The President of the Council on the Ageing, is calling on all sides of politics to make the same commitment as the Liberal Party made earlier this week.
The goal behind this call is to ensure that a Minister for Ageing becomes a non-negotiable priority, regardless of which party forms government. This unified commitment would hopefully guarantee coordinated policy across all government departments, from health and housing to transport and social inclusion, ensuring that the needs of Tasmania’s rapidly aging demographic are comprehensively met.
Media release – Council on the Ageing, Tasmania, 16 July 2025
COTA Tasmania welcomes Liberal commitment to older Tasmanians through a Minister for Ageing
Major step forward for older Tasmanians’ representation in government
COTA (Council on the Ageing) Tasmania welcomes today’s announcement by the Liberal Party to commit to establish a dedicated Minister for Ageing, delivering on a key priority that the organisation has advocated for over several years.
COTA also welcomes the promise to double and extend the Ticket to Wellbeing program – an initiative that COTA strongly advocated for at the last state election, as it provides vital support for older Tasmanians to maintain health and wellbeing.
“Today’s announcement, which also includes an extension of the government’s Care@Home Service and additional assisted living facilities, represents a significant step forward in further positive ageing initiatives for older Tasmanians,” said Ingrid Harrison who is COTA President and Chair of the Board.
“In particular we believe a Minister for Ageing, which has been at the top of our priority list for some years, is essential to coordinate policy across government departments and ensure the needs of Tasmania’s rapidly ageing population are properly addressed.
“The successful Ticket to Wellbeing program exemplifies positive ageing policy that recognises older Tasmanians as active community members and goes a long way to help older Tasmanians’ physical and mental welfare.
“We are now calling on all sides of politics to make this same commitment,” Harrison said.
Tasmania has one of Australia’s oldest populations, with significant implications for health services, housing, transport, community infrastructure and social inclusion. A dedicated Minister for Ageing will provide the focused leadership needed to tackle these challenges comprehensively.
“For too long, ageing issues have been scattered across different portfolios without coordinated oversight.
A Minister for Ageing will bring the strategic focus and accountability that older Tasmanians deserve,” Harrison said.
COTA Tasmania looks forward to working constructively with the new Minister to advance policies that support healthy ageing, combat ageism, and ensure Tasmania is truly age friendly.
“The Liberal Party’s commitment demonstrates recognition that older Tasmanians are not just service users, but valuable contributors to our community who deserve dedicated government representation.”
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