Our policy principles

COTA Victoria is dedicated to fostering a society where ageing is celebrated, and older Victorians are empowered to lead safe, independent, and fulfilling lives. As a Victorian peak body, we focus primarily on policy development at a state level as well as contributing to national policy processes that affect older Victorians.  

In practice, we are guided by consultation with our members, current events, and concerns raised by older people across the state. By engaging with stakeholders and advocating for systemic improvements, we aim to build a future where every older Victorian can thrive.  

Victoria is facing a range of pressures – with older people bearing the cost

While ageing is meant to be a time of opportunities, Victoria is failing to adequately support its growing ageing population, with ramifications for many individuals, families, and the state. 

Victoria, like the rest of the country, is currently facing a range of economic and fiscal challenges: 

• Higher inflation, increased interest rates day-to-day expenses, and rising energy prices have led to increased costs of living. 
• A shortage of homes is driving rising rental costs and housing insecurity. 
• An ever-growing demand for access to healthcare continues to impact health services. 

Our concern is that these factors are increasingly impacting older Victorians, who are becoming more vulnerable to the rise in the cost of living, are now more likely to rent, and are more likely to use the public health system. This is particularly concerning as Victoria’s population continues to age. With ageing, there is also a risk of elder abuse – we have seen a sharp and concerning increase in demand for support and services from SRV over the last 12 months. 

In this environment, we must ensure that older Victorians human rights are furthered, that those doing it tough are not further disadvantaged by hard choices that governments may need to make, and that Victoria remains a great place to age well. 

Our guiding principles

While our policy priorities fluctuate in line with changing community needs, our work is underpinned by a stable set of principles, as follows: 

1. Positive ageing: We recognise and value ageing as a positive stage of life, and support older Victorians in being active participants in community, social, and economic life; enriching their lives and society. 
2. Equitable access: We advocate for all older people to have fair, timely and affordable access to quality healthcare, secure housing, and essential services, ensuring their well-being and dignity. 
3. Prevention of, and response to, ageism and elder abuse: We are committed to the prevention and timely, accessible and supportive responses to age discrimination and elder abuse through strong policy protections and services. 
4. Inclusive decision-making: We advocate for policy changes that promote respect and increase the agency of older Victorians, ensuring their voices are represented in decisions that affect their lives and communities. 
5. Diversity and respect: We strive to ensure equal opportunities are provided for those of different genders, sexualities, abilities and cultural backgrounds through partnerships and collaborations that celebrate, and advocate for, diverse communities. 
6. Prioritise high-impact areas: We will focus our efforts on initiatives that offer the greatest impact and broadest coverage, ensuring our resources are directed toward the most effective and meaningful outcomes. 

Through these principles, COTA Victoria seeks to drive policy changes that reflect the needs and aspirations of all older Victorians.

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How to get in contact

If you have questions relating to COTA Victoria’s policy and advocacy work, or have an interest in supporting us as a partner agency, volunteer peer advisor, or lived experience advocate, please reach out to us via email or sign up via our volunteer membership page.