Melbourne – Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) extend congratulations to Ben Carroll, the new Premier of Victoria, alongside new Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams. We also acknowledge and thank former premier Jacinta Allan for her leadership and service to the state.
As Victoria enters a new chapter, our state continues to face a defining demographic shift. By 2046, one in four Victorians will be over the age of 60. The decisions made by government today will determine whether Victoria is prepared for an ageing future or simply responds to challenges associated with shifting population age demographics as they emerge.
Earlier this year, our Preparing Victoria for an Ageing Future: COTA Victoria’s 2026 State Election Platform set out practical recommendations to help ensure Victoria remains a place where everyone can age with dignity, security, and opportunity. Our recommendations call for the government to making ageing a priority through a long-term strategy that truly addresses the challenges that older people face.
We look forward to working constructively with Premier Carroll and his government to advance priorities that matter to older Victorians, including such important topics as a whole-of-government strategy to prepare for an ageing population, more secure and affordable housing options for older people, improved access to health care and community-based supports, stronger protections against ageism and elder abuse, financial security and protection from cost-of-living pressures, and more.
COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria stand ready to work with Premier Carroll, ministers, and all members of Parliament in a spirit of partnership. We will continue to offer our services as a constructive, evidence-based advocate for older Victorians, working towards policies that improve quality of life, protect rights, and strengthen communities.
“We congratulate Premier Ben Carroll on his appointment and look forward to working with him to build a Victoria that is ready for the future,” said CEO, Ben Rogers. “As our population ages, we have an opportunity to lead the nation in creating communities where everyone can age well, with dignity, security, and connection.
“Premier Carroll today has an opportunity to be the voice for a growing cohort that can, and should, thrive.”
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Further information
Steve Wright
Membership and Communications Manager
Telephone: +61 3 9655 2159
Email: communications@cotavic.org.au
About us
COTA Victoria is the leading not-for-profit member organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. Celebrating 75 years of service in 2026, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.
Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals.
SRV is the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community. It is the only Community Legal Centre dedicated to preventing and responding to elder abuse within Victoria.
SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person.