Tasmania’s peak advocacy group for older residents says the state government has failed to address the needs of an ageing population in the latest budget handed down this week.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Tasmania CEO Brigid Wilkinson said the lack of “targeted initiatives” was “particularly disappointing” and that cuts to half-price public transport fares would leave many seniors more isolated.
“We are concerned older Tasmanians have been overlooked in this budget,” she said.
Wilkinson said the end of the half-price bus fare scheme for all had left the council “particularly disheartened”, calling it a step backwards that would create “significant barriers to social participation”.
While students and regional residents will continue to get half-price fares, the current arrangement, where all fares are halved, will end on June 30.
Other existing concessions still apply to passengers aged 70 and over who hold the relevant cards.
“Many older Tasmanians no longer drive due to health, safety or financial reasons, leaving them with extremely limited transport options,” Wilkinson said.
“In most other states and territories, seniors receive free transport options to enable them to safely participate in their communities, while supporting cost of living pressures, which for many older people is all the harder on fixed incomes like the pension.”
COTA had hoped the budget would include specific support for seniors’ housing options, job assistance for older workers and programs that encourage social connection and mental wellbeing.
The group also raised concerns about the lack of forward funding for the government’s 20-year preventive health strategy, but welcomed the $281,000 over three years committed to delivering an action plan for older Tasmanians.
“This investment shows the government recognises the importance of strategic planning for our ageing population and we hope it signals a broader commitment to addressing the needs of older Tasmanians,” Wilkinson said.
Community Services Minister Roger Jaensch said $3 million has been committed across 2024-25 and 2025-26 to deliver “key priorities that support older Tasmanians”.
He said this includes additional funding to COTA Tasmania, $200,000 per year for two years for the advocacy for Seniors, Seniors Week, Elder Abuse Prevention Activities and $150,000 per year for two years for the delivery of digital inclusion initiatives for seniors.
“COTA Tas is also progressing the digital inclusion initiative to deliver a program that builds social connection between residential care settings and school/college aged students,” he said.
“The Tasmanian Government is also working with COTA to deliver our Ticket to Wellbeing program.”
