COTA Tasmania has welcomed the appointment of the inaugural Older Tasmanians Ministerial Advisory Council, announced by Minister for Ageing Bridget Archer. The Council has been established to help oversee the delivery of A Respectful, Age-Friendly Island: Older Tasmanians Action Plan 2025–2029 and provide advice to government on issues affecting older Tasmanians.
COTA Tasmania CEO Brigid Wilkinson said the appointment marks an important step in ensuring older people have a stronger voice in shaping policy and decision-making.
“The appointment of this Council is a significant and welcome step in ensuring the voices, experiences and priorities of older Tasmanians are heard at the highest levels of government,” Ms Wilkinson said.
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. The Tasmanian Government has appointed five older Tasmanians and representatives from two community organisations to the Council. COTA Tasmania has also been appointed as a permanent sitting member.
“Older Tasmanians contribute enormously to our communities, families, workplaces, volunteering, caring, civic life and the economy. It is vital that government policy is informed by the lived experience of older people themselves,” Ms Wilkinson said.
COTA Tasmania looks forward to working with Council members and the Minister to support the implementation of the Older Tasmanians Action Plan and help create a more age-friendly Tasmania.
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