Speaking up
COTA Tasmania regularly speaks up on issues that matter to older Tasmanians.
We prepare submissions, letters, briefing papers, media releases, op-eds, and other representations to governments, organisations, and decision-makers to help shape the policies, programs and services that affect people as they age.
This advocacy is a core part of our role. It helps ensure the experiences, concerns and priorities of older Tasmanians are formally heard, recorded, and considered in policy development, government consultations, and legislative reform.
Many of our advocacy activities respond to consultation papers, inquiries, draft laws, and public discussions. Others are proactive – raising emerging issues, offering practical solutions, or explaining why a matter deserves attention.
COTA Tasmania is a member of the COTA Australia Alliance and works with COTA Australia and other state and territory COTAs to ensure Tasmanians are represented in national policy discussions. We also work closely with Tasmanian community and representative organisations, including TasCOSS and the Tasmanian Coalition of Community Service Peaks.
This page highlights some of the ways COTA Tasmania is working to make Tasmania a better place to age.
2026
Submissions
TasInsure Discussion Paper and TasInsure Company Bill 2025
Draft 2026 Concessions and Discounts Guide
Integrity Commission Amendment Bill 2026
Tasmanian Transport Schemes Review
Draft Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy
Draft Northern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy
Clarence City Council Revised Strategic Plan 2025-2035
Housing Land Supply (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill
Family Violence Discussion Paper
OTTER Water and Sewerage Price Determination Investigation TasWater PSP5)
Tasmanian Disability Inclusion Plan
Macquarie Point Northern Access Road Concept Design Consultation
20-Year Preventive Health Strategy – Exposure Draft
DPAC Stakeholder Survey Response
Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026
Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023–2027- Draft Implementation Plan 3
Public Health Amendment (Prohibited Tobacco and Other Products) Bill-2026
South Hobart Oval Off-Leash Dog Access
Single Start-Up Permit (SSUP) Discussion Paper
Residential Parks Bill 2026 (Consultation Draft)
Monetary Penalties Enforcement Amendment Bill 2026
Renewable Energy – Community Benefits
AEMO Improving life support processes (RRC0064)
Residential Parks Bill 2026 – LegCo Comments
Tasmanian Small Business Strategy
Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia
Electricity Safety Regulations 2026 Consultation
Next Tasmanian Mental Health Strategy
Cat Management in Tasmania Discussion Paper
Commission of Inquiry (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026
Public Health Amendment (Emergency Powers) Bill 2026
What this means
Tasmania is ageing first 260216
Representations
Online Access Centre Changes – Letter to Minister Palmer 260123
Parks Booking System – Letter to Minister Duigan 260326
National Parks Booking System – Letter to Minister Duigan 260423
Media Releases
Buck-passing over aged care closure will leave older Tasmanians stranded – COTA & ANMF 260123
Hospital funding certainty welcome 260130
Helping older Tasmanians stay connected 260330
Breast Screen Bus Delays – COTA & Women’s Health Tasmania 260515
Older Persons Advisory Council 2600604
2025 Submissions
Disability Discrimination Act Review – Submission
Local Government Reform Submission – Submission
20-Year Preventive Health Strategy – Submission
Family Violence Reforms Bill 2025 COTA Tasmania submission
National Plan to End Abuse and Mistreatment – COTA National Alliance Submission Feb 2025
2024 Submissions
COTA Tasmania – Long Term Residency in Caravan Parks Consultation Submission Oct 2024
Power of Attorney law reforms needed – Letter to Attorney-General
COTA Tasmania – Endorsement for BCAT & DVT Submission on Accessible Voting
Minor modifications – Residential Tenancy Act Coalition Letter
Inspector General submission My Aged Care Administration
Aged Care Act Reforms – COTA Tasmania’s contribution towards COTA Australia submission
Joint Select Committee on Energy Matters in Tasmania 2024
State Budget Submissions
This annual process aims to inform the Government on our priority areas for consideration in the upcoming Budget decisions.
COTA State Budget Submission 2026-2027
COTA Tasmania State Budget Submission 2025-2026
COTA Tasmania State Budget Submission 2024-2025
COTA Tasmania State Budget Submission 2023-2024
COTA Tasmania Budget Submission 2022-2023
Ageing isn’t the problem: Ageism is
Demographic urgency
Tasmania’s ageing population
- Nearly one-third of Tasmania’s population is expected to be aged 65+ by 2050
- Tasmania has the fastest growing ageing demographic in Australia
- We need a change in narrative around the ageing journey to one of possibility, participation and contribution.
We need decisive action now to prepare for this demographic shift.
Strategic Vision
- Create age-friendly communities across Tasmania
- Build infrastructure and support systems for all current and future older Tasmanians
- Make Tasmania a national leader in supporting positive ageing
- Focus on celebrating ageing and enabling full, connected lives where people feel safe, respected and independent.
Research, Consultations, and Reports
At COTA Tasmania, we listen to older Tasmanians through surveys, consultations, and research projects. Their voices shape our policy and advocacy work, ensuring decisions reflect real experiences and community needs.
We have published a range of reports used by government, service providers, and the broader community to inform planning, policy, and programs.
Key Publications
COTA Tas – State of the Older Nation Tasmania 2025
COTA Australia State of the Nation Report 2025
Focus on Tasmania: State of the Older Nation 2023
Healthy, Engaged, and Resilient Consultation – Outcome Report 2022
Healthy, Engaged and Resilient Infographic
Representation in the Community
COTA Tasmania advocates for older Tasmanians by ensuring their voices are heard where decisions are made. We actively represent the interests of older Tasmanians on a wide range of consumer groups, networks, and advisory committees, including:
- Coalition of Community Service Peaks
- Partners in Palliative Care
- Tasmanian Health Promotion Network
- Tasmanian Active Living Coalition
- Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Network
- Tasmanian Aged Care Forum
- Tasmanian Aged Care Collaborative
- Older Persons Mental Health Reform working group
- Aurora Community Consultation Forum
- Tas Networks Customer Council
- Prejudice Related Violence Working Group
- OTTER Customer Consultative Committee
- Metro Disability, Inclusion and Accessibility Governance Group
- Hobart Airport Accessibility Advisory Group
- Public Trustee Stakeholder Reference Group
- Hobart Airport Accessibility Advisory Group
- TAFE Course Advisory Committee
- UTAS Course Advisory Committee
Through these engagements, we bring the perspectives of older Tasmanians directly into government, community, and industry discussions – helping to shape more inclusive, age-friendly policies and practices.
Share Your Views
We want to hear from you! Share your ideas and experiences to help shape our advocacy priorities.
Share Your Views
COTA (Tas) wants to hear from you!
