The Liberal Party has promised to appoint a dedicated Minister for Ageing if re-elected in a move strongly welcomed by the state’s peak body for older Tasmanians.
The Council on the Ageing (COTA) Tasmania has described the commitment as a “major step forward” for giving older people a stronger voice in government.
President and Board Chair Ingrid Harrison said it delivered on a key priority the organisation has been pushing for over several years.
“A Minister for Ageing, which has been at the top of our priority list for some years, is essential to coordinate policy across government departments and ensure the needs of Tasmania’s rapidly ageing population are properly addressed,” she said.
The commitment is part of a four-point aged care plan unveiled by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, which also includes $16 million to expand the Care@home service and plans for three new assisted living facilities across the state.
Under the plan, the government will call for expressions of interest from aged care providers to build and run assisted living facilities in the north, north-west and south, on government-owned greenfield sites.
The party has also pledged to double the popular Ticket to Wellbeing program from 2026–27 and extend it for another two years until June 2028.
The program’s first round was snapped up in just 10 weeks, providing nearly 9,000 vouchers.
“The successful Ticket to Wellbeing program exemplifies positive ageing policy that recognises older Tasmanians as active community members and goes a long way to help older Tasmanians’ physical and mental welfare,” Harrison said.
Rockliff said the policies would give people “more choice, more support and better care as they age”.
“Everyone deserves to age with dignity and support, regardless of their age, income or location,” he said.
“By partnering with aged-care providers, we will deliver much-needed, additional care options for Tasmanians who are in need of extra support and are transitioning from hospital back to home or from hospital to an assisted living facility.”
Harrison said Tasmania has one of the oldest populations in Australia, creating significant challenges for health services, housing, transport and community infrastructure.
She said that ageing issues had been “scattered across different portfolios without coordinated oversight” for too long.
“A Minister for Ageing will bring the strategic focus and accountability that older Tasmanians deserve,” Harrison said.
COTA is calling on all sides of politics to match the commitment to a dedicated minister.
