Calls for more support for older Australians ahead of federal budget

Two peak bodies for older Australians are calling on the Victorian government to fund programs for the ageing population as the federal budget looms closer.

The Council on the Ageing Victoria (COTAVIC) and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) have welcomed the recent announcement of an extra $31.2m to support public residential aged care in providing high-quality care.

However, the peak bodies' chief, Ben Rogers, said more needs to be done to provide support.

"This budget marks a key moment in time, with a focus on our fiscal future," Mr Rogers said.

"From here, we need to kickstart our thinking when it comes to outcomes and strategies for older Victorians."

Older Victorians represent 22 per cent of the total population.

That number is expected to increase by around 60 per cent to more than 2.3 million people, with the recent Intergenerational Report predicting that the older population will triple.

Almost 456,000 Australians accessed an aged care service last year, with 26 per cent from Victoria.

COTAVIC and SRV have asked the state government to consider investing in the growing population, with their submission targeting five key areas that will benefit older Victorians.

The areas include an informed plan for older Victorians, an expansion of COTAVIC and SRV's integrated response to elder abuse, the improvement of the health and well-being of older Victorians, a response to housing and cost of living issues for older Victorians, and increased opportunities for economic participation.

"Overall, this budget leaves many crucial needs of older Victorians largely unaddressed, though we welcome it has provided maintenance with no major cuts to key areas and services that impact older Victorians in this fiscally constrained environment," Mr Rogers said,

"However, the Victorian Government needs to ensure that the investments it has made deliver for older Victorians, including supporting elder abuse services within its family violence response."

Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver the budget on Tuesday.

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