Budgets are about more than numbers. They are a tangible annual statement of what a government values, what it prioritises, and who it sees.
In an ageing Tasmania, that must include the 40% of Tasmanians now aged 50 and over – a proportion that continues to grow. These are the people who have contributed to and shaped the Tasmania we are proud to call home. As we move into later years, people need confidence that Governments have planned for, adjusted to, and can support their changing needs.
The Budget handed down last week did not reflect the realities of demographic change or the growing pressures facing older people across the state.
Tasmania has the oldest population in the country, and yet this Budget does not match the scale of that shift. Older Tasmanians are a significant and growing part of our community, and they deserve to be seen in the Government’s priorities.
We acknowledge and welcome several modest commitments that will support older Tasmanians, including an investment in the Older Tasmanians Action Plan, funding for preventive health and Care@Home, expanded access to bulk-billed GP services, increased funding to Libraries Tasmania, and some transport-related measures.
However, these measures fall short of what is required, with the overall level of investment not going far enough to address the real and immediate challenges older Tasmanians are facing. The Budget lacks targeted measures to address cost-of-living pressures, which are being acutely felt by pensioners, and includes no meaningful investment in programs addressing social isolation or supporting mature-age job seekers.
With a Minister for Ageing appointed less than 12 months ago and an Older Tasmanians Ministerial Advisory Council soon to be established, this Budget presented a clear opportunity to build on these foundations. Adequate resourcing, supported by strong data and lived experience, is needed to translate these initiatives into meaningful policy, service design, and investment outcomes across government.
There was also a missed opportunity to appoint a Commissioner for Older People, with one in six older people impacted by mistreatment and abuse. A Commissioner would be part of a new overarching body with powers to receive reports, make enquiries, conduct investigations on elder abuse and coordinate responses among existing services.
As our population ages, demand for hospital care, primary health, mental health services, rehabilitation, and community-based supports will continue to rise. Investing in prevention and early intervention including social connection programs, falls prevention, physical activity, and health literacy, is essential to reduce long-term pressure on acute and residential aged care systems
While we welcome the Government’s commitment to preventive health, the allocation of $5 million per year falls well short of what is required to drive systemic change. A significantly greater proportion of the health budget, at least 5%, must be directed toward prevention if we are to meaningfully shift reliance away from acute services to community run services.
The move to extend free public transport for another year is a positive one. This will provide important cost relief for older Tasmanians on fixed incomes, particularly those not yet eligible for concessions. However, a long-term commitment to free public transport for seniors, something COTA has advocated on for more than a decade, is needed to deliver certainty and longer-term relief.
The Government recently released the Digital Tasmania 2026-2031 Strategy, with no investment apparent in last week’s Budget papers. Tasmania has the lowest digital inclusion score in the nation, with older Tasmanians significantly below national averages in both access and digital capability. As more essential services move online, the digital divide is becoming a critical issue. Without targeted investment, many older Tasmanians risk being left behind.
Of significant concern to COTA and our colleagues in the Coalition of Community Service Peaks, is the projected reduction in funding for community service organisations across the forward estimates. A 14.5% decrease between the 2025–26 and 2026–27 budgets will have real consequences, with more Tasmanians at risk of missing out on essential support and care.
Community organisations are the backbone of support for many older Tasmanians. A cut of this scale will have real and immediate consequences for people who rely on these services to stay healthy, connected, and independent.
We remain committed to working constructively with Government. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so without adequate resourcing. As a peak body, our effectiveness relies on our ability to engage with the community, undertake research, and provide informed policy advice to shape better outcomes. We do so on a small core peak body grant and continue to be without funding for a full-time policy officer. This reduces our capacity and ability to improve decision-making and service delivery for older Tasmanians.
If Tasmania is to become a respectful, age-friendly island, we must treat ageing as an asset, plan ahead for what is needed, and not see ageing as a problem to be managed.
ENDS
Media contact
Brigid Wilkinson
CEO COTA Tasmania
0437 031 173
COTA Tasmania is encouraging feedback on the 2026-2027 State Budget and would like to hear your views. Please complete the short survey: