Policy & Advocacy

Our PrinciplesOur Principles

COTA Queensland adheres to five primary policy principles supports policies and programs that encourage and facilitate the inclusion of people as we age in all aspects of life.
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Our ProcessOur Process

We use a range of sources to inform our positions, statements and submissions. They include the things people have told us during our ongoing consultations, surveys, and in feedback on our programs. We also draw on research evidence, and policy and practice developments around Australia and the world to help us stay on top of the latest ideas.
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Our WorkOur Work

We facilitate social change by providing leadership and expert advice on issues for Queenslanders as they age. We work with older people, community organisations, service providers, peak agencies, researchers, Government at all levels, and the COTAs around Australia to inform, advocate, and influence.  
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Ageism & Intergenerational RelationshipsAgeism & Intergenerational Relationships

Ageism is a significant factor in policies and services that do not meet the needs of - and can actively disadvantage - older people. It is pervasive and widely accepted and can be seen across all aspects of life including in policy. It is also a growing problem. Community cohesion and intergenerational…
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Age-friendly CommunitiesAge-friendly Communities

Age-friendly communities design and adapt their environment, policies, and services for residents of all ages and different capacities so that they are able to live the lives they value. In an age-friendly community, older people are valued, respected, and actively engaged.
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Cost of LivingCost of Living

The rising cost of living is a continuing challenge faced by a large number of older Queenslanders. We work across a broad range of cost of living issues, including concessions, essential services, and housing affordability. While there is a number of issues of concern relating to cost of living for…
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Disaster PreparednessDisaster Preparedness

We have been active in our efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and other emergencies including COVID-19 on older Queenslanders. We work closely with the Australian Red Cross, Volunteering Queensland, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the Office of the Inspector-General Emergency Management Queensland, Queensland and Federal Health departments,…
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EnergyEnergy

We have long been concerned that vulnerable seniors will continue to experience 'fuel poverty' as energy prices rise faster than the rate of inflation, and we are aware that some can feel ongoing pressure to ration their energy usage to the detriment of their health and wellbeing. Many older Queenslanders do…
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Health & WellbeingHealth & Wellbeing

Access to affordable and quality health care is consistently identified as a priority issue for older Queenslanders. This includes access to primary health care, hospital-based services, medications, information, and activities that help people age well as well as linkages with aged care and other support services. COTA Queensland's vision is for…
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HousingHousing

The appropriateness and affordability of housing need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. As outright home ownership decreases and the shortage of affordable rentals worsens, age can be a significant factor in intensifying housing stress. Nationally, older people are a growing group presenting for specialist housing assistance and there is also a growing number of…
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State Budget PrioritiesState Budget Priorities

In light of the recent flood events and the evolving climate of the pandemic, key learnings to date have shown that there have been positive developments at state and federal levels. The recent Federal Budget announcements around cost of living and Federal Government reaffirmation around its commitment and investment to…
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Social Isolation & LonelinessSocial Isolation & Loneliness

Loneliness is recognised as a growing international problem, affecting people of all ages. It has implications for health, wellbeing and quality of life. While social isolation and loneliness are different things, they can be related, and both can have serious impacts on people and their communities. We have encouraged the Queensland…
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TransportTransport

Affordable and accessible transport is a significant underlying factor in access to health services, social and community opportunities and paid and unpaid work and the ability to age in place, use outdoor spaces, and participate in community life. Without appropriate transport services, people are unable to access many of the services…
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Your Voice MattersYour Voice Matters

COTA Queensland’s Your Voice Matters community conversations help to provide insight into the issues that are significant to older Queenslanders and ways forward for action in their communities.  
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WorkWork

Ageism and age discrimination are particularly significant in the area of employment, despite human rights and anti-discrimination legislation being in force. We need to ensure people are able to work for as long as they need and want to. This is not only an issue of the human rights of Queenslanders. According to the Australian…
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