Following the 2022 Victorian state election on 26 November 2022, the Victorian Labor Party and Premier Daniel Andrews were elected for a third term.
COTA Victoria had outlined, and campaigned on, our six priority issues for the 2022 state election as part of our ‘Make Victoria Age Friendly’ platform, which we developed in consultation with older people. Older people make up more than 20 per cent of Victorian voters – and this number is growing.
While none of our ‘asks’ were a part of the proposals by the incoming Government, their electoral promises included a number of commitments that impact older people, including:
- improved public transport
- another $250 power-saving bonus
- aged care facility upgrades
- and support for GPs and hospital upgrades.
The election also saw changes in cabinet. The new Minister most responsible for older Victorians is the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP, who is the new Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers. COTA Victoria has congratulated and offered a briefing to Minister Blandthorn and other relevant ministers, while we have congratulated and are in the process of meeting with the new Victorian Liberal leader, John Pesutto.
COTA Victoria is committed to working constructively with all representatives in the new Parliament to support older Victorians, while we are in the process of developing our submission for the upcoming 2023/24 Victorian state budget.
