W I N Election Special - Your guide to 2019 - National Seniors
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MAR | APR | MAY 2019
Election Special Feeding the masses
Your guide to 2019 OzHarvest founder wages
war on food waste
W I Nel ph
o t o com
p:
gift
Trav n $1,000
wi oucher
v
Royal
Commission
We put your views
Respect for age
Going, going or gone?
Age no barrier Going all out at 60
Masters Games partnership Milestone birthday triggers
opens new opportunities adrenaline rush
For the life AVA
NOWBLE ILA
you live today
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For the life you live today and the
future you’re helping us build for all
older Australians.
Visit nationalseniors.com.au/credit-card
or call us on 1300 15 33 20
Credit eligibility criteria, terms & conditions, fees & charges apply. ^Rates are current as at 21/01/2019 and subject to change without notice. *Community First
Credit Union will donate $20 to National Seniors Australia from the annual fee for each National Seniors Visa card, funding National Seniors Australia Foundation’s
Financial Literacy Service, leading-edge research and advocacy into issues affecting older people Australia-wide. The National Seniors Credit Card is issued on
behalf of NSA by Community First Credit Union Limited ABN 80 087 649 938. Community First is the credit provider and issuer of the card. For more information
visit www.nationalseniors.com.au. 0220193257MMB
March | April | May UP FRONT
CONTENTS
UP FRONT
5 Editor’s message
8 Letters
10 CEO's Royal Commission Update
NEWS 10
Election Special: Chief Advocate Ian Henschke
12
provides a guide to the expected May poll
and what National Seniors is seeking on behalf
of members.
Aged Care Royal Commission: Ian Henshcke
18
writes about the issues in the spotlight.
Feature – Respect for age: National Seniors
20 12 20
research indicates that if it hasn’t already gone,
it’s certainly going.
Age no barrier: Masters Games partnership
22
opens new opportunities for healthy ageing.
LIFE
Feature – Feeding the masses: Ronni Kahn,
24
founder of Australia’s leading food rescue 24 26
organisation, is waging a new war on waste.
26 Legal – Beware who you believe.
28 Logging on to your NSA account
29 Technology – Making a connection.
30 On the road – Rural driving takes heavy toll.
TRAVEL
22 29 30
Croatia’s day in the sun: As one of Europe’s
32
sunniest destinations and with a history
dating from Roman times, Croatia is proving
a crowd-puller.
Venture outback: The journey from Longreach
36
to Mt Isa is one of history, harsh yet beautiful
landscapes and friendly locals.
32 36
TIME OUT
Feature – Going all out at 60: Semi-retired
40
teacher Chris Chapman has planned a
series of adrenalin-rush activities to mark
a milestone birthday.
Members Save & Win: Special offers
42
and competitions.
46 Movies 40 46
47 Books
48 Members satisfaction survey
49 What’s on
50 Puzzles
nationalseniors.com.au 49 3
The big changes
coming from April 1
Thanks to the upcoming
private health insurance
reforms, there are a lot of
positive changes about
to be rolled out from
1 April 2019. So, what
are the key changes
that will impact you?
Standardised
clinical categories
A series of standardised clinical
categories will make it easier for you to
know what different insurance products
do and don’t cover. For example, if
you’re covered for ‘Ear, nose and
throat’ under one health fund’s product,
you’ll also be covered for the same
Medicare Benefits Schedule item
numbers if you select ‘Ear, nose and
throat’ with another health fund.
Easier to understand Health insurance
product tiers that’s easier
All private health insurers will categorise We believe the reforms will make health insurance even better
their hospital cover products into easy and easier to understand for our members. Which means you
can focus on finding the health cover that suits your needs.
to understand Gold, Silver, Bronze and
Basic tiers that reflect the level of cover Plus, as a National Seniors member you can take advantage
they provide. of a special offer when you join any combined nib Hospital
and Extras cover!
This means that all policies within a
certain tier have to meet a minimum 6% ongoing discount on your premiums when you pay
standard in terms of the benefits they by direct debit from a cheque or savings account^.
provide. So you’ll be able to review Receive 30 days of health cover on nib after making
products more easily. the first payment on your new policy*.
Call now on 1300 50 50 96
or visit nationalseniors.com.au/nib
nib health insurance is promoted by National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003 as an authorised representative of nib health funds limited
ABN 83 000 124 381. Offer applies to National Seniors Australia members only. ^The 6% discount on your premium excludes any Lifetime Health
Cover loading and only applies to direct debit payment from a cheque or savings account, excludes direct debit from a credit card account. *You must
have made a payment and served your 30 day cooling off period and nib will pay for the next 30 days of your premium. 30 days on nib offer excludes
existing nib members. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. ~Any benefit limits already used with current fund will apply to your new nib
policy. Waiting periods apply for services not currently covered. Conditions apply, please call 1300 50 50 96 or visit nationalseniors.com.au. Offer
may be changed or terminated at any time. nib389201_0219
March | April | May UP FRONT
EDITOR
Editor’s message
L CROSSWORD 15 X 15 This edition
Releaseof 50No. 5496 is designed to
Something onDAI029
page 10, along with how you can voice your
keep you informed about issues of critical concerns to the Royal Commission.
1 2 3 4 5
importance
6 7 8
to mature-age
9
Australians. We continue our coverage of this landmark inquiry
10 11The first is the federal election, which Prime Minister on page 20, with a report from our Chief Advocate
Scott Morrison has said will follow the budget on Ian Henschke, who has attended the Commission
12 13 14
2 April. He pulled the budget forward a month (it’s hearings several times since they started to hear
15 16
usually held early May) “ahead of going to the polls”. firsthand what’s being said.
17 18 For a variety of constitutional reasons, the election
Ian discusses one of the key issues raised very
19 20 21 is expected
22 on
23 11 or
24 18 May, although a date is yet
early and consistently - staffing of aged and home
25 26 to 27
be announced.
care, particularly staffing ratios that professional
28 29 We’ve put 30 together
31 a six-page Election Special, groups representing nurses, doctors, and specialist
Lynda Schekoske
32 33
which begins34on page 35 12. Seniors’ issues are geriatricians have argued are essential to ensure
Editor already front and centre of this poll, and you can older Australians receive safe and best practice care.
36 37 38
make a difference in a variety of ways. We urge you
39 40 41 We’re offering you the opportunity to voice your
to become involved, and stay in touch with what’s
views about this issue through on online poll at
42 43 happening
44 through our dedicated web pages at
www.nationalseniors.com.au/StaffRatios-Poll.
45 46 www.nationalseniors.com.au/FederalElection2019.
In this bumper election special issue, we’re also
47 I’m sure
48 most, if not all, of our readers will have
launching a new partnership with this year’s
49 50 some personal experience of aged care, either
Australian Masters Games, and more broadly, the
for themselves or through their parents or other
Confederation of Sport (CAS).
family members. Just two weeks in, the Royal
ACROSS 50 Trembling
Commission poplar
into Aged Care Quality and Safety On page 22, you can read about the great
3 Glossy fabric DOWN opportunities this partnership will offer members as a
7 Money bag
is already throwing
1 Large dish
light on key issues that need
10 Opened surgically addressing.
2 Flood participant, coach or volunteer at this year’s masters
11 King with Golden 3 Calm
Our CEO and Research Director, Professor John games in Adelaide in October.
Touch 4 Worship National Seniors will also be working with CAS
McCallum, was among witnesses on the first day
12 Kingly 5 Likeness
13 Colour of the hearings
6 No score and put the case for mandatory on joint research and advocacy that will benefit
15 Dry inflammable mat- dementia 7 Hanger-on training for home and residential care you, along with the activities that you enjoy at the
ter 8 Consumer
workers. He also argued for a change in the way community level.
16 Conditional release the9 government
Make more loved ‘drip-feeds’ funding for the aged
17 Retributive justice 14 Soft feathers Finally, National Seniors has launched its own credit
19 Efface care
16 sector,
Locationstressing
of Leaning the urgent need to address card that offers members and their families low
22 Wrongdoer the 126,000
Tower strong waiting list for home care. fees, low interest and security. Call our team on
25 Mechanical repetition You 18 can
Worth read John’s report in the CEO’s Update 1300 76 50 50 if you’d like to know more .■
26 Official copy of will 20 Bird
28 Curve 21 Inward feeling
30 Celtic tongue 23 Courage
32 Family members 24 Happening
34 Outlet 27 Headwear
Publisher
36 Lay out for profit 29 Administer Editor Advertising
38 Insignificant
National Seniors Australia 31 EnvironmentsLynda Schekoske
ABN 3989Artist’s
050 523 mixing
003 board 33 Heavenly body
ISSN 1835–5404 l.schekoske@nationalseniors.com.au advertising@nationalseniors.com.au
au 42 Arachnid 35 Oppressors
National
44 Quinsy Office 36 Maintain persistently
4518,
Level Sister
215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane Q 4000 Phone: 07 3233 9191 Fax: 07 3211 9339 Web: nationalseniors.com.au
37 Conceited
46 Acquire knowledge 38 Long narrow flag
National Seniors Australia [NSA] accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any material herein and recommends readers exercise their own skill and care with respect to the
47 Grey 40 Makes level
contents of the magazine. The magazine contains views and or recommendations which do not necessarily reflect the views of NSA or its commitment to a particular course of action. A reference
48 Piece
to a particular of armour
person, for
product, organisation41 Lightinshield
or service an advertisement or elsewhere in the magazine in no way implies any form of endorsement by NSA of that person, organisation, product or
thedisclaims
service. NSA throat to the extent permitted43byTwo-fold
law all liability for claims, losses, expenses, damages and costs the reader may incur as a result of, or associated with, the use of the information
contained herein for any
49 Delicate silkreason whatsoever.46
network The Meadow
publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising or editorial matter. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, reprinted or
otherwise duplicated without written permission of the publisher.
fabric
Puzzle solutions
Solution to No. 5496
Crossword P I S A T I N P U R S E Sudoku Jumble abator, aboard, abort, abroad,
4 1 7 8 2 3 6 9 5
L A N C E D M I D A S N adsorb, aorta, arbor, arras,
A U R O Y A L R E D D 8 5 2 7 6 9 1 4 3 bard, bastard, boar, board,
T I N D E R G P A R O L E
T D N E M E S I S W A 6 9 3 1 4 5 8 2 7 boast, boat, bora, brad, brat,
E R A S E E S I N N E R
R O T E P R O B A T E V
2 3 6 5 1 7 4 8 9 broad, dart, doab, dobra,
B E N D I E E R S E 5 8 1 9 3 4 7 6 2 drab, oast, rabato, radar,
I S I S T E R S V E N T rasbora, road, roar, roast,
I N V E S T E P E T T Y 9 7 4 6 8 2 3 5 1
rota, sabot, sabra, sard,
N A
S P I
P
D E
A L E T T E
R V A N
T
G I N
R
A
3 4 5 2 7 8 9 1 6 sarod, soar, soda, sora, stab,
I N U N L E A R N N N 1 2 8 3 9 6 5 7 4 star, STARBOARD, stoa,
S A S H E N G O R G E T
T U L L E A S P E N S S 7 6 9 4 5 1 2 3 8 tabard, tabor, taro, toad, tsar.
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234708 (Allianz). Policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply. We do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situations or needs. Before
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UP FRONT 50 Something
LETTERS
Letters
A sign of the times … Tracing family history experiences on to future generations...”
Recently I attended a memorial service
Towards the end of last year, I moved four I enjoyed your story about Charlotte Plains
for 95-year-old Enid. The eulogy given by
hours north to be nearer family. (50 Something Dec/Jan/Feb 19). My
her son was moving and illuminating. Enid
After almost 50 years in my home this grandfather John Murdoch McDonald was
was a woman ahead of her time. Born in
was an enormous task and all the exterior born there on 16 June 1885, his father
Lismore, she attended university, set up
signs of the big move were evident. Estate being Angus McDonald. I have been trying
libraries, worked in several capital cities
agents coming and going, rubbish on the to find information on Peter and Archibald
and in America. She divorced her husband
footpath for a council pick-up, and friends McDonald who are buried there, but (I’m)
in an era when such was extremely
and family members taking items away. not sure if they are related. My mother
difficult, almost unheard of, for a woman.
May Elizabeth Erin McDonald was born in
Our street used to have its own community Sadly, we often only learn of our friends’
Cunnamulla. Thanks for the wonderful article
with a mixture of nationalities, and it was full life during the eulogy.
which will now stay with our family history.
nothing unusual to see family members A life can only be understood within the
D. Jesser
walking up and down in their pyjamas or context of that era’s society. And we know
Stafford, QLD
perhaps clutching a basket of washing how much society has changed. So, I am
(“Mum, my machine is on the blink”) or now writing my own eulogy.
casseroles of some description. The street
Clean up labels
Y. Hurst
matriarch was ‘Nonna’, who lived opposite I’m sure I’m not the only person who
MacGregor, QLD
me and made the best pizzas, and when doesn’t wear my glasses in the shower!
So, why is it that manufacturers of body
kids were invited to partake she always
wash, shampoo and hair conditioner
Technology not easy for all
had words of wisdom to impart. Good on you, Micky Mullins, for refusing to
persist in putting the most important
Gates in fences connected houses and consumer information on their product accept that age is a barrier to participation
everyone took in each other’s bins if labels in print that is too small and/or too in the digital revolution (50 Something
someone wasn’t home come nightfall. pale for their glasses-wearing customers Dec/Jan/Feb 19). At the age of 97 he has
As the years rolled on, children grew up to read when using them... in the shower? surrounded himself with tech products that
and moved elsewhere, oldies went into care This issue doesn’t just affect those of us he clearly understands and enjoys.
and some passed away. Old comfy houses whose eyesight is declining with age, but But not all of us are so fortunate to have
were demolished to make way for boring every vision-impaired person, including the his keen interest in the tech world. We
‘McMansions’, in some cases two legally blind, who need labels in braille. read enough about viruses, malware,
to a block. It also extends to the miniscule font phishing, and the like, not to mention the
So, finally my big day arrived when the typically used for ingredients on the labels costs of a computer, a printer, printer ink,
enormous removalist truck rolled up my on all household and food products that an internet connection, software, and so
driveway. And when it was all done and are often difficult to read, even when using on, to make some of us think twice about
time to depart, I drove my car down my glasses, to check for potential allergens or embarking on the digital journey.
driveway for the last time feeling rather ingredients. And to begin that journey, the article tells
sad that not one single person in the Lynne Johnstone us all we must do is to log on, type in a
street had come to say goodbye. Shell Cove, NSW link and click on it. But is that really the
As I turned the corner in my car I didn’t first step? It may be for some people who
look back… but instead I thought of all Don’t forget to remember already have a connected computer, but
the love that awaited me. Ken Wright’s words (50 Something definitely not for all.
M. Stransky Dec/Jan/Feb 19) resonated with my Hans Broweleit
Nelson Bay, NSW experience: “It’s important to pass your Glenelg, SA
Write to us
Write one of next issue’s “Ok Google” – a simple voice request triggers
best letters to win a JBL your JBL Link 20 to play music, podcasts or
Link 20 voice-activated radio from services like Google Play Music,
portable speaker with Wi-Fi Spotify, Pandora and more.
and Bluetooth® that delivers
rich stereo sound. It has a Winner
built-in Google Assistant Margaret Stransky, of Nelson Bay, NSW, is the
always ready to help. You winner of a JBL Link 20 valued at $229.95.
can ask it questions and tell
it to do things. The more Email: 50something@nationalseniors.com.au
you use it, the more useful Post: 50 Something Letters, GPO Box 1450,
it becomes. Just start with Brisbane 4001
Letters must be restricted to 120 words and may be edited for clarity and brevity.
8 National Seniors Australia
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UP FRONT 50 Something
CEO UPDATE
CEO’s Update
As this edition of 50 Something goes to shockingly – aged care workers in Australia are
print, the Royal Commission into Aged Care not required to be trained in the disease or in
Quality and Safety is in its second week of caring for people with it.
hearings in Adelaide.
Based on your statements in our research last
Already, the Commission has heard from year, National Seniors called for mandatory
representatives of advocacy groups; aged dementia training for all aged care workers.
care providers; government departments and
This abuse will continue if there isn’t better
regulators; professional groups and unions; and
understanding of dementia.
family members of aged care residents.
We have the means to prevent this happening,
It opened, appropriately, with evidence from
and to make life much better for care recipients
the woman who blew the whistle on abuse
of dementia patients at Adelaide’s infamous – and caregivers. So, it’s high time to make this
Oakden nursing home. training compulsory.
Barbara Spriggs’ husband Bob died in 2016 after Training will lift the professionalism of the aged
Prof. John McCallum being mistreated and overmedicated at Oakden. care workforce by delivering the skills and
National Seniors CEO understanding necessary to provide quality care
She questioned why her concerns were
downplayed or ignored for so long. and improve the experiences of people in care
and their carers.
Did you know? National Seniors wasn’t alone in its calls
Dementia is the second
leading cause of death “ Dementia is the second
leading cause of death among
for mandatory dementia education for aged
care workers, with Dementia Australia CEO
”
among Australians, with Maree McCabe also telling the commission
more than 430,000 living
Australians it was a necessity.
with the various forms of “Aged care is complex, and this Royal
the illness. That figure is Commission is a once-in-a-generation
Mr Spriggs was reportedly given 10 times the
expected to rise to close opportunity to transform the industry to make a
amount of his prescribed medication and left
to 600,000 by 2028 and profound and lasting difference to the lives of all
with unexplained bruises while staying at the
1.1 million by 2058. people impacted by dementia, she said.
Oakden nursing home.
126,000 people are waiting Again, based on what you told us in our
I was a witness on day one of the hearings and
for home care packages. surveys, I also stressed the urgent need to
informed the Commission about the cases you
National Seniors is calling remove the 126,000 people waiting for home
had reported to us.
for an immediate injection care packages.
of government funding to We’ve been told about some dreadful examples
of older and frail aged care residents with Finally, I raised the issue of respect for older
eliminate this waiting list.
dementia being physically abused by care Australians, which is a feature later in this issue.
workers who clearly have no idea how to You can follow the Commission through our
respond to what they believe is ‘bad behaviour’. comments in the media and on our website
I stressed that dementia is the second leading nationalseniors.com.au/RoyalCommission.
cause of death among Australians and requires Our full submission to the Commission can be
specialist care. But surprisingly – or perhaps found at the same address. ■
Have your say
The Royal Commission comes on the It has announced 15 scheduled hearing with the commission. The first two forums
back of multiple enquiries, reviews and weeks between now and mid-December, have been announced for 1 March 2019
reports into aged care over the past 20 in all capital cities and a number of at Bankstown Sports Club and 5 March
regional locations. The location of each
years that have failed to ensure the care at Bendigo Town Hall.
hearing will be announced progressively
older Australians deserve. Full details about the commission
on the Royal Commission website during
It will deliver an interim report by 31 the year as arrangements are finalised. hearings and forums, and how to make
October this year, and a final report Community forums will be another way a submission, are available at https://
by 30 April 2020. that members of the public can engage agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au.
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ELECTION 2019
Election Special We have worked hard
and saved for our
Your guide to 2019 self-funded retirement,
only to see the goal
Seniors’ issues are front and centre in this federal election and older Australians will be
decisive in who wins government. As a senior, posts
what canmoved
you do tocontinually.
make a difference?
And how is your National Seniors putting you first? Here’s Chief Advocate Ian Henschke.
For older Australians this is an election
840,000
like few before it.
If you believe the government, the usual
frenzy of speculation about when we will
head to the polls no longer applies. Don’t
you worry about that! Well, not until mid
to late May, which is when the Prime
Minister has promised we can exercise
our democratic duties, after he brings
down the budget. Estimated number of self-funded retirees
Labor is pretty much saying “bring it
on” as Bill Shorten and Scott Morrison who would be affected by scrapping franking
have been engaging in a not-too-phoney
election campaign since Christmas. The
credit refunds
leaders continue to bump into each other
in marginal seats around the country while
announcing policies. negative gearing, the capital gains tax parties and, importantly, independents to
The joke goes, “Do you ever get the feeling discount, superannuation concessions, drop the policy.
the only reason we have elections is to find and discretionary trusts; and capping Unsurprisingly, the Coalition has ramped
out if the polls were right?” At the time of deductions for managing tax affairs. up its campaigning against Labor’s tax
writing, Labor is ahead in the polls and has Your opposition to the proposed franking reforms, so far preferring to oppose, raise
been for many months. But the Coalition is credits reform has been fiery and so, alarms and stand on its economic record
narrowing the gap. than put its own initiatives out there.
Whether over-confidence or a
“
demonstration of policy transparency, Your opposition to Marginals rule OK
Labor has been releasing policies well Many federal electorates are extremely
ahead of the election campaign. In few franking credits reform has marginal, requiring only a small swing
other recent elections have policy issues been fiery and so, too, your in votes to change hands. This puts
affecting seniors been announced so early significant opportunity, and potentially
and continued to fuel news headlines and
frustration about meddling power, in the hands of senior Australians
public debate.
The Coalition has joined in, if only to
with retirement planning.
” fighting for what they believe. You can
make a real difference.
stand opposed to what Labor wants. For too, your justifiable frustration directed at All candidates would be wise to know
starters there is aged care, retirement all parties for constantly meddling with that older Australians cannot be ignored
planning and financial services, including retirement planning: cutting income from and may well determine their future, given
superannuation, negative gearing, capital superannuation; the Age Pension; and almost half the voting population is aged
gains, franking credit refunds, the Age other investments. over 50.
Pension, health and energy policy. The rise of independents is a feature of
National Seniors, in partnership with
other advocacy groups, has told Labor contemporary Australian politics and this
Taxing matters to back off and to keep franking credit federal election even more candidates
Labor appears to be unafraid of scrutiny cash refunds if they win the election. will not be members of the major parties.
and has been promoting a radical tax- The pressure we applied when the policy How successful they will be is yet to be
raising policy platform that will significantly was first announced helped convince seen but polls, including the Wentworth
impact retirement income and financial Labor to exempt pensioners. There byelection win by independent Dr Kerryn
planning. Policy initiatives include ending is a long way to go before any Labor Phelps, points to independents having
cash refunds on share dividends for government will legislate the reform, and an even greater influence in federal
investors who don’t pay tax; reforms to National Seniors will continue to press all parliament.
12 National Seniors AustraliaMarch | April | May NEWS
ELECTION 2019
National Seniors is targeting candidates ourselves as we age closer to that phase Age Pension means test. Low-income
in marginal seats, including independents. of our lives. seniors need cost of living support
For some time, we have been proactively especially with energy affordability.
campaigning to influence the parties as The good fight Better housing comes by exempting up to
they develop and refine their policies. Later Better aged care is one of the priorities $250,000 of home sale proceeds from the
in this feature you can read about each you have told us you want us to fight for at Age Pension means test. Let’s have better
of our election policies and how you and this election. That and a suite of seniors’ government services and cut those long
your National Seniors branch can join the
priorities is outlined in this special feature. Centrelink waiting times.
campaigning at a local level.
These initiatives form the basis of Health costs can be cut with lower
The election and that our communications to candidates specialists’ fees and linking private
encouraging them to support us in insurance premium rises to CPI. National
royal commission parliament and get the job done to better Seniors acknowledges Labor’s pledge to
Aged care is a ground zero electoral issue support older Australians. They also reflect freeze premiums to 2%.
for all candidates: electors will judge the the priorities in our Budget Submission to
parties and candidates on what they are We are not just saying to candidates
the federal government. ‘here’s a bunch of problems, fix them’.
going to do to fix the mess. Across the
country we all have lived aged care system You have told us that pension poverty Read about the solutions on pages 14
experiences – as residents, consumers or needs fixing by taking the politics out of and 15.
friends and families. the Age Pension, ensuring better dental National Seniors is your election voice.
health care and helping older renters. So, please connect with us as we fight
Even before the Royal Commission into
Aged Care Quality and Safety began, the Better age care means increasing the for what you have told us you want.
failings and horrors, especially in residential number of home care packages and As American critic and commentator
care, highlighted the infringement of basic staffing in residential homes, and ensuring Alexander Woollcott observed: “I'm tired
human rights and responsibilities, putting mandatory dementia care training for staff. of hearing it said that democracy doesn't
profits before the standard of care we Retirement income means retaining work. Of course, it doesn't work. We are
expect for vulnerable people, including franking credit refunds and reducing the supposed to work it.” ■
nationalseniors.com.au 13NEWS 50 Something
ELECTION 2019
Our election priorities
We are fighting for policies that create a fairer and stronger retirement system
for all. These policy priorities have been sent to candidates around the nation.
They now know what we want of them and we will hold them to account.
Fix pension poverty Pension spending
Let’s take the politics out of setting the
Age Pension so the more than half a as a proportion OECD
million people who rely on it as their
of GPD: AUSTRALIA AVERAGE
sole source of income get a fair go.
The solution: Establish an Independent 4.3% 8.2%
Age Pension Tribunal
Pension vs Rental Costs
The tribunal would work out the pension
rate and any supplements based on need
and circumstance. Its decisions would
be accepted by the government without
debate in the same way monetary policy is Single Couple
set by the Reserve Bank.
1. Rental assistance for seniors.
Many older people have not been able Pension $453.15 $690.70
to buy their home and must seek shelter
through the private rental market.
The solution: Increase the maximum rate Max CRA* $67.90 $128.00
of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)
The CRA maximum rate should be lifted Pension
to a proportion of average housing costs + CRA* $521.05 $818.70
in specific localities and be set by the
Independent Age Pension Tribunal.
Weekly
2. Internet for disadvantaged senior.s rent (median) $373 $440
The increased cost of the NBN and lack of
digital literacy stop many older Australians
accessing services. Housing as
% of income 71.6% 53.7%
The solution: Provide a subsidy to
connect to the NBN
* Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Subsidised access to the NBN will ensure
older people are connected to essential from National Seniors members highlights 3. Ensure all aged care staff in direct-
services and information, family, friends concerns about residential care and the care roles have basic dementia training.
and the community. number, skills, dementia training and Trained and qualified staff would better
qualifications of care staff. manage dementia symptoms and help
3. Improve dental care.
The solutions ease the high incidence of conflict in
The cost of dental care has been
privatised, leaving behind older people 1. Double the number of Level 3 and 4 residential facilities.
on low incomes. home care packages.
Australians want to age in their homes.
Improve retirement
The solution: Expand the provision of
basic dental care for age pensioners Doubling the number of Level 3 and 4 incomes
home care packages would keep more Australians want a retirement system that
A universal dental health care scheme,
seniors from being forced into residential encourages self-reliance and doesn’t
based on the Child Dental Benefits
care, which is far more costly. punish them by changing rules or for
Scheme (CDBS), would provide
pensioners without private health cover. 2. Require aged care providers to saving for their retirement.
publish staff-to-resident ratios. Self-funded retirees, many of whom do
Aged care Providers should know the number of not have significant incomes, are tired of
The failings of the aged care system are staff, their skills and qualifications, relative being targeted as a source of revenue
top of mind for older Australians. The to the number of residents in their facility. by government. They face potential loss
number of people requiring home care This information should be published and of income at the stroke of pen if franking
packages is outstripping supply, resulting regularly updated so consumers are better credit refunds are withdrawn. Some will fall
in unacceptable waiting times. Feedback informed when choosing a home. back on the pension.
14 National Seniors AustraliaMarch | April | May NEWS
ELECTION 2019
Retirees should not be unfairly
penalised for saving for their retirement.
In 2017, around 90,000 older Australians
lost access to the pension through
Downsizing
changes to the asset test and taper
rate. The change in the taper rate from
$1.50 to $3.00 per $1,000 of assets
has undermined the value of saving for
1in5 older
Australians
who don’t want to downsize
retirement. Retirees close to the cut-off for would consider doing so if the
the pension are now paying a wealth tax
extra money did not affect
because their assets are not able to earn
as much as what they lose in pension. their pension.
This creates a disincentive to save enough
to be self-funded and encourages people
to spend to achieve the pension.
Pensioners should be able to boost
their income by downsizing without
jeopardising their pension.
Our research shows that many older
2015 – 16
50% 50%
people want to downsize their home, but
the impact on their pension, combined of men aged of women aged
with the cost of stamp duty and moving, 60–64 at 60–64 at
is a major barrier. Many would benefit from retirement had retirement had
downsizing because they live in housing
that is inappropriate for their needs and
difficult and expensive to maintain.
The solutions
less
than $110,000 less
than $36,000
1. Retain access to franking credits for
self-funded retirees.
in superannuation in superannuation
All self-funded retirees want is to be
treated fairly. We call on all political parties
and independent candidates to reject the
85%
proposal to strip self-funded retirees of
franking credit refunds. GP bulk
2. Reduce the asset test taper rate from billing rate
$79.95
$3.00 to $2.00.
Reducing the taper rate to $2.00 will make
it more attractive for people to save for
retirement. It also will remove the strong
incentive to spend money just to get the
VS
Age Pension and its benefits, reducing
30%
government spending in the long term.
Specialist bulk Average patient contribution
3. Exempt up to $250,000 of home
billing rate for a specialist attendance
sale proceeds from the Age Pension
means test.
(2017-18)
Encouraging downsizing will have multiple
$315
economic and social benefits. It will unlock
66%
large sums of wealth tied up in family
Rise in health *
premiums in the AMA listed fee
homes, increase retirement incomes,
boost the construction of new housing, past 10 years
free up older stock, and improve health
and wellbeing outcomes for older people.
Health costs
Spiralling out-of-pocket health care
VS VS
costs are the biggest concern of older
22% $150
Australians. Costs are rising far above * Medicare
inflation, fuelled by rising health insurance, Rise in CPI Benefits
private specialist services and a lack of Schedule Fee
transparency in the market. People on low
*Initial consultation with a specialist (2015)
nationalseniors.com.au 15NEWS 50 Something
ELECTION 2019
and fixed incomes are particularly hard hit.
2016–17 The solutions
Average household 1. Require all specialists to publish
energy bill
$1,636
fees on a public register, and all GPs to
make patients aware of choice when
referring to a specialist.
Comparing and understanding medical
22.3%
specialist fees for hospital and other
Supplement services is difficult for most consumers.
Supplement as $365 Greater choice in accessing specialists
would enable consumers to shop around
portion of bill for the most suitable service and help
drive costs down.
This can be done by publishing all
2025–26 specialists' fees and requiring GPs
to inform patients they have a choice
Average household of specialists' rather than just their
energy bill recommendation.
$3,090 2. Restrict health insurance premium
increases to no more than CPI.
This would put downward pressure on
the major driver of escalating out-of-
11.8% Supplement
nt
pocket health costs, stem the departure
of policy holders, and encourage insurers
Supplement as $365 to develop products that offer better value
for money and attract people back to the
portion of bill
private insurance market.
Energy costs
Energy prices have been increasing at
rates far above inflation over the past
10 years, hitting all consumers hard,
36.3 23
but especially those on low incomes.
Pensioners should be able to keep warm
in winter and cool in summer, without
having to sacrifice other essentials, such
as food, clothing and shelter.
The government has not done enough
million
to put downward pressure on prices
or upgrade existing compensation for
pensioners in the form of the Energy
Supplement.
minutes The solution
unanswered average waiting time for
the Older Australians line
1. Reinstate indexation of the Energy
Supplement.
calls to
Without indexation, the value of the
supplement will continue to diminish over
time. The federal government should
assist pensioners by indexing the Energy
Centrelink
Supplement in line with the energy
component of CPI. This will help low-
income households meet rising energy
cost and encourage governments to keep
energy prices stable.
42.5%
Centrelink waiting
times
Excessive wait times for essential
services such as Centrelink are
unacceptable and cause significant
People dissatisfied with the
2017–2018 Centrelink experience
problems for older Australians, who
need access to government services
other than going online.
16 National Seniors AustraliaMarch | April | May NEWS
ELECTION 2019
2%
Member
election
matters
Proportion of older Be the change you want
people estimated to to see.
have experienced
14%
It is an inspirational saying that may
be an oldie but nevertheless remains
financial elder abuse a goldie.
in a given year National Seniors is resourcing
members to play an active part in
(the incidence of neglect pushing for the changes we want in
this election.
is potentially higher)
Our plan is to make sure candidates
The solution Financial abuse can occur because older are left in no doubt about the
people do not have access to the tools to importance older Australians are
1. Cut Centrelink telephone waiting playing in the election, in making a
times and reduce Age Pension protect themselves.
better Australia, and in the success
processing times. The solution or otherwise of their own run for
Adequate funding is required to ensure 1. Expedite efforts to create nationally political office.
that Centrelink can service customers’ consistent Powers of Attorney legislation To keep you informed, we are building
needs in a timely manner. The government and a single national POA register. a special Federal Election webpage
must ensure call waiting and processing A lack of consistency between states and on our website (www.nationalseniors.
times for Centrelink meet community territories is undermining legal protections com.au/FederalElection2019) where
expectations. for older Australians. Powers of Attorney you will find our policies, resources
documents can be used to appoint a
Elder abuse trusted person to manage the financial
and news and information about
the election.
The most common form of abuse affairs of someone not able to do so on
experienced by older Autralians relates In the lead-up to the election we
their own. Creating nationally consistent
to their finances. It is often implicated in are distributing copies of our 2019
legislation with stronger protections
other forms of abuse, such as physical and election policies to MPs, candidates
against misuse and a national register will
emotional abuse and neglect. and the political parties. They will be
increase safeguards for seniors. ■
available on our election webpage,
which will be published in early
March, and a summary is included
in this feature.
Branches stepping up In addition, we encourage you to mail
National Seniors branches can play a big part in making sure the candidates personal letters explaining
political parties know what older Australians want. Here’s how. our policy initiatives. Those letters will
soon be available online.
National Seniors has developed a special local electorates. There is a postcard
National Seniors branches have a big
information pack that makes it easy for our for each National Seniors policy
role to play. We are supporting them
national network of branches to directly initiative, so you can send out the ones
to hold public meetings where local
lobby the parties and candidates. that are most important to you.
candidates can be questioned. More
The 2019 Branch Federal Election • A guide to holding an election information about this can be found in
Kit contains practical information and forum. Branches who have held a separate article in this feature.
advocacy materials. These resources, local electorate public meetings or Of course, we will keep you and other
some of which are designed for branches forums at previous elections say it Australians informed by talking to
to tailor and distribute directly to is a powerful way to help members news media, through social media,
candidates, will be on our website www. and the community hear directly and advertising. As always, Chief
nationalseniors.com.au/election2019. from, and question, local candidates. Advocate Ian Henschke will be
We will be in touch soon to see if you want This simple ‘how to’ guide provides dynamic in promoting our cause in a
a hard copy. practical information, including an variety of forums, including the media
event checklist, when and where to and branch-run public meetings.
What’s in the kit?
hold the forum, program of events and
• National Seniors election policies (also Ian will visit key marginal electorates
speakers, how to moderate the event,
summarised in this feature and the full and engage with our advocacy
and a draft statement for local media.
version will be posted on our website). partners such as the Benevolent
For more information, visit Society and the Alliance for a
• Election ‘postcards’ for mailing to key www.nationalseniors.com.au/ Fairer Retirement. ■
influential people and organisations in FederalElection2019.
nationalseniors.com.au 17NEWS 50 Something
AGED CARE
Aged care staffing issue
By Chief Advocate Ian Henschke Emotive language, I thought, sitting in the gallery watching on
They say a week is a long time in politics. It seems a week and a after I’d seen Annie Butler give her impassioned plea for ratios
half is a very long time in a Royal Commission. a week earlier.
National Seniors was at the Royal Commission into Aged Care In fact, the lawyer questioning Ms Butler asked her what was
Quality and Safety to give witness on day one, 18 February. wrong with the system and she replied: “There’s a gaping hole in
Our CEO and Research Director Professor John McCallum put the Aged Care Act and that is how you staff aged care.”
the case for better training for both home-care and residential She said it was clear current levels of staffing were “not sufficient
care workers. We called for mandatory dementia training. We also to ensure safe, quality aged care”.
wanted the long waiting list for home care fixed (see page 10). You must agree, otherwise why were we spending tens of
As I write, we are a week and a half into the Commission and the millions of dollars holding this inquiry. The QC then turned out a
issue of staffing of aged care and home care is front and centre. Shakespearean-style phrase I’ll remember to my final days.
During the first week, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery He asked if it were possible to come up with a staffing formula
Federation (ANMF) National Secretary Annie Butler prosecuted a and was told such a formula exists in the public hospital system.
powerful case for staffing ratios in aged care. She said the primary “So,” he said, pointedly looking around the court room, “then it is
reason for the lack of care was lack of staff. not beyond the wit of man to do this.”
At present the Aged Care Act (1997) only requires “appropriately Annie Butler produced a dazzling array of data that included
skilled and qualified staff sufficient to ensure that services are financial costings showing that to increase staffing and skills levels
delivered in accordance with these standards and the residential to what she said was “proper care” would cost $5.3 billion a year.
care philosophies and standards”.
And according to a study done by the Australian Industrial
Last December, the ANMF, Australian Medical Association, Royal Transformation Unit, this would be offset by savings created, in
Australian College of General Practitioners, and Australian and large part, by hospital avoidance, and having a more stable and
New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine all wrote a letter calling better trained workforce.
on the Prime Minister to legislate “minimum staffing ratios that will
enable the delivery of the holistic care plans needed to ensure safe The new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, Janet
and best practice care for all elderly Australians”. Anderson, gave evidence on Monday that revealed some of her
auditors and inspectors who assess nursing homes work part-
So, we must ask, if the nurses, GPs, specialist doctors, and the time for the Commonwealth and part-time for providers. She
geriatricians, who all follow a philosophy of do no harm, want
was questioned on this by Commissioner Richard Tracey who
ratios, why is the ‘industry’ and the bureaucracy consistently
sounded surprised at such an arrangement from a governance
resisting that call.
perspective.
It’s an intriguing puzzle, isn’t it? When the Secretary of the
Janet Anderson attempted to reassure him by saying: “We look
Department of Health, Glenys Beauchamp, was giving
very closely at management of conflict of interest.” She added
evidence she called staffing ratios “a blunt instrument”. Then
the auditors and inspectors were “obliged to adhere to a code of
surprisingly – or perhaps not – Pat Sparrow, the head of Aged
conduct”.
and Community Services Australia, a body representing a large
number of providers, echoed the same words: “Ratios are a blunt We also discovered most of the people doing the regulatory work
instrument”. are not nurses or doctors.
Perhaps one of the most worrying statistics was provided
by Pat Sparrow from ACSA. She said the number of
people with “more complex, high-care needs” in care
had more than quadrupled in the past 10 years from
12.7% in 2008/9 to 53% last year. At the same time
there has not been a corresponding increase in
hours of care provided.
What do you think?
Are staff ratios in residential aged care essential
to provide the quality and safety needed? Or are
they a blunt instrument?
Please take part in our online poll, which can
be found here: www.nationalseniors.com.au/
StaffRatios-Poll. The poll closes on 29 March. ■
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