Council on the Ageing Tasmania (COTA Tas) has warned against shunning protection and
advocacy for elderly Tasmanians in the lead up to what is set to be a fiscally stringent State
Budget.
In its budget submission COTA Tas has outlined the dangers of failing to recognise and respond to
the needs of older Tasmanians, pointing to the increasing challenges that will continue to face the
State as the population ages rapidly.
COTA Tas CEO Maxine Griffiths said it was essential that the State Government ensured the
voices of older Tasmanians were central in the decision making that affected their lives.
“We need to seek to improve the ways in which policies, programs and services are developed to
better benefit the health, wellbeing and quality of life for older Tasmanians,” said Ms Griffiths.
“There is no doubt that we face a major challenge with the fastest ageing population of any state in
Australia.
“It is important that the Government budgets accordingly so that we can better understand the
opportunities and challenges an ageing population presents, and be in a position to capitalise on
that.
“We are asking that the Government provide funding for COTA Tas to establish a knowledge hub to
provide a central point for information on, and research into older Tasmanians.
“Having a central point from which information can be sourced by Government and private
enterprise can only benefit economic growth within the State, as policy decisions, program planning
and service delivery draws on informed research.
“Further to this request we are also asking for annual indexation on the funding we receive to
enable us to supply demand for the services and advocacy we offer as an organisation.
“We have always had a strong relationship with the State Government and we look forward to that
partnership continuing throughout 2012.”
COTA is a leading advocate and source of trusted information, giving older Tasmanians a voice.
Download submission:
COTA_Tas_-_Submission_to_Tas_Gov_Community_Consultation_2012-2013_FINAL.pdf
COTA Tas
