NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL : 3-16 MARCH 2025
WHAT SENIORS WANT FROM GOVERNMENT
The upcoming 2025-26 Federal Budget is a critical moment for older Australians , with National Seniors Australia ( NSA ) pushing for key reforms in housing , healthcare , dental services , and banking .
Their pre-budget submission outlines 16 crucial policy recommendations aimed at improving the lives of pensioners , partpensioners , self-funded retirees , and pre-retirees . Housing Reforms One of the most pressing concerns is housing , particularly for renters . While retirees who own their homes enjoy greater financial security , older renters are struggling in an increasingly expensive market . The NSA is calling for a further increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance beyond the 2023 ( 15 %) and 2024 ( 10 %) rises . Additionally , they advocate for indexing payments to actual rental cost inflation rather than the Consumer Price Index ( CPI ).
NSA also proposes incentives to encourage investment in affordable housing for seniors , removing financial disincentives for renting out rooms , and exempting excess home sale proceeds from the Age Pension assets test to support downsizing . Healthcare and Medicare Rising out-of-pocket expenses at GP clinics pose a significant challenge for seniors . NSA supports the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners ( RACGP ) in calling for a 40 % increase in the Medicare Rebate for longer consultations . They also urge the government to invest more in Medicare to improve bulk billing and address GP shortages .
Additionally , NSA is advocating for a comprehensive review of the private health system to ensure better value for money . They recommend increasing the Private Health Insurance Rebate for low-income seniors and implementing a targeted Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme to provide affordable dental care . The Australian Dental Association supports
this initiative , highlighting the need for improved access to dental services . Banking Challenges The decline of face-to-face banking services , particularly in regional and rural areas , is another major concern . Many older Australians struggle with digital banking and require in-person support for complex financial matters such as deceased estates .
NSA supports a proposal for Australia Post to expand its financial services and obtain an authorised deposit-taking institution ( ADI ) licence . This could be funded by a Treasury-proposed bank levy , ensuring continued access to essential banking services for seniors in underserved areas . Looking Ahead With a potential federal election on the horizon , NSA remains committed to advocating for these policy changes . Their detailed submission provides a roadmap for improving the financial security , healthcare access , and overall well-being of older Australians .
For further details , the full NSA budget submission is available at : https :// nationalseniors . com . au / uploads / NSA- 2025-26-Federal-Budget-Submission . pdf .
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 117 // MARCH 2025 21