law is long past its use-by date. Not only is that compulsory retirement age discriminatory but means that the management skills of older Australians are lost.

"COTA believes the Coalition's plans on age discrimination are a very positive development in the fight to improve the position of Australia's older workers – and indeed all older Australians," concluded Ms Sheen.

COTA commends Coalition aged care policy
in reflecting consumer issues

28 October 2001

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) said that the Coalition aged care policy launched today would be a great help in alleviating some of the problems in the aged care system and reflected a significant number of COTA's recommendations made in the lead up to the election.

"We welcome the Coalition's commitment to review the pricing arrangements for residential aged care to be conducted in consultation with the industry. COTA, along with members of the National Aged Care Alliance, has argued that the indexation formula has passed its use-by date and a new arrangement is needed. We trust that consumers will be part of the review as well industry. The review is a major advance and we are delighted that the Coalition has recognised the need for this review," said Mr Denys Correll, national executive director.

"We are pleased with the previously announced promise of additional capital funds of around $100 million over 4 years for services in rural, regional and urban fringe areas. COTA has been very concerned about the problems of maintaining and improving the physical structure of buildings in these areas because services are unable to attract bonds.

"The Coalition has promised additional Community Aged Care packages, as announced 2 weeks ago. They offer an opportunity for more older people to remain in their own home rather than have to move to residential care. Staying at home is what most older people want. The offer of the Coalition to improve the availability of these services in the next term of office if it is reelected, will be welcomed by older people.

"Older people will welcome the Coalition's commitment to tackle the staffing issues in aged care with $28 million over 4 years dedicated to attracting qualified staff especially in rural and regional areas as well as additional funds for training of staff in smaller homes.

Mr Correll concluded "Coalition aged care policy is a reasonable match for the policies offered by the Labor party. We are pleased to see both sides of politics responding to the detailed submissions from COTA and other organisations."

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LABOR ADOPTS MANY OF COTA'S ELECTION POLICIES FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS

26 October 2001

The Council on the Ageing today welcomed the new promises for older Australians made by the ALP today.

"Labor recognises the importance of assisting the 46 per cent of Australians 50-64 not in employment," said Mr Denys Correll, national executive director.

"Promised programs include assistance to mature age jobseekers, a mature age unit in the Department of Employment, and the introduction of age discrimination legislation.

"COTA sought these innovations in our election manifesto.

"Labor has promised a retirement incomes review. This is desperately needed and has been a key COTA wish for some years.

"The introduction of a small Home Equity Conversion Scheme is most welcome as COTA has been receiving increasing numbers of calls on this subject reflecting older people living in homes they can't afford to maintain.

"Advances on the Age Pension will assist older people in meeting one-off costs at times of crisis. The Working Credit Scheme is another recognition that a person on a pension should still be encouraged to work if they wish.

"Other measures that COTA welcomes are the CPI review, the Safer Communities Program and the recognition of the need for lifelong learning."

Mr Correll concluded that Labor in its older Australians policy is recognising the many facets of life including employment, learning, retirement incomes, safety and access to additional money in times of crisis.

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Coalition policy on health is worthy but misses some of the fundamentals

25 October 2001

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) said that the Coalition health policy launched today had positive attributes but did not address some of the most pressing needs in Australia's health care system.

"We welcome the Coalition's commitment to address the problems of doctor shortages in outer metropolitan and rural areas," said Mr Denys Correll, national executive director.

"Many older Australians face problems in getting access to GPs and other medical treatment in outer suburbs and rural areas. The commitment to better treatment for cancer patients living outside the capital cities will be welcomed by many older people.

"Increased funding for palliative care and arthritis treatment is also good news for many older Australians. Lack of funds for palliative care has been a great concern for COTA in recent years. Arthritis afflicts many older people so improvements to treatment are always welcome.

"However, the Coalition policies on some key issues are lacking.

"The first issue is the pressure on the public hospital system which shows up in waiting times and stories of substandard care for older people. The Coalition has promised to take up some public hospital issues with the States and Territories in the lead up to the new Australian Health Care Agreements due to come into effect in July 2003. But the commitment is vague and does not address the urgent need for additional funding now. COTA asked for an additional $900 million for public hospitals over the next 2 years in this election campaign.

"The second issue is that many older people are finding that their doctors are now charging them co-payment for services and will not bulk bill any more. This is both an extra cost for people on low incomes and an inconvenience in reclaiming a rebate from Medicare. We have asked political parties to reverse the decline in bulk billing for people with health care cards.

"The third issue is the lack of discharge planning rehabilitation and convalescent facilities which puts older people at risk of relapse, readmission to hospital and premature placement in residential care. The Coalition says it will address this issue in the context of the Australian Health Care Agreements but COTA looks to the incoming Government to set up a national system for discharge planning, rehabilitation and convalescent services as quickly as possible.

"As always we are disappointed that there is nothing in Coalition policy on dental care. This is a major black spot in Australia's health care system.

Mr Correll concluded "Coalition health policy is basically more of what we have had over the past five and half years rather than presenting a fresh vision for tackling some of the hard problems in the system."

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Labor show leadership in hospital care

23 October, 2001

At last a political party has put forward a health care policy that addresses the many components of the hospital system. Denys Correll, National Executive Director, Council on the Ageing said today, "Labor has a clear understanding that the public hospital system is where policy on hospital care needs to start. Older people have lost faith in the public system. Too many low income older Australians feel obliged to take out private health insurance to ensure access to hospital care"

COTA in its Federal election policy asked that the parties commit $900 million more to public hospitals. The promise of $545million goes part way to meeting this request. But more important is the Labor overall perspective of what is needed to make the system work.

A few decades ago we had a world class convalescence and rehabilitation system. This, through lack of Commonwealth leadership and State neglect has fallen into disrepair. COTA welcomes the commitment by Labor to create 300,000 new convalescent bed days. COTA would like to see rehabilitation as a key part of the planned National Health Summit

The Health Summit will also look at the interface of hospitals, aged care and primary care. At the moment they act as separate pillars in the health care system.

COTA is alarmed at the increasing difficulties for older people in rural areas. Older citizens have watched helplessly at the decline in GP bulk billing and the gradual reduction of public hospitals in rural and remote Australia. COTA welcomes the rural initiatives in the Labor plan.

In conclusion, Mr Correll said, "This Labor plan for hospitals has identified many of the concerns that have been concerning older Australians. It is a relief to have public hospitals made the focus of attention for a change"

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COTA welcomes Coalition's residential care initiative
in rural and remote areas

22nd October 2001

Council on the Ageing (Australia) welcomed the announcement today by the Minister for Aged Care for additional Aged Care capital funding in rural and remote areas.

Mr Denys Correll, National Executive Director of COTA (A) said today "Rural and remote issues were a key point in the Council on the Ageing election guide. The non urban areas of Australia have been suffering. Land prices have been depressed. It is not possible to build affordable aged care accommodation without Government assistance."

It is very important to rural communities to have facilities in easy driving distance of people's homes. This means that smaller facilities need to be built. The down side is that they are too small to be viable with the normal subsidy levels and capital provided by residents.

Mr Correll concluded "The additional one hundred million for rural and remote aged care services is an important plank in meeting the needs of older Australians. We are looking forward to more of COTA's policies being recognised in the Coalition's yet to be announced Aged Care Policy".

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Reality check on ageing policies for new Government

21st October, 2001

Once the political promises are made, the votes cast and the results known, and the true budgetary position is revealed, real policy making will begin in Canberra.

The Council on the Ageing's National Congress, from Sunday 11 November until 13 November at Canberra's Old Parliament House, will provide a reality check and a call to arms to the new Government, its bureaucrats, and an anxious community of older Australians.

21st Century Ageing will examine aspirations, income, health and IT issues affecting older Australians. Its speakers, all expert academics, policy planners, industry leaders and service providers will explain what is really needed in these important policy areas compared to what has been promised, and just how likely the new Government's commitments are liable to work, or be afforded.

"The congress will provide a timely and public examination of the emerging policy responses necessary to address the increasingly complex lives of older people," Denys Correll, the National Executive Director of COTA said. "An adequate income, good health and services and increasing access to information technology are at the core of expectations of older Australians."

"Its timing in relation to the election is fortuitous as we will not be distracted by wondering which party will be the next Government," he said.

The Governor General, Dr Peter Hollingworth, a powerful advocate for social justice, will address the Congress on Sunday. Other Speakers include:

The Congress will interest older people, policy makers, media and those concerned about the implications of an ageing population.

For further information contact. COTA ACT on 02 6282 3777

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Labor's GST roll back plan on sensitive cost items
will attract older people

19 October 2001

The Council on the Ageing (COTA) believes that the ALP's GST roll back plan in the areas of domestic electricity and gas supply, long term caravan park rentals, boarding house rentals, and funeral services will be attractive to many older Australians.

"COTA was always very concerned for older people with the imposition of GST on gas and electricity supply. The removal of GST on domestic energy costs will be very welcome and will benefit many older people who are at home much of the time and rely on adequate heating and cooling," said Mr Denys Correll, COTA national executive director.

"The removal of GST from long term caravan park and boarding house rents will benefit some of the most disadvantaged older people in the community and is very welcome. The removal of GST from funerals will be welcomed by all older people and their families.

"There are still ongoing issues about the GST compensation package for pensioners and low income earners. COTA is not convinced that the removal of GST from a couple of items will substantially ease the pressure on many older Australians on low incomes. We note that the GST exclusion on electricity and gas is more than a year and half away.

"There needs to be a thorough rethink of the equity of the indirect taxation system we now have in the GST. We challenge both major parties to investigate the effects of the GST on the living standards of low income people.

"COTA is concerned that given the shrinking budget surplus there is insufficient targetting of expenditure on the most disadvantaged in the community. The Government has burnt up much of the surplus in the last Federal Budget on poorly targetted measures to a number of pressure groups. This has wound back the potential for helping those most in need in the next term of Government whoever wins the election.

Mr Correll concluded, "We need the next Government to make a commitment to some fairness in the taxation system and selective expenditure measures targetted to the most disadvantaged."

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ALP shows policy leadership on aged care

13 October 2001

The Council on the Ageing today welcomed the ALP's comprehensive aged care policy that shows good understanding of the issues.

"The policy certainly seems to have the pulse of consumer concerns and reflects many of the policies which COTA has been promoting to political parties in the lead up to the election. We applaud the ALP for listening to the consumer voice," said Mr Denys Correll, national executive director. "There are a number of aspects of the policy which we particularly welcome.

Mr Correll concluded, "The ALP has shown a good lead in planning for the longer term. They have adopted many of the policies that are in COTA's election guide. We hope that the Coalition will also rise to respond to the very evident problems in aged care"

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OLDER PEOPLE WELCOME COALITION PLANS FOR COMMUNITY CARE

11 October 2001

The Council on the Ageing today welcomed the Prime Minister's proposal to make available an additional 6,000 Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) at a cost of $68 million over four years combined with a pilot program of 600 CACPs in retirement villages costing an additional $14 million.

"We know that there is a very high demand for CACPs which offer a higher level of care than most community services," said Mr Denys Correll, national executive director.

"They offer an opportunity for more older people to remain in their own home rather than have to move to residential care. Staying at home is what most older people want.

"The offer of the Coalition to improve the availability of these services in the next term of office if it is reelected, will be welcomed by older people.

"The Council on the Ageing looks forward to seeing the rest of the Aged Care policies of the Coalition Government in the election campaign," concluded Mr Correll.

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NOTHING TO REPORT FROM NATIONAL STRATEGY ON AGEING 'RELEASE'

10 October 2001

There was nothing to report or comment on from the release of the National Strategy for an Ageing Australia by the Minister for Aged Care, Bronwyn Bishop, according to the National Executive Director of COTA Australia, Denys Correll.

"The long awaited Report was not made available because of the caretaker period. The Minister presented facts and figures on ageing but did not provide any indication of government leadership or direction.

"The most encouraging thing said by the Minister was that this country can afford to continue paying for the health, retirement incomes and aged care of the older population."

" Since 1997 COTA has put an enormous amount of effort in contributing to the development of the National Strategy. We have waited four years and we are still waiting."

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ALP DENTAL POLICY PROVIDES WELCOME RELIEF

8 October 2001

The Council on the Ageing today welcomed the ALP's launch of its Plan for Dental Health but believes that the funding commitment falls short of the need.

"The Beazley dental plan marks a start in staking out the policy turf in this important area. We now need at least an equivalent commitment by the Coalition," said Mr Denys Correll, COTA's national executive director.

"Older people will particularly welcome the ALP's plans to:

"The problem though is that the funds the ALP would allocate are comparatively small - a mere $100 million over 4 years.

"This is perplexing given that in 1995-96 alone, the Keating Government spent $112 million on dental health.

"On the positive side, the ALP's commitments to establishing national benchmarks for dental care and a national oral health policy are very welcome. These have been longstanding COTA policies.

"Older people will be waiting to see the Coalition's policy. For the many older people who cannot afford dental care and who are experiencing pain and discomfort, no political party should underestimate how important this issue is," concluded Mr Correll.

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NATIONAL DENTAL CARE FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS
DESPERATELY NEEDED NOW

25 September 2001

Council on the Ageing Australia, the peak body representing older people has welcomed the plan for a national dental care for the aged which is a key recommendation in a leaked Government report, Meeting the Health and Aged Care Needs of an Ageing Population.

" A national dental scheme would ease the suffering of millions of older Australians and others on low incomes who cannot afford decent dental care, " Denys Correll, National Executive Director of COTA said today.

"Such a scheme is the major plank in COTA's election plan for 21st Century Ageing," he said. "We welcome the vindication of our push for a national dental scheme."

"Currently older Australians face very long delays in receiving treatment or don't get treatment at all as waiting lists are closed. People in rural or remote areas don't even have a public dental scheme available."

"Catch up funding is urgently needed, and $240 million referred to in the document will probably only go part way to meeting a huge backlog of demand."

Denys Correll said national leadership by the Commonwealth was needed for a national dental health policy. "While states might be at fault for not providing adequate public dental care, the need for such a scheme is so great, the Commonwealth has to step in to reduce avoidable pain and suffering caused by lack of dental care," he said.

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19 September 2001

COTA PUSHES ELECTION CANDIDATES ON PROMISES FOR
AN AGEING FUTURE

There are 2.3 million voters over the age of 65. COTA sets out the key issues for older Australians in the forthcoming election in its election policy guide 21st Ageing: A Plan for Government in 2002-2004.

"There are 1.2 million people on full age pensions who are struggling to make ends meet - as are the 33 per cent of 50-64 year olds reliant on other social security payments. The GST, increased user pays, and pressures on services such as dental care all play a part," said Mr Denys Correll, National Executive Director.

"Older people are worried that if they get sick they will not be able to get a bed in a public hospital or afford the medications they need. They are worried about falling standards and staffing in nursing homes and the lack of services if they wish to stay at home.

"A big issue for the over 50s group is discrimination in the job market. The community at large is concerned about the effects of the ageing demographics and wants a solid Government response.

"These issues are the basis of the policies in COTA's new election policy guide. We are looking for a new vision for Australia's older population.

"COTA has a 9 point policy plan that it wants all candidates to adopt.

1. Take forward the National Strategy for an Ageing Australia.
2. Protect the revenue base through a progressive taxation system.
3. Strengthen Australia's retirement incomes system.
4. Remove barriers to employment for older workers.
5. Boost Australia's public health system.
6. Build up public dental health services.
7. Preserve the integrity of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
8. Strengthen residential aged care.
9. Ensure access to community care.

"Older people, their families and carers, staff in aged services and the community at large will be assessing each candidate in terms of their commitment to these policies," concluded Mr Correll.
Download the guide.

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COTA (A) ENDORSES THE CODE OF ETHICS

15th August 2001

Council on the Ageing (Australia) announces its endorsement of the Code of Ethics for Residential Aged Care and The Guide to Ethical Conduct launched by Bronwyn Bishop, Minister for Aged Care on Monday.

"COTA supports the 18 month trial period and believes that it is another step in the right direction of ensuring that best practice is adhered to in the Aged Care industry. At the completion of the trial, the Government, in conjunction with the Aged Care sector can hopefully determine appropriate levels of funding to assist with the real costs associated with aged care facilities" said Mr Denys Correll, National Executive Director of Council on the Ageing.

"The Code and the Guide can be used by the organisation and adapted to suit the individual needs of the organisation. Because the Code of Conduct is voluntary, it can be used to say to the community that we (the organisation) practice ethical standards in the care and treatment of older people in Residential Aged Care Units."

"COTA recognises the efforts of all organisations who participated in the creation of the Code of Ethics and The Guide to Ethical Conduct and trusts that their work has been of benefit to the Aged Care sector" Said Mr Correll.

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COTA "UPS THE ANTE" ON AGEING POLICY IN NEW REPORTS

25 July 2001

The Council on the Ageing (Australia) today challenged the Government and all election candidates to rethink their directions on ageing policy in the lead up to the federal election later in the year as it released four Strategic Ageing policy reports. The reports are:

"Australia's population is rapidly ageing. These reports show the way forward to achieve the highest quality of life for older Australians, within a policy framework that will benefit the entire community. Our policies have been developed also with a view to economic sustainability and the realities of a limited pool of government funds over the long term," said Veronica Sheen, COTA's Deputy Executive Director.

"We know that the Prime Minister is making a major policy address on 1 August at the National Press Club that will include a statement about Australia's ageing population. COTA's policy reports ( which have already been presented as submissions for the Government's National Strategy for an Ageing Australia) would make an excellent basis for his statement.

Several priorities emerge from the reports:

"COTA believes that older people need to be seen as a valued part of the community and one of growing diversity. We need to abolish our stereotypes about the aged and ageing," Veronica Sheen said. Our strategic papers will assist a more informed debate and policy making process."

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Copyright © 2001 Council on the Ageing. All rights reserved.
Revised: 27 November 2001

Council on the Ageing (Australia)
Level 2, 3 Bowen Crescent, Melbourne Vic 3004
Tel (03) 9820 2655 Fax (03) 9820 9886
email cota@cota.org.au