With the federal election just two weeks away, one group of voters stands out as both significant and often underrepresented: Australians over 60.
Representing nearly a quarter of the population, older Australians are making it clear what they want from the next government — and their votes could well decide the outcome.
In the lead-up to the 2025-26 Federal Budget, National Seniors Australia (NSA) has released a comprehensive policy submission reflecting the top concerns of older Australians. These concerns cut across essential areas like housing, healthcare, banking, and the cost of living.
So, as the major parties campaign for your vote, what exactly are seniors asking for? And what have the political parties promised so far? Here’s what you need to know.
The Top Issues for Older Australians
🏡 Housing
- Older renters are among the most vulnerable, facing rising rents that eat into budgets for healthcare, food, and social connection.
- NSA calls for:
- A 50% increase in rent assistance for singles and 40% for couples.
- Indexing rent assistance to actual rental cost inflation (not just CPI).
- Incentives for investing in affordable housing for seniors.
- Removing pension disincentives for renting out spare rooms.
- Exempting sale proceeds from the Age Pension asset test for downsizers.
[ALSO READ: ‘I Love My Home’: Why over 55’s are reluctant downsizers ]
🏥 Healthcare and Dental
- Bulk billing rates have dropped, and out-of-pocket GP fees are rising.
- NSA recommends:
- A 40% increase in the Medicare rebate for GP consultations over 20 minutes.
- A full review of the private health insurance system.
- Boosting the Private Health Insurance Rebate for low-income seniors.
- Introducing a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme to ensure affordable dental care.
🏦 Banking Access
- Regional bank closures are isolating seniors who rely on face-to-face services.
- NSA supports:
- Enabling Australia Post to become a licensed bank, especially for rural areas.
- Funding this through a proposed bank levy.
[ RELATED POST: Over 60’s ‘Mortgage Stress’? An Equity Release Loan Can Help ]
What Are the Parties Promising Seniors This Election?
| Policy Area | Labor | Coalition | Greens |
| Rent Assistance | 45% increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance | Support for rent assistance increases but no indexing to rent inflation. | 50% increase in rent assistance, indexed to rental costs. |
| Medicare Rebates | $8.5 billion investment in Medicare with goal of 90% GP visits free by 2030 | $9 billion Medicare investment for general practices and bulk billing | Expand Medicare to include free dental and mental health care |
| Private Health Reform | Review of the private health system under consideration. | Maintain current private health insurance structure. | Push for public dental care and full health system review. |
| Seniors Dental Scheme | Exploring options for seniors’ dental coverage. | No clear promise on dental reform. | Fully support Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme. |
| Banking Services | No formal banking reform policy yet. | No formal banking reform policy yet. | Support for Australia Post bank proposal funded by bank levy. |
(Note: This table is based on party statements and announcements up to April 2025. Policy details may change closer to election day.)
Why This Election Matters for Over-60s
The cost-of-living crisis continues to hit older Australians hard, especially those relying on fixed incomes. Whether it’s rent, healthcare, or banking access, the decisions made by the next government will shape the well-being of retirees and pre-retirees for years to come.
NSA CEO Chris Grice puts it simply: “Our well-researched and innovative policies seek to improve current cost of living and longer-term issues such as pensioner concessions, Medicare rebates, dental care, renting and housing, and financial services.”
This election is your chance to ensure your voice is heard. Review the policies. Ask your local candidates where they stand on these critical issues. And when you cast your vote, make it count for your future.
✅ Share This With Your Family and Friends
Help spread the word about what matters to older Australians this election. Share this post and encourage the people you love to understand what’s at stake.
Disclaimer
The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Seniors First or its employees. While we have made an effort to source information from public statements and available reports, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current validity of the policies mentioned. Readers are encouraged to verify details directly with the official platforms of the respective political parties and consult trusted news sources. Seniors First does not endorse any political party or candidate.
No.longer is it “just as expensive for two to live as one” we aged pensioners have $200 per fortnight each deducted from our pensions thats $400 per fortnight penalty for bieng married, leaving us $450 per week to live on just because we live in our marital home after 43 years of marriage, we have to separate to get those moneys back.
In this age of high cost of living please give us back.the $200 each or at least reduce the penalty for being married.