People should be able to age with dignity, be free from discrimination and have equal rights to participate in every aspect of life. They should be entitled to equitable social and financial support, be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation and have the right to maintain their autonomy and independence for as long as possible.
Aims
The Greens (WA) want:
- to promote interdependence and respect for seniors across generations
- to protect and extend services and programs that are used and valued by seniors
- a cabinet position to manage the portfolio for seniors
- a recognition of the inks between disability and ageing and the needs of carers (see also The Greens (WA) Disability policy)
- all seniors to have a guaranteed liveable income
- seniors to be consulted on legislative and procedural changes that affect them
- funded programs that meet the mobility needs of seniors, including local and regional public transport and community bus services (see also The Greens (WA) Transport policy)
- suitable accommodation including affordable, quality public and social housing for seniors (see also The Greens (WA) Housing policy)
- seniors to be protected from crime, elder abuse and discrimination
- appropriate support services for seniors who choose to remain in their own homes
Measures
The Greens (WA) will initiate and support legislation and actions that:
- work with the building industry to adopt the standards of universal design for accessibility, adaptability and environmental sustainability for all residential construction (see also The Greens (WA) Housing policy)
- ensure the availability of housing and other suitable accommodation for seniors in regional and rural Western Australia
- increase the number of rehabilitation facilities linked to hospitals to reduce the pressure on acute care beds
- ensure greater funding for programs and positive ageing centres that enhance the physical, social and mental well-being of seniors and their carers
- work in partnership with all levels of government and seniors' organisations, service providers and academia, to develop research, policy and programs that enhance the health, participation and community engagement of older Australians
- increase the awareness of grandparents as carers and encourage support services for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren
- continue to celebrate achievement of seniors through events and awards
- enhance the benefits of the Seniors Card targeted to older Australians on low incomes
- establish a Policy Unit for Aging to develop and implement policies for seniors across the whole of government
- ensure “age-friendly” towns and cities in Western Australia to facilitate older Australians’ mobility and access to exercise, social activities and emotional support (see also The Greens (WA) Planning policy)
- provide quality and affordable early intervention, health, pharmaceutical and community support services for seniors including dental treatment and preventative health services (see also The Greens (WA) Health policy
- increase funding for community organisations representing and servicing seniors and their carers to provide free information, advice and advocacy services
- improve remuneration, conditions of employment and career pathways for people who work in the aged care sector
- provide more age friendly workplaces that give seniors the choice to stay engaged with work in line with their capacity to do so (see also The Greens (WA) Workplace Relations policy)
- ensure that seniors are protected from financial, psychological abuse from family or carers (see also The Greens (WA) Family & Domestic Violence policy)
- ensure that advice lines and legal services are free and available to older people at risk of elder abuse
- develop community awareness programs about elder abuse
- prevent retirement homes from overcharging resident seniors and engaging in unconscionable contracting
- improve government oversight of state-funded aged care services, with greater inspection and stronger regulation of procedures and safety
See also the Australian Greens Older Peoples policy)
Seniors policy ratified by The Greens (WA) in 2020