National Seniors Association

While older Australians comprise one-third of the electorate and continue making an economic contribution, the lack of fiscally responsible and appropriate spending promises devoted to them highlights how they have been overlooked in this five-week election campaign.

More senior Australians should be encouraged to work. ABS statistics show the jobs are there and the outcome would boost GDP, but the current rules actively work against them doing so.

Fresh research highlights that many older Australians owning their home and on a full pension still feel financial stress, needing an extra $10,000 (singles) or $15,000 (couples) a year to meet their basic needs.

Older Australians who can afford their health insurance cling to it – despite the rising cost of premiums, out-of-pocket expenses and increasing difficulty in navigating the system.