The #federalbudget will help ease some cost-of-living pressures on older Australians but more answers are needed on aged care and support for older women! We are still analysing all the details but you can read our quick overview of the Federal Budget at buff.ly/3ymnv0b.

This budget - we're hoping to see a 60% increase to the maximum threshold for Commonwealth Rent Assistance. We are asking for a lift to the maximum threshold for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) by 60%, along with a review to the design of CRA.

This budget - we're hoping to see the Women's Economic Equality Taskforce investigate and report, on or before December 2024, on plans to close the retirement gender gap. The gendered wage gap, and uneven distribution of unpaid care work, compound disadvantage for older women.

This budget - we're hoping to see a Senior Dental Benefits Scheme program, bulk billed through Medicare. Close to one-third of older adults have untreated tooth decay. 72,000 hospitalisations for dental conditions in 2017-18 could have been prevented with earlier treatment.

Our pre- budget submission recommends actions that can be taken by Government to address ageism and close the retirement gap for older women, and improve health, housing, and aged care outcomes for older Australians. Read it at buff.ly/3QAlkMA

On Friday, the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee released their 2024 report.

We support the Committee’s priority call to government to 'substantially lift JobSeeker and related working-age payments' in the upcoming Federal Budget.
Read more at buff.ly/3WiK7s8

Today, we pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who courageously served our country.

We take a moment to express gratitude and remember the courage, mateship, and resilience that continues to define our national identity.

Lest we forget.

Our CEO Pat has been reflecting on what a busy start to the year it has been for the team. Our Autumn 2024 Update has now been sent to all supporters. Join our community and sign up for our newsletter at buff.ly/3w8Cl9q or get a snapshot of news at buff.ly/49BhMks

This week is #AgeWithRights Global Rally Week - an initiative by Global Alliance. While not campaigning ourselves this year, we support GAROP’s call for Governments to support the drafting of the United Nations convention on the rights of older people. More at buff.ly/3voEZb1

Older Australians have already waited three long years since the Royal Commission's top recommendation for a new rights-based Act. We stand by our call to see the new Aged Care Act enacted this year. Media release - buff.ly/4cHudxq . #newagedcareaustralia #agedcareact

Our sincere congratulations to Robert Fitzgerald AM on his appointment as Age Discrimination Commissioner. It was great to catch up with Robert at the “Preparing for the New Aged Care Act' conference in Sydney last week. Looking forward to working with you! #agediscrimination

We are excited to share that a new COTA Australia website is coming! Featuring updated navigation and search tools, resources for businesses and individuals, video updates and a new media hub – we can’t wait to share our new online home with you as soon as it’s ready.

To everyone who celebrates, we wish you a wonderful Easter filled with laughter, peace and joy.

Did you know that 73% of Australians support the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme and 4 in 5 people believe dental care should be covered by Medicare? The Federal Government should introduce a publicly funded Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme- buff.ly/43njeoD

Recent polling by Essential Research and ourselves has highlighted the number of older Australians who are putting off dental care due to cost. We urge the Federal Government to introduce a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme, funded by Medicare. Learn more at - buff.ly/43njeoD

Right now, too many older Australians are delaying or avoiding getting the oral and dental treatment they need due to cost. Do you believe that dental care should be covered by Medicare? If so, learn more about our planned advocacy in this area - buff.ly/43njeoD

COTA Australia recently partnered with Catalyst Research to conduct a study into Home Care Services. This study closes 5pm today - Friday 15th March! Don't miss your chance to have a say! buff.ly/3v8KZ7K

COTA Australia, and 11 other national organisations working with older people and carers yesterday released a submission on the #exposuredraft for the new #agedcareact . Read the submission - buff.ly/3IA7lSM.

Overnight, the Government released the Final Report from the Aged Care Taskforce. Read our media statement - buff.ly/4a5TnUi. For more information sign up to our email list here. #agedcare #advocacy

This #internationalwomensday , we acknowledge the obstacles that many women face when it comes to financial security. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency suggests that women aged 55-64 can face up to a 31.9% gap in earnings, paving way for retirement on shaking financial ground.